Fenway Park was chosen as host because the owners at the time were planning to build a New Fenway Park in a few years but were unable to get the project off the ground in time for the game.[1] This All-Star Game is particularly notable as it featured the nominees for the All-Century Team as well as Ted Williams.[2]
In two innings, AL starting pitcher Pedro Martínez struck out the first four batters of the National League, becoming the first pitcher in history to begin the All-Star Game striking out the side. In all he struck out five of the six batters he faced, earning him Game MVP honors, becoming the second player in All-Star Game history to be named MVP as a member of the host team. The game resulted in a win for the American League by the final score of 4-1.
This All-Star Game was originally to be awarded to the Milwaukee Brewers, to be played at Miller Park. However, the Brewers' move to the National League led then-Major League Baseball CEO Paul Beeston in 1997 to ask the Boston Red Sox to host this game. The Red Sox agreed to host this game; Miller Park would not open until 2001; by then, their former owner, Commissioner Bud Selig, had awarded the Brewers the 2002 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, which they hosted.