1977 All-Star Game at Tiger Stadium

   

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A couple of lefties got the starting honors in the 1977 All-Star game... Rudy May for the AL and Jerry Koosman for the NL. The game started off shaky for Koosman as he allowed 3 runs on 3 hits and a walk in the first inning. Dave Parker's 2-run single was the key hit of the inning, getting the AL on the board. The National League was able to answer in the 2nd inning off May with 3 hits of their own, including a 2-run double by Manny Trillo to tie it at 3.

Looking like a high scoring affair after 2 innings, the pitchers settled things down. George Brett hit a pinch single in the 5th, but was left stranded after home town hero Reggie Jackson hit into a force out, ending his day 0 for 3. With Schmidt up just 2 batters later and rated at 2B...Schmidt moved to second and Brett stayed in at third. That ended up being the big move that paid off... giving Schmidt one more at bat, he answered with a blast over the center field wall to break the 3-3 tie in the 6th.

The AL threatened in the 7th when Templeton walked and Bake McBride doubled to lead off the inning. Joe Morgan needed to put the bat on the ball wasn't able to as Goose Goosage got a big strikeout. With the pitcher on deck, Gossage loaded the bases by intentionally walking Rod Carew ...his second pass of the game. The AL brings in Richie Zisk to pinch hit and with 1 out and the infield in, Gossage gets him to ground into a 6-2-3 double play to preserve the 4-3 lead.

The NL was able to get another run in the 8th when home town catcher Gary Carter walked to lead off the inning and was driven home by Dan Driessen with a big 2-out single. Tug McGraw, who was able to get a double play with his only pitch in the 8th, started the 9th and retired Bill Madlock. Dennis Eckersley then got Rennie Stennett to fly out and Kent Tekulve was brought in to save the game and get the final out. McBride hit a smash to 3rd which Brett boots for the game's only error. McBride then steals second. Joe Morgan walks to bring up Rod Carew as the go ahead run. Tekulve gets him to fly out and the National League wins, 5-3. The NL bullpen gave up no runs and only 3 hits over the final 7 innings.

MVP: Mike Schmidt, Hollywood Stars

AL Manager: Kent Kennedy, Bismarck Giants

NL Manager: Todd Hopkins, St Louis Browns