For a sport that is steeped in tradition and history, the 95th Major League Baseball All-Star game set itself apart on Tuesday night. For the first time, the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System was used in the All-Star Game, following its introduction in Spring Training earlier this year. The system allows a hitter, pitcher, or catcher the ability to challenge a ball or strike in a game. Also, for the first time, a home run swing-off was implemented to determine the winner of a 6-6 tie after nine innings.

It was the National League that out-homered the American League in a Derby-like finish to determine the 7-6 NL victory of the game. Kyle Schwarber had a perfect showing after being selected as one of the three participants by NL Manager Dave Roberts. Schwarber belted three home runs on three pitches to win the final frame 4-3 over the AL. It was the first time the system was used to determine the outcome of the All-Star Game. It was the game-ending heroics of Schwarber that earned him the Ted Williams All-Star MVP Award for 2025.

“It was awesome,” Phillies slugger Schwarber said of the experience. “The guys were really into it. They were yelling, screaming, cheering me on every swing. When that last one goes over, they were all pumped. It was a lot of fun.” The MVP Award is given in the name of the late Hall of Famer Ted Williams, an 18-time All-Star.

Other moments highlighted in the event at the Atlanta Braves’ Truist Field included a tribute to the legendary Hank Aaron with a special presentation commemorating Aaron’s 715th home run. On April 8, 1974, at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Aaron passed Babe Ruth to become MLB’s all-time home run leader at the time.

Former Rockies All-Star Andrés Galarraga, former Braves stars Chipper Jones, and Andruw Jones threw out the ceremonial first pitch. All three players were All-Stars for the Braves the last time Atlanta hosted the All-Star Game in 2000. And, Atlanta’s hip-hop icons, Jermaine Dupri and Ludacris, with country music all-stars Zac Brown Band and Kane Brown, highlighted the pregame entertainment ceremony. The MLB and Mastercard, along with Stand Up To Cancer, continued the annual Midsummer tradition of an in-game SU2C moment, featuring players, umpires, coaches, and fans as they all hold up placards with the names of loved ones affected by the disease.

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