The 2023 American Association All-Star Game is heading to Milwaukee for the first time.
“The All-Star Game is our grandest stage and we’re bringing it to the grandest stage of our ballparks in Ballpark Commons,” American Association commissioner Josh Schaub told the Journal Sentinel on Wednesday. “We couldn’t be more excited.”
The Milkmen, who were founded in 2018 before joining the American Association a year later, will host the event at Franklin Field on July 17-18.
For those interested in attending, here are some things you need to know.
Why is the All-Star Game coming to Milwaukee?
Two words: fan exposure.
Schaub said Ballpark Commons, the 300-acre complex that is owned and operated by ROC Ventures, put Milwaukee “at the top of the queue” among potential cities to host the All-Star Game this season.
New this year to All-Star week will be the first Fan Fest, something Schaub said was made possible due to the amenities on campus.
“I don’t think anyone could host like Milwaukee can on campus,” Schaub said. “It’s really unparalleled in the country from a professional baseball standpoint at this level.”
He said the league is expecting around 5,000 fans for both the Home Run Derby and Beer Festival, and the All-Star Game.
What events are coming to Fan Fest?
Festivities will kick off July 15 when movies The Sandlot and Major League are shown at The Milky Way Drive-In. Events continue Monday, starting with the American Association Free Agent post-MLB Draft workout.
But, the two big events Monday will be the Par 3 Golf Outing at Luxe Golf Bays and the Home Run Derby and Beer Festival.
“When we were thinking of different ways to elevate the All-Star game, Beer Fest seemed pretty fitting,” Milkmen assistant general manager Christ Conley said. “It’s not too often you see a beer fest on a Monday, but when in Rome.”
The Beer Festival, which will take place before the Home Run Derby, will consist of 15 local breweries such as City Lights, Dogfish Head, Eagle Park, Lake Louie, Lakefront and Leinenkugel’s, among others.
“It adds a whole new element to the home run derby (to where) fans can have multiple forms of entertainment at one time,” Schaub said. “While they’re watching our biggest sluggers launch home runs, they’re also slugging down beers. It’s an added element that’s so on brand for Milwaukee.”
There will also be a Hall of Fame luncheon Tuesday at Luxe before the All-Star Game. In addition, there will be special deals going on at Umbrella Bar, Hinterhof, Blend Coffee & Cocktails, Brick Pizzeria & Ristorante and Dog Haus Biergarten on Monday and Tuesday.
What is the American Association?
The American Association is an independent baseball league that consists of 12 teams across the central United States and one Canadian province. There are two teams in Wisconsin, the Milkmen and the Lake Country DockHounds.
It was first formed in 1902 as an independent minor league for the larger cities in the Midwest. Then in 1903, it joined the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, also known as the minor league organization.
The league was dismantled twice between 1960-1997 before being revitalized in 2005 when it was renamed the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball Leagues. It is now one of four Partner Leagues of the MLB.
When is the American Association All-Star Game?
The All-Star Game is at 6:35 pm July 18.
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets for all All-Star Week events can be bought at this link.
Is parking free?
Yes. You can park in any of the available parking lots — ROC Lot, MOSH Lot, Milkmen Lot, Snowpark Lot, Umbrella Lot or the RLB Lot — on the Ballpark Commons campus.
If I can’t attend in person, is there a way to watch online?
Yes. The game will be streamed on aabaseball.tv with the American Association’s Matt Yeazel on the call. Note, there is a subscription fee of $15 per month to stream.
Can I buy tickets for all the events in person?
It depends on the event. Tickets for the Luxe Par 3 Golf Outing must be bought by July 10. However, for all other events — Beer Festival, Home Run Derby and All-Star Game — tickets can be bought at the gate.
Can I buy a ticket for the Beer Festival itself?
No. A Home Run Derby ticket is required to attend the Beer Festival, which will be at 5-7 pm with the Home Run Derby starting at 7:30 pm
Tickets for the Beer Festival include unlimited beer tastings, a tasting glass and access to buy food from the concession stands.
Which Milkmen will play in the All-Star Game?
Roy Morales and Bryan Torres both earned spots in the East Division starting lineup at catcher and second base, respectively. Infielders Cam Belago and Gabriel Cancel earned spots as reserves.
Pitchers Frankie Bartow, Gregori Vasquez, Christian Young and Ryan Zimmerman all earned All-Star nods as well.
The East Division will be led by Milkmen manager Anthony Barone along with his Milwaukee coaching staff of DJ Boston, Jose Rodriguez, Drew Rossi and Mason Davis.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milkmen to host American Association All-Star Game at Franklin Field