Steinbach, Johnson and a bummed cat highlight All-Star game memories

In honor of baseball’s All-Star game tonight, July 14, I offer up my favorite personal highlights from games past. They are not the greatest moments, but things I’ll always remember:

1988: As an Oakland A's fan, I loved watching MVP Terry Steinbach homer in his first All-Star at-bat, leading the AL to a 2-1 win at Riverfront Stadium. But also as an Oakland fan, I wish the catcher had hit a few more two years later in Cincinnati's World Series sweep. I think I skipped school that week.

1993: Phillies slugger John Kruk vs. Mariners ace Randy Johnson. Kruk flailing wildly at Johnson's fastballs is what the All-Star game should be: A chance for the players to have some fun and not worry about winning home-field advantage for the World Series.

1997: Rockies outfielder Larry Walker vs. Randy Johnson. Walker, after a Johnson fastball sailed over his head, turned his helmet backward and hit right-handed. I'd love to see that happen in a regular-season game.

2002: Minnesota outfielder Torii Hunter's perfectly timed leap in center field to rob Giants slugger Barry Bonds of a home run in the first inning. Bonds, showing his fun side for once, playfully lifted Hunter up and onto his shoulder between innings.

Year unknown: A friend and co-worker calling to say he wasn't going to make the All-Star game party because his cat was depressed. He instead made a trip to the vet to put his cat on anti-depressants. He still hasn't quite lived that one down.

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