Four former Smokies play in big league All-Star Game
Published on July 13, 2005 under Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release
DETROIT - Former Smokies' pitcher and starter Chris Carpenter's one shutout inning wasn't enough to sneak by the American League as Miguel Tejada took Braves' hurler John Smoltz deep in the second inning en route to a 7-5 National League loss in the 2005 edition of the All-Star game Tuesday night at Comerica Park in Detroit.
The American League earned home-field advantage for this year's World Series.
The Smokies saw five alumni attend and four compete in the midsummer classic. The Cardinals' Carpenter joined Los Angeles' Jeff Kent and Cincinnati's Felipe Lopez on the National League roster. Jason Isringhausen was selected to the team but did not play. Two former Smokies were selected to the AL side. Mike Young of Texas played for the American League, while an injury kept Roy Halladay of Toronto from seeing the field.
Former Smokies' skipper Tony LaRussa headed up the NL squad and fell just two runs short of his fourth All-Star game win, falling to 3-1 overall. LaRussa led the Knoxville Sox to the 1978 Southern League Championship as the team's first-half manager.
Both Young and Lopez collected hits in the Midsummer Classic, while Kent struck out. The Smokies' Chris Carpenter tossed one scoreless frame and allowed two American League batters to collect hits.
The Southern League was also well-represented in the Motor City. Mark Buehrle, formerly of Birmingham, picked up the win for the AL after pitching two innings, giving up just three hits and striking out three NL batters. Another former Barons' pitcher, Jon Garland walked two in his one inning appearance for the winning team.
The biggest star in the group of Southern League alumni was Miguel Tejada. The former Stars' infielder homered in the second inning against Smoltz to put the American League All-Stars on the board first. The AL shortstop collected two RBIs and went 1-for-3 at the plate and helped turn the first of a record five double plays, earning the game's MVP award.
Smoltz played for the Greenville Braves.
Tennessee returns home after the All-Star break and seven road games to face the Chattanooga Lookouts in a three game series at Smokies Park July 22-24. For tickets or information, call the Smokies at (865) 286-2300.
Southern League Stories from July 13, 2005
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- Four former Smokies play in big league All-Star Game - Knoxville Smokies
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