MLB All-Star Village kicks off weekend with appearances from Josh Hamilton, more

All-Star fever has officially taken over the City of Arlington: thousands of baseball fans turned out to the city’s Entertainment District on Saturday to usher in the start of baseball’s Midsummer Classic.

It’s been nearly three decades since the Texas Rangers hosted All-Star festivities. The All-Star Village opening ceremonies officially kicked off what should be a historic week; the last time a World Series Champion hosted an All-Star game was in the 1939 season.

The fan festival opened in star-studded fashion Saturday morning with appearances by 14-time All-Star Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, USA Softball gold medalist Julie Finch, former Rangers catcher Dave Valle and more.

“As a former player that played here for 13-plus years, to be a part of it not as a player but as a fan and as a part of the events is always nice to do and I’m enjoying it,” Rodriguez said.

Rounding out the lineup were mascots from nine Major League teams, including the Rangers’ Captain, the Atlanta Braves’ Blooper, the Colorado Rockies’ Dinger, and the Arizona Diamondbacks’ D. Baxter the Bobcat.

Opening ceremonies gave way to the All-Star Miracle League game, which brought together North Texas’ teams from the organization, which provides baseball opportunities and education to people with physical and mental disabilities.

Rob Matwick, the Rangers’ executive vice president of business operations, said that having the All-Star Game back in Arlington feels like the stars aligning.

“It’s been a long time since it’s happened to have the world champions host the All-Star Game the next year,” Matwick said.

He added that the World Series helped Major League Baseball with All-Star planning, as MLB staff had a chance to visit the spaces in October.

The process, Matwick said, is ongoing and collaborative.

Staff from the Atlanta Braves, who will host next year’s All-Star Game, are in Arlington this weekend, watching and learning as the Rangers take their turn.

Last year, the Rangers did the same, sending a team to observe the Seattle Mariners.

“You really just sort of have to pinch yourself when you stop and look around and see all of the history of our game coming to life here at Choctaw Stadium, and even the stars of today across the street,” Matwick said.

Legends such as Josh Hamilton, Andre Dawson and more are scheduled to make appearances throughout the event which runs through Tuesday.