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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Grip on Sports: It may not be as classic as it once was, but the All-Star Game is still fun

American League's Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12), throws for a double play as New York Mets Michael Conforto (30) is out on second, during the seventh inning at the MLB baseball All-Star Game, Tuesday, July 11, 2017, in Miami. (Lynne Sladky / Associated Press)

A GRIP ON SPORTS • Another All-Star Game has come and gone. For more than 80 years the Midsummer Classic has broken the baseball season in half. And added an element of fun. Read on.

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• From its humble beginnings in 1933 to last night’s 2-1, 10-inning American League win, the All-Star Game has held a special spot in baseball’s history.

Sure, it isn’t what it used to be when the leagues were actual competitors. But it’s still fun.

Case in point: The smile on Robinson Cano’s face when he was handed the MVP trophy.

Or maybe Nelson Cruz’s smile as he posed for a picture with home plate umpire Joe West, a picture taken on Cruz’s phone by catcher Yadier Molina. At home plate. Before Cruz’s at-bat.

I’m sure Ted Williams would have done the same with Bill Klem, but the old box cameras just didn’t fit in a back pocket.

Anyhow, the All-Star Game isn’t about competition anyway. Win or lose competition. The one-on-one battle between pitcher and hitter is always there, but who wins or loses doesn’t have the emphasis it once did.

Big deal.

The game is about showcasing stars for the younger fans. They are the ones who really care.

They are the ones who want to see their heroes play against one another. And they get that chance each July. It’s fun. It’s worthwhile. But it certainly isn’t about the outcome.

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WSU: Former Cougar basketball coach Ken Bone’s name has been mentioned concerning the opening at San Jose State. He does have a connection with the athletic director from his says at UW. … Around the Pac-12, Colorado is inducting another Hall of Fame class. … Arizona State hired a new baseball assistant and has a basketball commit with an interesting family dynamic. … Washington has made a change on its basketball staff.

Gonzaga: If there is a charity closer to Mark and Marcy Few’s heart than Camp Goodtimes, I don’t know what it is. Abby Lynes, with the story, and Dan Pelle, with the photographs, documented the Gonzaga players’ annual visit this year. … Zach Collins’ summer basketball is probably over.

Golf: I have been playing golf for 47 years. Someday I will get a hole-in-one. Someday. Jim Meehan ruins my day by relating this story of a local nine-year-old who had two in three days.

Indians: Northwest League teams take the night off so the Major League All-Star Game can have the spotlight alone, but we were able to find a feature from Everett to keep your head in the game.

Preps: Chuck Stewart has the youth sports notebook this morning. … Former Mead and Mt. Spokane coach Jeanne Helfer was honored by her high school.

Mariners: Besides Cano’s MVP award, thanks to his game-winning home run, and Cano’s photo, Ryan Divish had other stories from Miami, including this one on Zach Cozart, who was almost a Mariner. … The All-Star Game may come back to Seattle someday. Will it still be relevant? … The commissioner sees nothing. That is all.

Seahawks: After a lull, there is finally some Hawk news, including a look at how Eddie Lacy is fitting in. … Kam Chancellor recently got married. … A handful of Hawks are serving as camp counselors. … ESPN thinks Seattle’s future is still bright.

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• The past two days I’ve hit numbers on my step counter I’ve never hit before. And this morning I am paying the price. Sore doesn’t begin to describe my legs. Or my back. So I’m going to take it easy today. My goal is simple: Exceed yesterday’s number of steps. And yes, I’m an idiot. A 60-year-old idiot. But I also have a goal of at least one nap, so I’ve got that going for me. Until later …