In the depths of the Great Depression, baseball sought a lifeline, and sports editor Arch Ward of the Chicago Tribune delivered. Partnering with Chicago’s Century of Progress Exposition, he pitched an idea: a midsummer “Game of the Century” pitting America’s best from each league against each other. With buy-in from MLB and support of Commissioner Landis, the stage was set for Comiskey Park on July 6, 1933.

An estimated 500,000 fans across the nation voted for the starting lineups via newspapers in 55 cities. Meanwhile, two legendary managers, Connie Mack for the American League and John McGraw for the National League—filled the rest of the rosters. With 47,595 fans packed into Comiskey, for one afternoon, baseball’s greatest talents met in a single game for the first time.

The game itself delivered. The American League claimed a 4–2 victory, powered by Babe Ruth who hit the first All‑Star Game home run in the third inning and later made a spectacular catch against the right‑field wall. Frankie Frisch hit the first home run for the National League team as Lefty Gomez picked up the win.

Originally intended as a one‑off, the inaugural game went way past expectations. It raised over $45,000 for players and became a big deal nationwide. By the next year, it became an annual event, and 92 years later, it remains the heart of the MLB season.

Nolan Ryan has the most strikeouts in the month of July at 997. Randy Johnson is at 2nd with 829, doing so in 268 less innings.