Los Angeles Dodgers Named Hosts of the 2020 All-Star Game

For the first time since 1980, the Dodgers will host the All-Star Game in 2020. Here’s everything you need to know about MLB’s All-Star Week.

In baseball, there are two events that teams hope to host the most; the All-Star Game, and the World Series. The Dodgers have already hosted a World Series within the past year and in two, they’ll host Major League Baseball’s All-Star Week.

The entirety of baseball is set to descend upon Downtown Los Angeles, and this writer couldn’t be happier.

Last year, a year in which 6 Dodgers were voted National League All-Stars, this year could be a similar story.

2020, however, could be an even greater story.

Here is everything we learned at the press conference put on by the Dodgers and Major League Baseball at the stadium on Wednesday.

1.) Who was there?

Who wasn’t there, is probably a better question. Of course, Commissioner Rob Manfred was there, to make the official announcement on behalf of Major League Baseball. Current Dodgers Kenley Jansen and Justin Turner were there, as well as manager Dave Roberts and Dodgers president Stan Kasten, and LA city council member Gil Cedillo.

The list of people donning the new 2020 All-Star Game hats didn’t stop there. Sitting in front of the stage, on the outfield grass, were some of the most legendary Dodgers. Such legends included 4x All-Star Don Newcombe, 7x All-Star Reggie Smith, 3x All-Star Bill Russel, along with 1973 All-Star team electee Manny Mota, and 6x All-Star and 1981 World Series Co-MVP Ron Cey.

Tommy Lasorda, one of the greatest managers to ever wear the uniform was in attendance, as well as Dodgers announcer for the teams’ Spanish broadcasts, Jaime Jarin.

2. News from Dodgers President Stan Kasten.

Dodger Stadium, as beautiful and glorious as it is, will be making some renovations. Kasten didn’t say what specifically would be upgraded but did say that, in a year, a “more detailed plan” would be announced.

Kenley Jansen, who took the stage near the end of the press conference said, “Stan, we’ll have an awesome bullpen in 2020.”

Jansen, in all likelihood, will be pitching out of that bullpen wearing a National League uniform come July of 2020.

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The upgrades that have been made to the stadium since the team last hosted the game in 1980 are, well, monumental. The big screens are different, the seats have been painted, and numbers can no longer be seen on the outfield fence.

The All-Star Game has a history of being hosted at some of baseballs newer ballparks, and also stands as reasoning to upgrade some of its older ones.

Dodger Stadium, however it may look in 2020, will most definitely be filled to capacity. The Dodgers have been one of the leaders in attendance for years, and Dodger Stadium is one of the most heavily attended sports venues in the world.

3. Why was LA chosen?

I’m biased. I love LA, its where I grew up. If you ask me what is great about Los Angeles, I’ll respond with “how much time do you have?” because the glory of this city cannot be summed up in a few sentences.

Rumors and hope for the All-Star game returning to LA began in 2012 when Stan Kasten and the new ownership group took control of the organization. It took 6 years to make the announcement, and 8 years to bring the game back to LA, but its finally happening.

A few of today’s attendees touched on it, but Los Angeles is one of the busiest, most popular cities in the world. A lot happens here. The 405 freeway doesn’t get jammed on a daily basis for nothing.

I, however, will happily put up with the traffic if it’s because big trucks with the worlds “2020 All-Star Game” are driving baseballs and banners to Chavez Ravine.

4. What this means for the Dodgers.

Justin Turner said it best; “One of the coolest parts was getting to walk in the home clubhouse in Miami,” who spoke of his experience playing in his first All-Star Game this past summer. The biggest theme of today’s press conference is that this is the home of the Dodgers. Los Angeles is a city that combines professional sports and Hollywood.

When people fly over downtown, headed to LAX, they see the Ravine and they see the home of the Dodgers. They see stars, both on screen and on the field.

All-Star Week will bring days of celebration to the city, as well as the Home Run Derby, and of course the All-Star Game.

Next: Dodgers Beat the Streak Selections - April 11

To quote Stan Kasten, “We know how to throw a party.” Get ready to party, Dodger fans. The 2020 All-Star Game is on its way.

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