Commentary: Blueprint on how to organize All Star Game
Original commentary was written by Ján Jabrocký after the All Star Game.
It is Sunday morning. I didn’t get enough sleep and the kids are still in bad while I rewatch the All Star Game on Czech Television web page. Reason? I want to enjoy the atmosphere from Choceň again and refill my energy.
Two days in Choceň showed all future All Star Game organizers how to do it right in the local environment. They didn’t let anything to chance, be it the logo, posters, articles, or advertisement. And the result? Packed stadium with hundreds of fans. The younger ones could spend their time in a zone dedicated to them with different activities ranging from inflatable castles, though face paining and much more.
The effort put into the event was on display everywhere. Everyone who came got to enjoy something. Young and old. Czech fans and those who came from a distant Japan.
For those who couldn’t make it, there was a really nice stream ready thanks to collaboration between ČBA and Czech Television, the highlight of which was a hot mic where commentators got to interview players right on the field. Especially the talk between Jakub Stařík and Ondřej Satoria will surely find a place in Czech baseball history.
And the players themselves added to the excitement, when they offered a close game. A great defensive play in the outfield, especially from the young guys such as Šimon Blažek or Pavel Jozek. Seventeen year old Jan Kozel threw three strikeouts on the second, the third and the fourth batter of Extraliga lineup.
All and all, this year’s All Star Game gave quiet a challenge for the future events. But if they were in Choceň this year, we hope they will feel inspired and that’s all we can hope for.
