The All-Star festivities at Madison were just that, All-Star.

The day started with a luncheon for all players and staff with the keynote speaker being former LA Dodger great, Tommy Davis. He told the story of a skinny kid, who was forced to change positions if he wanted to make it in the bigs, and how everyday this kid would take 200 ground balls, and be in the weight room before and after the game. That kid is now one of the leading hitters in all of baseball, Jeff Bagwell.

The combine (a workout in front of scouts) for all league players followed giving any player in the league a chance to prove what they had on the field. Batting practice, infield and outfield and running the 60-meter dash were all opportunities given to the players.

In the home run hitting contest, our very own MoonDog Jeremiah Piepkorn showed poise and power as he blasted his way in to the final round of the contest hitting 3 homeruns in the first round. In the championship round, a controversial call cost Piepkorn the win, as he placed second overall

The game started as 4 MoonDogs players lead the charge on to the field. Will Krout was the starting pitcher, while Matt McColgan caught for him. Jeremiah Piepkorn started at shortstop and Aaron Grant in left field.

In one of the biggest outburst of offense in the last few years at an All-Star game, the North took an early lead but the south battled back. It was a game of chess as both teams would score and then be shutout. MoonDogs pitchers Will Krout and Ryan Hamilton each threw an inning without allowing a run to score. While each MoonDogs hitter got 1 hit in the game.

In the bottom of the 9th, a wild pitch allowed the tying run to score for the south and to extra innings we went. In the 10th, a walk and a pair of hard hit singles put the north ahead by one and that would be all they needed. The North won 8-7.

Next year the All-Star game moves to Wausau, Wisconsin, home of the WoodChucks. We hope to see everyone there.