Bert Blyleven, Rod Carew Share All-Star Game Memories
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It was 1973, and Bert Blyleven was just 22 years old.
"It went by too fast," he says.
He was supposed to pitch the fourth inning but ended up pitching in the third because Catfish Hunter got hurt in the first.
"I had about two minutes to warm up," he said.
He went to the mound, and the first guy he faced was Pete Rose.
"I think I walked him," he said.
The next guy was Joe Morgan, and he walked him too.
"All the sudden, here comes Hank Aaron, and here comes Johnny Bench, and I think to myself: Am I really supposed to be here?" he said.
He said he thinks he got the loss that day, but he didn't care because it was a great experience.
Hall of Famer Rod Carew also recalled his memories of All Star games of old.
He played in 18 of them.
"I was nervous as heck," Carew said.
He said he tells younger players now to make sure to play if they are voted in, because it is a great experience.
The Twins host the 85th All Star Game at Target Field on July 15.