LOS ANGELES — It was a star-studded MLB All-Star Game Tuesday night — on and off the field.
Alongside stars like Aaron Judge, Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani who showcased their talents during the 92nd All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium were Denzel Washington, Magic Johnson, Billie Jean King and a host of other celebrities who sold out 52,518 people represent.
OK, so no Kardashians, Kanye West, or Brad Pitt.
But actor Jon Hamm, comedian Tiffany Haddish, actors Jason Bateman and Miles Teller, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, former NFL star Terrell Owens and NFLPA chief DeMaurice Smith were there. Warriors co-owner Peter Guber, race car team owner Chip Ganassi, actor Michael Chiklis, former soccer star Alexi Lalas, US men’s soccer team coach Gregg Berhalter, and midfielder Kellyn Acosta.
Washington — in a No. 42 Dodgers jersey — attended a pregame ceremony honoring Jackie Robinson, a Pasadena native who attended UCLA and played for the Dodgers when the team was based in Brooklyn. There is a statue in honor of Robinson in front of Dodger Stadium.
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By now, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is familiar with the sight of glitterati.
“What sets LA apart from any major market is the seasonal weather,” he said last week. “I think there’s a good mix of obviously great talent but also other industry talent – celebrities who come to ball games. It’s just a different vibe. It’s not negative.
“In the East it’s getting a bit vicious and very cynical. Baseball is tough. It’s a little looser here on the west coast but make no mistake, the guys are just as tough.”
Major League Baseball was clearly trying to build relationships with Hollywood stars by introducing The All-Star House, a new addition to All-Star Week. The home, outfitted with batting cages, an MLB game room and a host of other amenities, was open Friday through Sunday.
“…select influencers and celebrities will have the opportunity to experience the creative space at special events scheduled throughout the weekend,” MLB said in a press release, and more than a few influencers and celebrities made it to the actual game Tuesday night.
As the All-Star Game began and concluded five days of pre-game activities, Magic welcomed Los Angeles.
“The city did a great job,” he said.
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