What are Texas Rangers HOFer Micahel Young’s most memorable memories of past MLB All-Star Games
Texas Rangers Hall of Famer Micahel Young is one of three ambassadors for the 2024 MLB All-Star Game along with Adrián Beltré and Pudge Rodríguez. Young, who played for the Rangers for 13 years and amassing seven all-star appearances, a Golden Glove, and a batting title, has many fond memories of past All-Star Games. On Wednesday, Young spoke about his favorite all-star memories and his excitement for coaching in the upcoming All-Star Futures Game. Young said his earliest all-star game memory involved one of the greatest Mexican baseball players of all time. “Yeah,
Fernando Valenzuela [in 1981], that was probably my first one … being 5 years old watching the game, I’m pretty sure I was in and out of the house, like running through screen doors the whole time, but I remember that it was a big deal for my whole family, huge deal,” said Young, “Being in LA that was my Mexican side of the family. Right, So this was not a small deal.”
Valenzuela played for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1980-1990 winning 141 games, and became the first pitcher to win the Cy Young Award and a Rookie of the Year Award in the same season. His popularity exploded in what was called “Fernandomania” during his rookie year because of his unique pitching style and immediate success. Young also reminisced on watching Bo Jackson in the All-star Game and on his own All-star appearances while with the Rangers. “Honestly, I really have special memories of every single one. Every game is probably something that kind of stands out as to why it was special. Houston is my first one, Detroit my son had just been born [and] Pittsburgh I was the MVP,” said Young.
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Young loved watching the All-Star Game growing up and along with being an All-Star ambassador, he will manage the National League in the All-Star Futures Game at 3 p.m. on July 13. “You really have a who’s who of young players in the big leagues, they have all participated in this game and it goes to show you that these minor league prospects, this is another notch on the ladder for them as they kind of progress towards the major leagues,” said Young, “So many really, really talented guys that we get a chance to hang out with for a day. So again, I’m really looking forward to it.” Young said he is looking forward to the opportunity to coach alongside many of his former teammates during the Futures game.
