Wed Jul 16 01:40:00 UTC 2025: **Headline: Skenes’ Fireball Start, Kershaw’s Mic’d Farewell Highlight Electric 2025 All-Star Game**
**Atlanta, GA** – The 2025 All-Star Game presented by Mastercard kicked off in Atlanta with a blend of rising star power and veteran farewells, delivering memorable moments both on and off the field.
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher and reigning NL Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes electrified the crowd with a dominant first inning. Skenes hit 100.3 mph and recorded a pair of strikeouts with the fastest pitches ever recorded by an All-Star Game starting pitcher since pitch tracking began in 2008.
Adding to the excitement, the game served as a testing ground for the automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system, potentially heralding a future change for MLB. In the first inning, Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh successfully challenged an 0-2 pitch, leading to a strikeout of Manny Machado after a review overturned the initial ball call.
However, the night’s emotional high point came during a mic’d-up appearance by veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw. In what could be his final Midsummer Classic, the 11-time All-Star was mic’d up while taking over for Skenes. Kershaw surrendered a hit but was bailed out by a sliding catch from Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker. After striking out Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Kershaw was removed from the game by his Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who allowed him to keep the baseball as a keepsake.
Off the field, players showcased their style at the All-Star Red Carpet Show, with Jazz Chisholm Jr. earning the “Best Dressed” title.
The American League tapped reigning Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal as their starting pitcher, further solidifying the game’s billing as a showcase of baseball’s best.
First Piper 