All Star Magic

Last night didn't go my way. The NL lost a record 13th all star game in a row. Well, not exactly - one year the Commish called the game a tie - the uproar over that call is still being felt.

However, it is the All Star Game. I normally wouldn't blog the after game report. Except something very exceptional happened last night. I'm not talking about the absolutely incredible plays made by the best of the best. Those were expected. I'm talking about our President.

He arrived on the field in jeans and tennis shoes. He was wearing a Chicago White Sox jacket. He took his time to shake the hand of 88 year old legend Stan-the-Man Musial. He stood on the mound and had a look like an 8 year old boy that has just been handed the ball by his hero. The throw not that great, but it made it to the plate. Then the look on Albert Pujols' face was just as priceless. Two men understanding the moment. A poor boy from the Dominican Republic catching a pitch from the 44th president of the US. Who happens to be a young black boy from Hawaii.

It didn't begin or end in this moment. Before the game President Obama visited each clubhouse and shook the hand of every man there. He even gave Albert hell for allowing a Brewer to win the homerun derby in Albert's house. After the game started he went to the broadcast booth and sat there for a whole half inning. Just hanging out and talking baseball.

When he was asked about his allegiance to the White Sox - his reply was honest. Unlike most Sox fans who trash talk the Cubs - he simply doesn't cheer for them - no trash. He also said that he was wearing the White Sox jacket because his wife thinks he "looks cute in it." I swear that is a quote.

I know we have had many presidents that were baseball fans. We have had many presidents throw out the first pitch. But I can't remember a president showing his human side at the outing.

No matter what you think of his politics - this man is the real deal. It is a very refreshing change.

Long days and pleasant nights to ye...