Trivia
Cal Ripken, Jr., most famous during his career as a shortstop, was elected as a third baseman to start the game. Texas Rangers shortstop Alex Rodriguez was elected to start at short. However, Rodriguez insisted that Ripken play shortstop for the first inning. American League manager Joe Torre agreed and allowed the change. When fans noticed the fielding change, they gave both players a standing ovation.
This was the first All-Star Game to be awarded by Commissioner Bud Selig after being named to that post.
American League starting pitcher Roger Clemens was booed in the pregame ceremonies for striking out 15 Mariners in a one-hit shutout in the previous season's playoffs. Also in the pregame ceremony, the Fort Lewis color guard provided the colors presentation, accompanied by Tacoma and Everett, Washington high school students who presented the flags in the outfield. After Diana Krall and Mýa sang the Canadian and U.S. national anthems, respectively, Tony Pérez, as the only link to the 1979 All-Star Game, the only other All-Star Game in Seattle, joined the ceremonial first pitch ceremonies.
Read more about this topic: 2001 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
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