A Look Back at Three Standout Blue Jays Performances at the MLB All-Star Game

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will be playing in his fourth MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday and will be the lone Blue Jay to take the field at this year’s Midsummer Classic in Texas. 

Twenty-three Blue Jays have been selected to compete at the All-Star Game over the last 10 seasons, including the likes of franchise greats Edwin Encarnacion, Jose Bautista and Josh Donaldson during his MVP run in 2015. 

Here is a list of three of the best All-Star Game performances by a Blue Jay over the last decade.

Vladdy redefines elevation in the Mile High City 

It didn’t take long in Guerrero Jr’s All-Star Game debut for him to latch onto the spotlight and bring Coors Field to its feet back in 2021, launching a towering, 468-foot homer over the left-field fence to help pave the way to victory for the American League. 

At the time, it was Guerrero’s longest home run ever hit at an MLB stadium and ended up making the record books for the farthest shot ever to be recorded at an All-Star Game. 

So far, it’s the only hit Guerrero has recorded in an All-Star Game.

Alek Manoah leaves the National League whiffing in 2022

It truly was a second inning to remember for Manoah at the 2022 All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium. 

Facing the bottom third of the National League lineup, Manoah struck out Willson Contreras, Joc Pederson and Ronald Acuna Jr.

Plunking Jeff McNeil would be the only blemish on his outing, with Manoah dicing up his opposition while being mic’d up on national television. 

His performance came in the midst of a year where he finished as a Cy Young finalist.

Monoah has yet to return to the All-Star Game and has seen his form dramatically dip

Justin Smoak has his moment in Miami 

Smoak capitalized on his lone MLB All-Star appearance in 2017.

The first baseman registered a hit and a walk in his two trips to the plate, helping the AL notch an extra-inning win.

Smoak led the Blue Jays with 38 home runs that season. 

Watch Tuesday’s ASG on Sportsnet or Sportsnet+ at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT.

The MLB All-Star Game is a highly anticipated event each year, bringing together the best players from both the American and National Leagues to showcase their skills and compete against one another. Over the years, the Toronto Blue Jays have had several standout performances at the All-Star Game that have left a lasting impression on fans and players alike. Let’s take a look back at three of these memorable moments.

1. Dave Stieb’s Dominant Performance in 1983:
In 1983, Dave Stieb became the first Blue Jays pitcher to start an All-Star Game. Stieb was in top form, striking out three batters in two scoreless innings. He showcased his impressive fastball and sharp breaking pitches, earning him the win for the American League. Stieb’s performance solidified his reputation as one of the top pitchers in the league and set the stage for a successful career with the Blue Jays.

2. Roberto Alomar’s MVP Performance in 1992:
In 1992, the All-Star Game was held at San Diego’s Jack Murphy Stadium, and it was a memorable night for Blue Jays second baseman Roberto Alomar. Alomar went 3-for-4 with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored, leading the American League to a 13-6 victory over the National League. Alomar’s stellar performance earned him the All-Star Game MVP award, making him the first Blue Jays player to receive this honor. Alomar’s contributions helped propel the Blue Jays to their first World Series championship later that year.

3. Jose Bautista’s Home Run Derby Heroics in 2011:
While not technically part of the All-Star Game itself, Jose Bautista’s performance in the 2011 Home Run Derby is worth mentioning. Bautista put on a show for fans at Chase Field in Arizona, hitting a record-setting 28 home runs in the first round alone. He went on to hit 7 more home runs in the final round, ultimately finishing as the runner-up to Robinson Cano. Bautista’s impressive display of power and skill captivated audiences and solidified his reputation as one of the top sluggers in the game.

These standout performances by Blue Jays players at the MLB All-Star Game have left a lasting impact on fans and players alike. From dominant pitching performances to clutch hitting displays, these moments have showcased the talent and skill of some of the best players to wear a Blue Jays uniform. As we look forward to future All-Star Games, we can only hope to see more memorable moments from Blue Jays players on baseball’s biggest stage.