Tracy present when All-Star Game changed forever

DENVER -- Jim Tracy has been on the National League coaching staff for two All-Star Games in his career, but it's the one that had major ramifications on the league that stands out the most.

Tracy, as manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, was a part of the infamous "tie game" in 2002 in Milwaukee, when the National League and American League called things off at 7-7 after both teams ran out of pitchers after 11 innings. Commissioner Bud Selig decided the next year's game would be for home-field advantage in the 2003 World Series, and it has been that way ever since.

"It changed the dynamics of the All-Star Game," said Tracy, who is in his fourth season as manager of the Colorado Rockies.

Tracy also coached in the 2006 All-Star Game, which was held in Pittsburgh. The American League won, 3-2, on a two-strike, two-run triple by Michael Young in the top of the ninth.

The 2012 All-Star Game will be played at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City on Tuesday, July 10. Come to MLB.com for extensive online coverage of the All-Star Week festivities.

The 83rd All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX Sports, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 200 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB Network and Sirius XM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com or royals.com/asg.

In 2008, Tracy watched at home as Aaron Cook pitched three innings of relief for the National League in a game that went 15 innings -- tied for the longest All-Star Game in league history. Tracy didn't know it yet, but he'd be hired as a Rockies bench coach a few months later and go on to coach and manage Cook for three years with Colorado.

"I had the utmost respect for that," Tracy said. "A proud moment for him, and a very happy moment."