For years baseball’s “Midsummer Classic” was one of the premier events in sport. Of all the major sports in America the event was the one All-Star game that intrigued most. Unfortunately, times change.

While many blame interleague play – and that certainly adds to its lack of luster –it goes beyond that. The visibility of players via today’s multimedia outlets makes seeing these stars less intriguing. We see these guys everyday.

Sadly, while the game means less to current participants (many prefer taking the time off than attending), the Classic is also affected by the lack of multiple “true stars” of the game. As you peruse the 2007 All-Star rosters, how many can you safely say today will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame? At a quick glance, I noted eight: Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., Trevor Hoffman, Derek Jeter, Albert Pujols, Manny Ramirez, Alex Rodriguez, and John Smoltz. And, of those, how many are a lock?

Compare this year’s rosters to the list of all-time greats at the 1971 All-Star game played at Tiger Stadium in Detroit. The roster was a “Who’s Who” of baseball legends; Rod Carew, Al Kaline, Reggie Jackson, Harmon Killebrew, Jim Palmer, Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson, Carl Yaztrzemski, Hank Aaron, Johnny Bench, Lou Brock, Steve Carlton, Roberto Clemente, Fergie Jenkins, Juan Marichal, Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Pete Rose, Tom Seaver, and Willie Stargell.

Certainly the game has changed. For better or worse is for a future Blog. Call me a fossil if you choose, but today’s Midsummer Classic simply lacks the star power of days gone by. Maybe that comment comes with age, but Hall of Famers are Hall of Famers – and that list of All-Stars in 1971 speaks for itself.

Take nothing away from today’s future Baseball Hall of Famers. I just wish I could be watching more of them.