St. Louis Sports Online

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Mike Huss "The Fuss According to Huss" St. Louis Sports Online lead columnist and host of "Sportstalk" on WGNU AM-920 (8:00-9:00 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays)

Major League Baseball has the best "All Star" game of the four major professional sports. There is no doubt about it. The game symbolizes the unofficial half way mark of the season while providing an enjoyable break from the day to day ritual of the sport.

1999's summer get together will be in Boston at historic Fenway Park. It should be a grand gathering when the Who's Who of Baseball gather in Bean Town with the likes of Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, Peter Gammons and Ted Kennedy. (Hopefully the Senior Senator from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts won't be asked to introduced the players. His stirring "Sammy Sooser"/"Mike McGwire" comments are legendary).

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As in the past, this mid summer's classic is not without controversy. Tony Gwynn was elected to his starting outfield position while he was on the disabled list. Nomar Garciaparra will start at Short Stop for the American League, thanks in large part to the Red Sox fans being more computer savvy than their counterparts in New York.

Although no one asked me, it might be fun to suggest a few changes for the mid summer classic format. Since I am not a member of the Baseball Writers Association of America, I realize that probably none of these suggestions will occur. But since this is my column, allow me to spout out as many silly suggestions as my heart desires.

Let's start at the top. The name of this game needs to be changed. Rather than the title of "Major League Baseball's All Star Game", let's rename it "The People's Choice Baseball Game". Major League Fans pick and choose the players they want to see participate. These choices may or may not be the best at their respective positions for the season.

Since it's the fans make the choices, let's give them what they want.

But please, do not call this an All Star Team. That label should be bestowed at the end of the season. For example, in my opinion, (and realizing that I may now have to change my St. Louis phone number ) Mark Mc Gwire should not start for the NL this season. That honor should go to Jeff Bagwell or perhaps Sean Casey. Yet, Major League fans selected Big Mac to attack the Green Monster as the National League's starting First Baseman. If that's who the fans want, so be it. Please though, title the game correctly.

Secondly, all players selected to the team must appear at the game. Yes, that includes you, Mr. Gonzalez, in Texas and you, Mr. Belle, in Baltimore. The proceeds of this get together go entirely to the Major League Players Pension Fund. Aside from slapping the fans in the face, these individualists are turning their backs on an avenue which will pay them and their families more than a few dollars in their golden years.

Unfortunately, this issue needs to be addressed by Donald Fehr, the Real Commissioner of Baseball, and by some of the veteran members of the Association. Don't count on it though, as it was not agreed to in the last collective bargaining contract.

Thirdly, if the Designated Hitter ever had a purpose on this earth, it would be in this mid summer All Star/People's Choice game. When these games are played in National League Stadiums, Major League Baseball brings absurdity to a new level. If you accept the argument that the "Best" Pitchers in the National League are members of this All Star/People's Choice team, why would you want them to pitch to American League pitchers? (some who may not have picked up a bat competitively since Little League.)

Allowing the D H in this game does provide a vehicle for more players to participate for the fans in more traditional surroundings. Let's face it, as a fan, wouldn't you prefer to see Jose Canseco bat against Randy Johnson than Pedro Martinez attempt to hit against the Big Unit??

Finally, why should the All Star/People's Choice team roster have to consist of a maximum of twenty-five players? It is true that Bagwell, Casey, Kent Bottenfield ,Luis Gonzalez and others deserve to be recognized as members of this team. Yet, if fans select popular future Hall of Famers such as Cal Ripken, Jr., Gwynn and Mc Gwire, the previously mentioned players may be the casualties of a numbers game.

So why not have the best of both worlds?

Simply allow the National and American League Presidents the option to make three "Special Selections" per team. These selections will be over and above the choices made by the fans. The faithful should have the opportunity to see and acknowledge future Hall of Famers such as Rickey Henderson, Roger Clemens and others in this game. The fans also should have the opportunity to see and acknowledge the present day heroes whose accomplishments during the current season warrants their roster spots.

If the rosters are expanded to twenty-eight or twenty-nine players, what real harm is caused. Besides this is the fans' game.

Pardon me while I step down from my soap box.

I really don't expect any of these suggestions to materialize. As you know, Baseball is conveniently traditional.

But who knows, I can dream. Perhaps a Big Shot from 245 Park Avenue in New York City will cyber-surf into this website and read these paragraphs. Perhaps I will be asked to speak on these proposals. You know, rub elbows with the power brokers.

I can hear Senator Kennedy now.

"Let's welcome to the podium, Mark Hoos".

See, this game really is for the fans.