The National League continued its dominance in the All-Star Game with its 13th win in the last 14th contests.. This was the first game ever held at Veterans stadium and they had the third largest attendance to date. The Midsummer Classic was played on July 13, 1976 at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The game was attended by 63,974 fans. As America celebrated its 200th anniversary, the league held a fitting tribute to baseball as America’s game, appropriately holding the All-Star event at Veterans Stadium. Many felt that it had lost its magic and that the days of glory, where anyone can be a hero were fading memories in the past. The United State’s Bicentennial provided a perfect opportunity to showcase the history of a game that had started its roots during the Civil War and had helped to heal a nation during times of crisis. The game was becoming routine. The ’76 edition was reminiscent of the ’73 and ’74 games, won 7-1 and 7-2 by the Nationals.

This time, it was 7-1 National League again. Despite another loss, the Americans did have the most colorful and talked about performer in losing pitcher Mark Fidrych. A rookie from the Detroit Tigers, he had charmed his way into fans’ hearts his antics on the mound, which included talking to himself and sometimes to the ball. He may have been talking to himself after this game, too. He was the losing pitcher, giving up four hits and two runs in two innings. Pete Rose was the hitting star, going 2-for-3 and scoring a run. This game also marked the 100th anniversary of the National League and the team responded by hitting two runs and scoring seven runs on ten hits. Fred Lynn’s home run in the fourth inning was the only run scored by the American League. Fans selected five players from the ‘Big Red Machine’ and their manager selected two addition Cincinnati Reds players. During the 1975 All-Star Game American League President Lee MacPhail urged the manager to do everything possible to win the game, Americans lost 6-3. Prior to this game he personally sent a letter to every junior circuit All-Star telling each of them important it was to win, they lost again 7-1.