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Of all the All-Star games, I enjoy watching baseball’s version the best. I’ve been fortunate to attend eight of the Mid-Summer Classics. It’s very exciting to see all of the current stars on the field at once.

Nothing will compare to last year’s All Star game in New York, which will go down in history as one of the all-time greats. First of all, anytime you have a big event in New York, it’s going to be special. Secondly, the night was filled with tributes to Yankee Stadium, which was being closed at season’s end to make room for the new ballpark next door. Lastly, the game was an absolute classic with the American League defeating the National League, 4-3, in 15 innings. The game took 4 hours, 50 minutes and was the longest All-Star Game in history.

Commissioner Bud Selig and Major League Baseball have attempted to make the game relevant by giving home-field advantage during the World Series to the winning league. Back in the day, the game was full of intensity and it really meant something to the winning players. Over time, the game’s importance diminished as it became more of a show than a game. You hear a lot of debate as to whether this is good or not. Personally, I think it would be more fair to give the team with the best record home-field advantage but I don’t have much of an issue since it’s brought a bit of intensity back to the game.

A few of my favorite moments from previous All-Star games…

1) In 1970, Pete Rose, playing at home in Cincinnati, attempted to score but had to get past catcher Ray Fosse. The ensuing collision not only helped solidify Rose’s reputation as “Charlie Hustle”, it had the unfortunate consequence of injuring Fosse’s shoulder. Rose was called safe at home and the National League won the thriller, 5 -4. Fosse went onto play nine more seasons but was never the same.

2) In 2001, Cal Ripken Jr. played in the last of his 19 All-Star games. The game was basically a Cal Ripken lovefest. In the third inning, Ripken made his first plate appearance and was greeted with a standing ovation. Ripken then homered off the first pitch from Chan Ho Park and ended up with All Star MVP honors.

3)  In 1999, baseball honored the All-Century Team prior to the game at Fenway Park, with such greats on-hand as Mike Schmidt, Brooks Robinson, Bob Gibson and Johnny Bench. However, the highlight of the evening occurred when the great Ted Williams was driven out to home plate and threw out the first pitch with the help of Tony Gwynn.

Will this year’s game produce any classic moments? I can’t guarantee that. However, St. Louis is rolling out the red carpet and, at the very least, I’m sure the pre-game ceremony will produce a goose-bump moment or two. Plus, Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols is having one of the greatest years in the history of baseball, so I assume he’s going to be a big part of the game and broadcast.

PFP Sports and Celebrity Booking Agency is a speakers bureau and top booking agent for sports stars, athlete appearances, endorsements and celebrities. For more information call 800.966.1380

I often get inquiries from organizations interested in hiring celebrities who are cancer survivors. The celebrity cancer speaker talks about a variety of topics related to cancer, from their experience of how they overcame the disease to early detection to how important a positive attitude is when fighting it. And since they’re celebrities, people are more likely to listen and follow their advice.

So who are the most popular cancer speakers? There are too many to list here, but a few of the most popular include …

Robin Roberts … The Good Morning America co-host was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. Since then, she has become an advocate for breast cancer awareness and the importance of early detection. Her book From The Heart: Eight Rules To Live By, includes a chapter on her experience with breast cancer.

Bob Gibson … The baseball hall of  famer is a survivor of prostate cancer and regularly speaks across the country at prostate cancer awareness events.

Dorothy Hamill … The Olympic figure skating gold medalist was recently diagnosed in 2008 with breast cancer.

Ann Jillian … The award-winning actress was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1985 and underwent a double mastectomy. Her battle with the disease was chronicled in the top-rated 1988 made-for-TV film, The Ann Jillian Story, in which Jillian portrayed herself.

Lance Armstong … He has served as an inspiration to more cancer patients than arguably any other celebrity. The bicycling legend overcame testicular cancer that spread to his lungs and brain to win seven consecutive Tour de France titles between 1999 – 2005. He formed the Lance Armstrong Foundation to provide support to those diagnosed with cancer.

Dave Dravecky … His baseball career was cut short when a tumor was discovered in his pitching arm and ultimately led to the amputation of his arm and shoulder. Dave went onto write two books about his battle with cancer and founded Outreach of Hope Ministry. He’s also a very popular Christian speaker.

Marcia Wallace … Best known for her Emmy-award winning role of Bart’s teacher, Mrs. Krabappel, on “The Simpsons” and as Carol Kester on “The Bob Newhart Show”, Marcia was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1985. Since that time, she has become a leading breast cancer advocate and speaks of her experience around the country.

Peggy Fleming … The Olympic figure skating gold medalist was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998.

So what types of organizations are likely to hire cancer speakers? Below are a few examples …

• Len Dawson, NFL Hall of Famer & prostate cancer survivor,  spoke at a men’s prostate cancer awareness night.
• Ann Jillian spoke at an oncology managers conference
• Dorothy Hamill spoke at a cancer survivor’s conference sponsored by a hospital
• Lance Armstrong spoke about staying fit and taking care of yourself at a global conference

If you would like to find out how to hire a cancer speaker for a speaking engagement, appearance, endorsement or special event, you can request  booking agent information from PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency or call 800.966.1380 .