In an event described as “history alive” by Major League Baseball’s official historian, John Thorn, the organization recently honored many of the greatest players ever to step onto the field. The league chose the 86th All-Star Game at Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park, a piece of history in itself, as the venue in which to recognize its four Greatest Living Players. Selected by 25 million fans in an online poll held earlier in the season, Johnny Bench, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Sandy Koufax entered the field arm-in-arm to accept the honor.
The July 14 event additionally included the official unveiling of each MLB team’s Franchise Four. Also chosen via fan vote, the title highlights the players that have had the greatest impact and best represent the history of their respective teams. According to MLB chief operating officer Tony Petitti, the selection of the Franchise Four sought to transform the All-Star Game into an event honoring not only baseball’s current standouts but also the greats from generations past.
Drawing from over a century of Red Sox history, fans voted former players Ted Williams, Pedro Martinez, and Carl Yastrzemski into the Red Sox Franchise Four. They also selected David Ortiz, who continues to serve the team as a designated hitter and first baseman.
Douglas Reeves's Wordpress Blog 