Josh Hamilton Displays True Meaning of All Star Game

Josh Hamilton didn't win the Home Run Derby, but that hardly mattered last night. Hamilton stepped up to the batter's box in Yankee Stadium and showed why the Home Run Derby has become more important than the All Star Game. Hamilton set a first round record with 28 home runs, demolishing his competition. He took his time, frequently breaking, while All Star teammates ran up to home plate. The crowd chanted his name, and when his round was over, it did not matter what happened next - the show was stolen. And this is what the All Star Game should be about - players are put under the national spotlight and given the opportunity to win over a larger fanbase. Much has been made of the "great story" that Hamilton is, and Peter Gammons wrote a great blog today about that. Hamilton is a great story, but what was most important about last night's performance is that he took the moment seriously. The All Star Game has been reduced to a boring exhibition in recent years, but Hamilton talked beforehand about his dream of participating in the Home Run Derby. He then proceeded to relish every moment of it. He displayed just what this exhibition is supposed to be about - a celebration of the fans who make these players the icons they are.