Worlds collide at the All-Star break
The baseball world descended on Los Angeles, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
The only MLB All-Star Game I attended in person took place in San Francisco on July 10, 2007. Since then, all three Southern California teams have hosted it, but the cost to attend proved rather prohibitive. When the Dodgers were awarded the 2022 exhibition, I opted not to splurge for a ticket. However, that occasion opened the door for other events that I just couldn’t ignore. Let me end my hiatus by telling you all about how I spent Tuesday, July 19.
If you’re not familiar with Jomboy Media, the video and podcast outlet covering sports and beyond boasts more than 500,000 followers on Instagram. Beginning as simple banter about the Yankees between friends James “Jomboy” O’Brien and Jake Storiale, the Jomboy YouTube channel has now racked up millions of views. Jomboy Media also employs journalist Chris Rose in addition to several former major leaguers including slugger Trevor Plouffe and relief pitcher Peter Moylan, who had himself quite a moment during the prior night’s Home Run Derby.
A few years ago, the Jomboy team advertised an opportunity to attend a game at Yankee Stadium with some of the talent. Because I live in California, joining them just wasn’t in the cards. Meeting two of my favorite podcasters and content creators would have to wait. As it turns out, this year’s All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium would be my opportunity to attend their watch party for fans.
After leaving the office a tad early for my drive to central Los Angeles, I arrived at Boomtown Brewery. I was informed by an employee that I was parked where taco trucks would be stationed, so I moved my vehicle around the corner and checked into the event.
Aside from some swag and a neat Hollywood-themed shirt, my event ticket included two alcoholic drinks. I ordered some wine and took a seat as the panel discussion began. Among many others, Mets commentator Jolly Olive and former pitcher Jerry Blevins discussed how much they enjoyed delivering entertainment to baseball fans while working in a fun, supportive environment. Rose spoke about how much he enjoyed connecting with players during interviews, which made me remember that I had crossed paths with him while he was reporting at the San Francisco All-Star Game.
After the Q&A session ended, it was time for photo opportunities. I would have liked to meet Plouffe, but a rather long line formed in front of the former third baseman. Instead, I decided to start with Jomboy himself. Remembering that he attended Central Connecticut State University, I managed to make conversation about growing up in the Constitution State. He was very friendly and my nerves dissipated quickly. Someone in line was kind enough to take our picture for posterity.
I struck up a conversation with a fan named Everett and mentioned my newsletter. Later, I was pleased to see that he had signed up as a subscriber! Soon, I was chatting with Yankees superfan and influencer JoezMcfly. We discussed the Bronx Bombers and the incredible performance of Derby runner-up Julio Rodriguez. I told him that I had witnessed Rodriguez hit a homer live at Angel Stadium a few weeks earlier.
I waited slightly longer to speak with Jake, but he made my patience worthwhile. “Is that a Bernie Williams jersey?” he queried. I mentioned that the former Yankees center fielder was playing a jazz concert that very evening and he seemed bummed out to have other commitments. Meanwhile, player introductions for the All-Star Game were being projected behind us.
The game was underway. I watched as Clayton Kershaw drew roars from the Dodger Stadium crowd after picking off Shohei Ohtani at first base. However, I had a concert to attend and soon got back on the road. I listened on the car radio as the American League turned a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 edge with back-to-back homers in the fourth inning by Giancarlo Stanton and Byron Buxton. Soon, I was ready for the second part of the night.
I hadn’t visited Hollywood’s Catalina Jazz Club since I watched pianist David Benoit years prior. However, I snapped up tickets online as soon as I heard that Williams would be playing his guitar there.
I was so keyed up to finally see my hero play that I took down the name of each musical piece in my phone. After getting a table right next to the stage, I watched the American League finish off their victory on the television screen. It was time for refreshments!
A bit after 8 PM, the man I had been waiting more than two decades to see up close strode onto the stage along with his team of formidable musicians. Seeing my navy blue jersey, he smiled and said something about "Bleacher Creatures” to a bandmate.
It turned out to be a wonderful evening complete with pasta and dessert. I was thrilled to hear La Salsa en mí from his debut album called The Journey Within and Ritmo de Otoño from Moving Forward which always reminds me of his days playing in the Fall Classic. Williams also played several covers of songs by legends like The Beatles and Stevie Wonder. He even paid musical tribute to his native San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The band included a piano player, trumpeter, bassist, percussionist, and at times a vocalist. When Williams ended with an introspective version of Take Me Out to the Ballgame, I was instantly reminded of his performance in Cooperstown prior to Derek Jeter’s induction into the Hall of Fame last September.
It was fortunate that Dorina encouraged me to approach Bernie between the stage and bar area after the concert had ended. I told him that I had rooted for him since I was 12 and even flew to New York in 2015 to see his jersey retired by the Yankees. Williams laughed and said that it made him feel old. He genuinely seemed touched. The five-time All-Star and four-time World Champion could not have been nicer, shaking my hand and even posing with her as well. If the All-Star Game returns to California any time soon, I will be the first to celebrate.
you are forcing me to positively engage with the yankees. 0 stars.
sounds like a great night maing.