Not only was last night's All-Star victory, 4-3 in extra innings, the sixth in a row for the American League, part of a 12-game unbeaten streak that includes a tie game in 2002 and the third in a row by one run.
The AL dominance -- at least to this extent -- is inexplicable but the bottom line is clear. The home field advantage in the World Series has been owned by the American League since that prize has become the spoils of All-Star victory. Interestingly, since the AL won the home field as a result of the All-Star Game, it really hasn't been a huge factor in the world championships won by the American League. All three AL titles since 2003, two by Boston and one by the Chicago White Sox have been four-game sweeps. Not one series in that time has gone seven games.
The last seven-game series where arguably home field was a factor was 2002, the year the All- Star Game was a tie, and Anaheim had the home field under the previous model of alternating the advantage. The Angels beat the Giants in seven games winning the last two at home.
There's been much debate about the legitimacy of the All-Star Game deciding what could be a key factor in determining a championship. It is, after all, an exhibition. Managers manage differently to get as many players a chance to enjoy the limelight. But so far, the World Series home field advantage aspect of the July game has been a moot point. The season it becomes otherwise, the debate will certainly be renewed.
