The MLB All-Star game was held last night in Seattle, Washington at T-Mobile Park as Rob Thomson and the National League team snapped an 11-year losing streak, beating the American League 3-2. 

Six National League teams have been coached by Phillies managers in the All-Star Game and Rob Thomson improved their record to 6-1 overall with last night’s win.

Phillies All-Star Managers

• Eddie Sawyer: 1951 (Win)
• Dallas Green: 1981 (Win)
• Paul Owens: 1984 (Win)
• Jim Fregosi: 1994 (Win)
• Charlie Manuel: 2009 (Loss)
• Charlie Manuel: 2010 (Win)
• Rob Thomson: 2023 (Win) 

Note: Rob Thomson snapped the National League’s 11-year losing streak in the All-Star game the year after the Phillies snapped an 11-year playoff drought. Pretty sweet.

As for the National League roster, two Phillies made an appearance last night and played pivotal roles in snapping the winless streak that dated back to 2012. 

Nick Castellanos was the centerpiece of a winning rally in the top of the eighth inning that put the National League ahead in the game, and Craig Kimbrel entered the game in the ninth inning to earn the save.

Castellanos entered the game as a pinch hitter in the sixth inning and remained in the game to play centerfield, a position that Rob Thomson told him he could “possibly play” earlier in the week.

Nick Castellanos on Rob Thomson possibly playing him in centerfield during All-Star Game

Nick Castellanos: “I’d never played a game in center field in my whole life. Not even tee ball.”

Nick Castellanos Last Night:

After fouling off four straight pitches against Orioles RHP Felix Bautista in the top of the eighth inning, Castellanos worked a walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch.

Rockies catcher Elias Diaz, making his first All-Star team at the age of 32, then hit a two-run homer to left field, giving the National League the lead for the first time in the game.

Diaz was named the Ted Williams All-Star Most Valuable Player. Castellanos went 1-for-2 with a single, walk, strikeout, and run scored on the night.

Elias Diaz Go-Ahead 2-Run Home Run Plates Castellanos, Gives the NL a 3-2 Lead

Craig Kimbrel opened up the ninth inning by retiring Wander Franco of the Tampa Bay Rays and 2023 MLB Home Run Derby Champion Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays. 

Known loser Kyle Tucker of the Houston Astros then walked, bringing hometown kid Julio Rodriguez to plate, who Kimbrel also walked, putting two-men on with two outs. 

Kimbrel rebounded, striking out Jose Ramirez of the Cleveland Guardians to earn the save.

Craig Kimbrel Strikes Out Jose Ramirez, Earns ASG Save

Kimbrel spoke to reporters following the game and described what that moment meant for him and his Hall of Fame career.

“This year has been something else,” he said. “The milestones I’ve been able to get to and surpass. The rapport I’ve had with my (Phillies) teammates. They’ve been excited for me and rooted me on all year long. I’ve got to pinch myself. It seems like it’s been one thing after another this year. Hopefully I can keep on going and we’ll get on a good roll and play good baseball for the rest of the year.” via NBC Sports Philly

Pretty awesome All-Star Game after a somewhat boring All-Star Weekend. Shoutout to the Philadelphia Phillies coaching staff, along with Nick Castellanos and Craig Kimbrel. Way to show out for the city.

Note: The 2024 All-Star Game will be held at Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers. Major League Baseball hasn’t released the site for the 2025 game and in 2026, the Midsummer Classic will be heading to Citizens Bank Park. 

The Phillies will open up the second half of the 2023 season against the San Diego Padres in a 4-game series at Citizens Bank Park on Friday.

Saturday will be a Day/Night doubleheader.

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