Cincinnati will be hosting the MLB All-Star Game for the fifth time Tuesday night, and it will be the first time in Great American Ball Park.

The city also hosted All-Star Games in 1938 and 1953 at Crosley Field and 1970 and 1988 at Riverfront Stadium.

Even though I had turned six years old only a few days earlier, I vividly remember attending the game in 1970 in brand new Riverfront Stadium.

My dad and I sat behind home plate in the lower level red seats, and I remember him pointing out President Richard Nixon, who was sitting a few levels right below us. Nixon had thrown out the ceremonial first pitch.

And the president was still in his seat when Cincinnati’s own Pete Rose won the game in the 12th inning by barreling over Cleveland catcher Ray Fosse at home plate.

Champaign County native Harvey Haddix of the St. Louis Cardinals was chosen as a pitcher for the 1953 All-Star Game but did not appear in the game.

Robin Roberts started the game for the National League at a time when great pride was at stake for each league.

I remember Haddix telling me that NL President Warren Giles gave a rousing pre-game speech imploring his squad to beat the rival American Leaguers.

––––

Trivia Time – Pete Rose became player/manager of the Cincinnati Reds in August of 1984.

This week’s question – Who earned the win for the National League in the 1953 All-Star Game?