All-Star Weekend Recap

The Reds own August! For the second year in a row Ryan Casano double-dipped on trophies at WBA All-Star Weekend capturing the Home Run Derby title and All-Star Game MVP. His teammate Cameron Carey helped the Reds sweep the trophy stand at the festivities as he won the Throwing Velo Competition. In the Home Run Derby, the class of the league’s power showed out as Casano and both Gambardellas faced off in the final round. After Anthony topped Bobby’s one homer with two in the two-minute championship round; Casano stole the show, hitting three homers in a row in 18 seconds to defend his crown and remain the league’s most prolific power hitter at the moment (Home Run Derby Champion: Ryan Casano). After the Derby, the league tested out a new throwing competition to see which WBA player has the strongest arm. Each player had five throws to see who would check in the fastest on the radar gun. Cameron Carey lit up the radar with an 81 mph toss to win the event and solidify himself as the strongest arm in the league. (Throwing Velo Competition Champion: Cameron Carey)

The National League topped the American League in a crisp 2-0 victory in the 2023 WBA All-Star Game. Derek Astarita and Andrew DePascale of the Rangers teamed up with Sean McDonnell of the Tigers to represent the American League while Ryan Casano of the Reds united with the Nationals’ Bobby Gambardella and first-time All-Star Anthony Zimmerman in triumphant fashion. 2023 MVP favorite Sean McDonnell led the AL with three hits in his second career All-Star Game. On the other side, Gambardella scattered five AL hits in a complete game shutout victory. He also helped himself out at the plate with four hits and an RBI. In his sixth All-Star Game, Ryan Casano collected three hits including a third inning solo home run to help the NL seal the victory. Casano was voted Most Valuable Player (AL 0, NL 2).