Now that the 2017 MLB All-Star Game has come and gone, the focus can be shifted to next season when the Washington Nationals will host the 89th Midsummer Classic. It will be the first time it’s played in Washington since the 1969 contest was held at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium.
The All-Star Game was also held in Washington in 1937, ’56 and ’62. In 2019, the Cleveland Indians will have the honor. It will mark the sixth time that the Indians have hosted an All-Star Game, which is most all-time.
When MLB commissioner Rob Manfred announced plans for the 2019, it extended the Los Angeles Dodgers’ longest drought. Dodger Stadium last hosted All-Stars in 1980.
Manfred may announce a batch of hosts for future All-Star Games, which Dodger Stadium is under consideration for, according to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times:
With Washington set to host the All-Star game next year and Cleveland in 2019, Manfred said he probably would announce the 2020, 2021 and 2022 hosts at the same time. The Dodgers and Chicago Cubs are among the candidates for host teams.
Since 1980 a California team has hosted the All-Star Game seven times: California/Los Angeles Angels (1989 and 2010), San Diego Padres (1992 and 2016) and San Francisco Giants (1984 and 2007).
There was a general assumption the Dodgers’ odds of hosting an All-Star Game were hindered by Frank McCourt’s presence as owner. That’s since been mitigated, as the Guggenheim group officially purchased the team in 2012.
They’ve improved the organization in all facets, including making notable upgrades to Dodger Stadium over the past few years.
