The All-Star Futures Game is an annual baseball exhibition game hosted by Major League Baseball (MLB) in conjunction with the mid-summer MLB All-Star Game. This event showcases the best of the minor leagues, providing a platform for top prospects to shine and potentially make their way to the major leagues.
History and Format
The Futures Game was first held in 1999 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. Initially, the game featured teams of prospects from the United States against teams from other countries. However, since 2019, the format has changed to feature teams of American League-affiliated prospects against National League-affiliated prospects.
Selection Process
The rosters for the game are selected by a joint committee consisting of representatives from Major League Baseball, MLB.com, and Baseball America magazine. Each of the 30 MLB organizations is represented, with up to two players from any organization and 25 players per team.
Gameplay and Rules
The game is played with the same rules as regular MLB games, except for the duration and handling of tie games. From 2008 to 2018, the game lasted nine innings, but since 2019, it has been played for seven innings. In the event of a tie, an eighth inning is played, and if the tie persists, the game ends in a draw.
Impact and Significance
The Futures Game has become an important event in the baseball calendar, attracting attention from fans, scouts, and coaches. It provides a platform for young players to gain experience and exposure, potentially leading to their promotion to the major leagues.
