In 1982, the Olympic Stadium welcomed the stars of Major League Baseball. It was the first time this mid-season classic was presented outside of the United States.

Thus, Montreal baseball fans were able to cheer on five of their favorites in the colors of the National League, namely Gary Carter, Andre Dawson, Tim Raines, Steve Rogers and Al "Scoop" Oliver. Manager Jim Fanning was there too.

Forty years later, the Blue Jays have also provided five athletes for the American League team. Tuesday evening, at the Dodgers stadium in Los Angeles, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Alejandro Kirk, Santiago Espinal, Canadian ace reliever Jordan Romano and Alek Manoah were at the rendezvous.

player of the match

Player of the Game Giancarlo Stanton of the New York Yankees hit a two-run homer that gave the American League its ninth straight victory over the National.

Stanton was very emotional during this game. For this star who grew up some 30 minutes from Ravine Chavez, it was a childhood dream that he realized. And he had 50 guests at the classic, including his dad who often took him to Dodgers games.

Upon receiving the Ted-Williams Trophy, awarded to the All-Star Game MVP, Stanton said he hit his home run in the bleacher section where he and his dad sat when they went to cheer on the Dodgers.

The game was like major league baseball with five walks, 22 strikeouts and three home runs.

Comfortable with Smoltz and Ortiz

Blue Jays star pitcher Alek Manoah was at the heart of one of the highlights of the night.

Those who follow the activities of the Toronto club are familiar with the Manoah phenomenon. This 24-year-old gunner is always demonstrative when he gets on the mound.

On Tuesday night, the Florida native lived up to his reputation. Microphone clipped to his uniform, it was simply sweet to hear him chat with Hall of Famer and former Atlanta Braves star pitcher John Smoltz.

Before executing his motion, Manoah asked US Network game analyst Smoltz what pitches he should use to retire batters on three strikes. Result: He hit a slugger on an ankle and knocked three elite sluggers to the dust.

Manoah's dream night continued in the dugout when David Ortiz, who will be inducted into Cooperstown next Sunday, mic in hand, stopped in front of him to ask how he would challenge him to bat. After hearing "with a fastball high and inside", "Big Papi" threw his arms up in the sky in a fit of laughter.

After the game, Manoah said he had hoped to face one of baseball's greatest players to retire at the end of this season, Albert Pujols. Unfortunately, he could not compete with this legend.

About Pujols, he came close to writing a Hollywood screenplay when he rolled up a ball that was caught at the warning track.

Fans have discovered a new star, not only thanks to his talent, but especially because of the breath of fresh air that Alek Manoah released.

Montoyo had to go

Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins took action last week. Faced with the team's failures, especially during the trip to Oakland and Seattle, and before the discontent set in in the media and among fans, he showed the door to manager Charlie Montoyo.

Bench coach John Schneider will lead the team for the remainder of the season.

"Charlie, Charlie" didn't deserve to be fired, but the Jays had to because nothing was working anymore, either in the dugout or on the field.

exciting races

The second half of the Major League Baseball schedule promises to be thrilling. The sprint towards the series has begun.

Just watching the New York Yankees. It's like a mighty F1 racing car that broke away from the peloton to go it alone towards the finish line.

Eighteen of the 30 teams are five games away from making the playoffs.

Yes, the series races are very interesting, as is the battle for individual honors.