The MLB All-Star Weekend was once the crown jewel of baseball’s midsummer festivities—a showcase of the sport’s brightest stars, a celebration of its history, and a moment for fans to revel in the game’s pure joy. But in recent years, the event has lost its luster. Viewership is slipping, the spectacle feels less special, and the magic that once defined the All-Star Weekend is fading. Yet, amidst this decline, one element continues to shine: the T-Mobile Home Run Derby. It’s the saving grace of the weekend, and if MLB wants to recapture the event’s former glory, it’s time to bring back a beloved tradition—players wearing their own team jerseys.
The Decline of the All-Star Weekend
Let’s face it: the MLB All-Star Weekend isn’t what it used to be. The 2024 All-Star Game drew 7.44 million viewers, a 6% bump from the record-low 7 million in 2023, but still the second-lowest viewership in the event’s history. Compare that to the 1990s, when the All-Star Game routinely pulled in 15-20 million viewers, and the drop-off is stark. The game itself, while still competitive, often feels like an exhibition that lacks the intensity of regular-season play. Many star players opt out, citing rest or injury concerns, leaving rosters filled with less familiar names. The Futures Game and Celebrity Softball Game, while fun, don’t carry the same weight they once did, often overshadowed by other sports and entertainment options.
The Home Run Derby itself isn’t immune to criticism either. Its 2024 viewership fell 11% to 5.45 million, down from 6.11 million in 2023 and 6.88 million in 2022. Some fans found the reformatted 2024 Derby underwhelming, with complaints about pacing and a lack of marquee names. Yet, despite these issues, the Derby remains the heartbeat of the weekend—a thrilling display of raw power that still captures the imagination of fans.
The Home Run Derby: The Weekend’s Redeeming Factor
There’s something primal and exhilarating about the Home Run Derby. It’s baseball distilled to its essence: a slugger, a bat, and a ball, with the goal of launching it into the stratosphere. In 2024, Teoscar Hernández of the Los Angeles Dodgers edged out Bobby Witt Jr. to become the first Dodger to win the event, delivering a memorable moment that had fans buzzing. The Derby’s appeal lies in its simplicity and spectacle—whether it’s a local hero like Adolis García smashing homers in his home park or a rising star like Cal Raleigh, who’s eyeing a 2025 appearance, the event delivers drama and excitement.
The Derby also offers a unique narrative. In 2025, for instance, Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, tied with Shohei Ohtani for the MLB lead with 23 homers as of early June, could make history as the first catcher to compete. His potential participation at Truist Park in Atlanta, just 150 miles from his North Carolina hometown, adds a personal storyline that resonates with fans. These moments—players chasing history, defying odds, or returning home—give the Derby an emotional hook that the All-Star Game often lacks.
Even with its flaws, the Derby is a showcase of star power and personality. It’s the one event where fans can see players let loose, swing for the fences, and revel in the moment. MLB could lean into this by ensuring more top-tier sluggers participate, addressing pacing issues, and promoting compelling stories like Raleigh’s or Hernández’s. The Derby’s format, with its timed rounds and bonus points, keeps things fresh, but it’s the raw display of athleticism that keeps fans coming back.
Bring Back the Team Jerseys
One major misstep in recent years has been the decision to ditch team jerseys for generic American League and National League uniforms during the All-Star Game. From 2021 to 2024, MLB outfitted All-Stars in specially designed league uniforms, a move that drew widespread criticism from fans and traditionalists. These generic jerseys stripped away the individuality and team pride that made the All-Star Game special. Seeing players like Shohei Ohtani in a Dodgers uniform or Aaron Judge in Yankees pinstripes connects fans to their favorite teams and players in a way that bland, league-branded jerseys never could.
Thankfully, MLB has listened. Starting in 2025, players will return to wearing their primary home and road uniforms for the All-Star Game, with Home Run Derby participants also donning their team jerseys. This change, announced in September 2024, is a step in the right direction. Team jerseys bring back the visual diversity and fan connection that the All-Star Game desperately needs. Imagine the 2025 Derby at Truist Park, with Cal Raleigh in his Mariners teal, Shohei Ohtani in Dodgers blue, and other stars repping their squads—it’s a visual feast that screams baseball.
The return of team jerseys also taps into the sport’s rich history. Fans associate iconic All-Star moments with players in their team’s colors—think Ken Griffey Jr. in a Reds cap or Derek Jeter in Yankees navy. Reinstating this tradition will make the 2025 All-Star Weekend, set for July 11-15 in Atlanta, feel like a true celebration of baseball’s past and present.
How to Revive the All-Star Weekend
To fully restore the All-Star Weekend’s glory, MLB should build on the Home Run Derby’s strengths and the return of team jerseys. Here are a few suggestions:
- Incentivize Star Participation: Offer bonuses or charity donations to encourage top sluggers to join the Derby and All-Star Game. Fans want to see Ohtani, Judge, and other superstars, not just role players.
- Streamline the Derby Format: Address pacing issues to keep the energy high. The 2024 format changes were a step forward, but refining the timing and ensuring competitive fields will keep viewers engaged.
- Embrace Storytelling: Promote personal narratives, like Raleigh’s homecoming or a young star’s first Derby, to add emotional depth.
- Enhance Fan Engagement: Expand events like the Capital One All-Star Village, set for July 12-15, 2025, in Atlanta, to include more interactive experiences, autograph sessions, and kid-friendly activities.
The MLB All-Star Weekend is at a crossroads. Its declining viewership and diluted star power signal a need for change, but the Home Run Derby remains a beacon of hope—a thrilling, fan-friendly event that captures the sport’s essence. By bringing back team jerseys, MLB is taking a crucial step to restore the weekend’s charm. The 2025 All-Star Weekend in Atlanta, with its potential for moments like Cal Raleigh’s Derby debut, offers a chance to reignite the magic. Let’s celebrate the Derby’s raw power, embrace the return of team pride, and push MLB to make the All-Star Weekend a must-watch event once again.
Sources: 2024 All-Star Game and Home Run Derby viewership data: Yahoo Sports
Cal Raleigh’s potential 2025 Home Run Derby participation: MLB.com
Return of team jerseys for 2025 All-Star Game: NBC Los Angeles, The Press Democrat, USA Today, MLB.com
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