40 years ago, Fred Lynn accomplished an unduplicated All-Star Game first
On June 7, 1983, 40 years ago, Fred Lynn of the then California Angels accomplished a first in the MLB All-Star Game, which no player has duplicated.
In front of a packed Comiskey Park in Chicago for the 54th All-Star Game, Lynn smashed the first and only grand slam to date in the Midsummer Classic, lifting the American League to an improbable victory over the vaunted National League.
With the AL nursing a one-run lead early, Lynn's long ball with the bases juiced led to a seven-run third inning, catapulting the junior circuit to a 13-3 win. Lynn's grand salami was his only hit of the game, but it was a massive one, helping him capture the MVP Award.
The moment was also significant for the AL, and Lynn knew it, raising his fist in the air as he rounded first. For the AL, it was their first victory in 11 years over the NL and only the second since 1962.
"It had more to do with knowing that we were finally going to win one of these things," Lynn said via Brian Wright of SABR. "We had them on the ropes a few times before and we were long tired of hearing how the National League had the upper hand. It was nice that we didn't have to hear it again that year."
Fittingly, the '83 All-Star Game would be the ninth and final of Lynn's prestigious career. Lynn, best known for his time with the Boston Red Sox, would play seven more seasons for the Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers and San Diego Padres before hanging up his cleats for good following the 1990 campaign. After 17 seasons, Lynn amassed 306 home runs and 1,111 RBI, winning four Gold Gloves in centerfield while earning an AL batting title (1979) and MVP honors (1975).
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