SAN DIEGO -- Major League Baseball's 87th All-Star Game is scheduled tonight in San Diego, providing a bright spot in another disappointing season for local fans while attracting millions of television viewers to a city that thrives on tourism.
The day's events include a parade at noon that will be led by former Padres stars Trevor Hoffman and Dave Winfield, through the Gaslamp Quarter and East Village to Petco Park, where the game is set for 5 p.m. Johnny Cueto of the San Francisco Giants and Chris Sale of the Chicago White Sox will be the starting pitchers.
The Padres will be represented by Wil Myers, who will bat cleanup for the National League as its designated hitter, and pitcher Drew Pomeranz, an injury fill-in.
Other San Diegans on the rosters are former University of San Diego slugger Kris Bryant of the Chicago Cubs, who will bat third for the NL and play third base; Texas Rangers pitcher Cole Hamels, who played at Rancho Bernardo High School; and Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg, a Santee native who played his college ball at San Diego State. Strasburg, who recently came off the disabled list, won't play.
San Diego tourism leaders have been looking forward to the game and its economic impact since it was awarded to San Diego in January 2015.
"The Major League Baseball All-Star Game will have a significant, positive impact on San Diego," Joe Terzi, president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority told City News Service.
"Not only will there be an enormous economic impact that's expected to reach $70 million, but the event also offers a chance to showcase the destination to hundreds of millions of viewers," Terzi said.
"More than 2,000 media are expected to cover the All-Star Game, and potential travelers around the world will get a glimpse of San Diego's incredible weather and beautiful downtown as they tune in to watch the game."
While the economic impact estimate has been challenged, there is no denying that numerous visitors have come to San Diego, and that the city will be presented to baseball fans around the U.S. and the world during a period of tremendous weather.
Much of the local attention has focused on Myers, the National League Player of the Month for June. The 2013 American League Rookie of the Year has swatted 19 homers and driven in 60 runs in the first half of the season. His breakout season comes after two injury-plagued years.
National attention is likely to focus on American League designated hitter David Ortiz, a popular slugger with the Red Sox who is retiring after 20 years.
The National League lineup as announced by Major League Baseball:
-- Ben Zobrist, second base, Chicago Cubs;
-- Bryce Harper, right field, Washington Nationals,
-- Bryant;
-- Myers;
-- Buster Posey, catcher, Giants;
-- Anthony Rizzo, first base, Cubs;
-- Marcell Ozuna, center field, Miami Marlins;
-- Carlos Gonzalez, left field, Colorado Rockies; and
-- Addison Russell, shortstop, Cubs.
The American League lineup:
-- Jose Altuve, second base, Houston Astros;
-- Mike Trout, center field, Los Angeles Angels;
-- Manny Machado, third base, Baltimore Orioles;
-- Ortiz;
-- Xander Bogaerts, shortstop, Red Sox;
-- Eric Hosmer, first base, Kansas City Royals;
-- Mookie Betts, right field, Red Sox;
-- Salvador Perez, catcher, Royals; and
-- Jackie Bradley Jr., left field, Red Sox.
Trout has won the Most Valuable Player award in the last two All-Star Games, the first player to earn the honor in consecutive years.
The Metropolitan Transit System announced that Green Line trolleys will begin running every 7 1/2 minutes from Qualcomm Stadium beginning at 9:53 a.m.
After the game, 15-minute service to Santee will be extended until 10:06 p.m from the 12th and Imperial Transit Center. The last train to San Diego State University departs at 11:36 p.m.
The North County Transit District said an extra southbound Coaster train will depart the Oceanside Transit Center at 1:56 p.m. and arrive in downtown San Diego about one hour later. A northbound train will depart Santa Fe Depot one hour after the game ends, with an absolute latest departure of midnight.
