The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Wednesday that the team will host the 2020 All-Star Game for the first time in nearly four decades.
In a news release Tuesday, the team said an announcement is scheduled for noon Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. Past and present Dodgers greats were at the historic venue for the official announcement Wednesday at noon.
"There were really three important things that distinguished the Dodgers' bid," MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said during the news conference. "First of all, we thought Los Angeles would be a great place to showcase the young stars in our game. Secondly is where we are today. Dodger Stadium is one of our iconic stadiums and it's particularly appropriate that we bring an All-Star Game here.
Dodger Stadium is finally gonna host a MLB All-Star Game! 🙌🏽😎💙⚾️ #BlueHeaven #Dodgers
— Reuben Hernandez (@reuben81691) April 10, 2018
"The third factor is one that (Dodger President/CEO) Stan Kasten mentioned to me once or twice during the process, and that was that there hadn't been an All-Star Game here in Los Angeles since 1980, so it's time for us to be back here."
#Dodgers have been awarded the 2020 MLB All-Star Game. Official announcement will be made tomorrow
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) April 10, 2018
It will be the first time since 1980 that the Dodgers have hosted the game. The National League team that year included starters Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, Bill Russell and Reggie Smith. Pitchers Jerry Reuss and Bob Welch represented the Dodgers' pitching staff.
The Dodgers have only hosted two of the star-studded games since moving to the West Coast in the 1950s.
Rob Manfred is expected at Dodger Stadium tomorrow to announce that the #Dodgers will host the 2020 All-Star Game. The Dodgers last hosted the game in 1980.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) April 10, 2018
The revelation was first reported by OC Register Dodgers beat reporter Bill Plunkett, citing a source. The Los Angeles Times also reported that the Dodgers will host the Midsummer Classic.
Dodger fans were, obviously, jubilant at the news on social media.
The #Dodgers will host the 2020 All-Star game for the first time since 1980!!!!
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) April 10, 2018
