This time it counts. That’s the slogan Major League Baseball uses to promote its All-Star Game. The league hoped to drum up interest in its midsummer classic by giving the winner home field advantage in the World Series.
Major League Lacrosse is taking “this time it counts” in an All-Star Game to a new level. Baseball’s midsummer classic has come under a lot of scrutiny. The game can feel very manufactured—a game which counts for something is also a friendly game at the same time with managers trying to substitute as many players as possible. They still try and play as many people as possible while holding some for potential extra innings.
Major League Lacrosse’s All-Star Game on Thursday will be unique. Here’s the great part… none of it is manufactured. Team USA will take on the MLL All-Stars at 7:30 pm in Harvard Stadium televised nationally on CBS Sports Network.
Is it a true All-Star Game? No. Many of the best players in Major League Lacrosse are on the U.S. National Team, so in some ways, this MLL team is the best of the rest. However, there is such a small difference in talent between the game’s elite that “the rest” is a pretty darn impressive cast of players.
Bayhawks coach Dave Cottle has admitted that the MLL roster isn’t necessarily the All-Stars from the first half of the season. The league is trying to put together the best team to hopefully beat the U.S. and ultimately, help prepare the United States for the upcoming World Lacrosse Championships. That’s why someone like Joe Walters who played one game before being named an All-Star, was selected. Because of his NLL season, he wasn’t an All-Star on paper, but he was determined to be one of the best players in lacrosse and would help the league field the best team possible.
Because of this, someone like Will Manny of Boston (fifth in the league in scoring) didn’t make the MLL roster and it’s a shame because he is an All-Star. But that’s not the point I’m trying to make. This is a unique year and isn’t your typical All-Star Game, so I respect the league’s thought process in selecting the team.
Fans should want to watch (or attend) Thursday’s game. There are many storylines. Team USA hopefuls who didn’t make the cut will have something to prove. How sweet will it be for Boston Cannons goalie Jordan Burke if he enjoys a strong performance, especially in his home stadium? I’m sure he wants to prove he deserved to be among the three remaining goaltenders.
The current U.S. roster will want to prove why they made the cut. In addition, the MLL All-Stars include some Canadians who will play for Canada during the World Championships, so that rivalry between countries will be on full display.
Thursday’s game is an opportunity for the U.S. to continue working on its systems that are being put in place at training camp this week. It will also be helpful for the United State coaches to see their players in a competitive game setting to evaluate which 23 players (plus two alternates) to take to Denver. Unfortunately, eight U.S. hopefuls will receive bad news between Thursday’s All-Star Game and the World Championships. It’s one final opportunity for the 31 players to make their case to represent their country at the sport’s biggest stage.
Everyone will have something to play for on Thursday night and that’s what usually lacks from an All-Star Game.
Lacrosse has taken baseball’s “this time it counts” to a new level. Don’t miss it. Thursday at 7:30 pm on CBS Sports Network.
