Once again, the All-Star Game headed indoors at the Kingdome for a close game that belonged to anybody as six times in nine innings the lead was tied or close. The National League‘s magic number again was seven, but this time the final was close. The 1979 Midsummer Classic was played on July, 1979 at the Kingdome in Seattle, Washington. This was the first and only time All-Star Game ever held in the Kingdome at Seattle, Washington. The Midsummer Classic was attended by 58,905 fans. The American League was leading 6-5, going into the eighth when Lee Mazzilli clubbed an opposite-field homer in his first All-Star at bat to tie the score in the eighth inning. Brian Downing led off the bottom of the inning with a single against Bruce Sutter. A sacrifice moved Downing along, and Reggie Jackson was walked intentionally. One out later, Graig Nettles singled to right and, with Downing trying to score, Dave Parker rifled the ball to Catcher Gary Carter.

Carter forced Downing to the inside of the plate and applied the inning-ending tag as Downing made a head-first dive. The National League won it in the ninth. Joe Morgan walked and was balked to second by Jim Kern, who then walked Parker intentionally and Cey unintentionally. Ron Guidry came in and walked Mazzilli, giving the National League the lead. Pete Rose played the last four innings at first base and set a record as the only player ever to play five different positions in the All-Star competition. During his appearances he had played first base, second base, third base, right field and left field. Dave Parker of the Pittsburgh Pirates had two superb right field assists which earned him the All-Star Most Valuable Player Award. Lee Mazzilli was only the second All-Star to hit a pinch hit home run during his first ever Midsummer Classic at-bat. The National League won a close game 7-6 against American League. As the 1970’s came to a close, The National League had once again dominated the decade, living the American League embarrassed and looking forward to gaining some respect in the 80’s.