Levine: Wrigley Field Under Consideration For Future All-Star Game
By Bruce Levine--
CHICAGO (CBS) -- If the Cubs have their way, the 2020 MLB All-Star Game would indeed be at Wrigley Field. They showcased the current rebuild to baseball commissioner Rob Manfred on Friday, as he was a visitor to the historic ballpark and spoke on a variety of topics.
The renovation of Wrigley Field should be complete by the spring of 2019. The National League will host the Midsummer Classic each of the next four seasons -- Cincinnati this summer, San Diego in 2016, Miami in 2017 and Washington in 2018 -- and the Cubs would would like to have it soon after that.
The Cubs haven't hosted the All-Star Game since 1990. They previously had hosted the game in 1947 and 1962 (the second one). Between 1959 and 1962, MLB had two All-Star games each season.
Manfred wouldn't confirm that Wrigley would be picked anytime soon. The league usually works two or three years ahead in awarding the All-Star Game, incorporating input from the cities and franchises before making its recommendation.
"I am not going to get into any particular year," Manfred said in response to a question on when Wrigley would be the choice. "I will say that the interest in getting an All-Star Game is strong as it has ever been, and I have been around the game 20-something years. Chicago certainly would be a great venue for us."
The Cubs had earlier inquired about getting either the 2014 or 2016 All-Star Game to coincide with the 100-year anniversary of the ballpark opening and then the Cubs moving in. All of those requests were put on the backburner when renovation plans were delayed due to city and rooftop issues.
Manfred was impressed with the Wrigley's ongoing renovation, knowing the bleachers in left field are set to open on May 11.
"I had a complete tour before the renovation started," Manfred said. "It's interesting to see how far its come. It looks like it is going to be absolutely fantastic."
Manfred also talked to the players Friday about pace of game. He thanked them for their cooperation in speeding up the games so far this spring.
No fines will be handed out to individual players who are violators of the new rules when games are played in 2 hours, 45 minutes or less, Manfred said.
"During these meetings, I have received great input from players," Manfred said. "That has caused us to make adjustments on our approach. The key to this (shortening of games) is player cooperation. We are enjoying great cooperation. If we play quick, who cares if a player gets a warning. I think that is a good thing."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
