Phillies fans can close their eyes and see it all in their dreams: Ryan Howard’s powerful swing sending a homer cascading into the upper decks; Jimmy Rollins slashing a ball to the gap; Shane Victorino – the Flyin’ Hawaiian – going all out to make a diving catch.
These moments no longer need to live on just in dreams, though: On July 12th – Sunday night of All-Star Week – Howard, Victorino and Rollins will return to Citizens Bank Park and suit up in their Phillies gear once again. They won’t be there in an honorary role, though; they’ll be taking part as team captains for MLBx: All-Star 3-on-3s, a three-on-three modified home run derby where players earn points for home runs and defensive plays – with bonus points available on target hits and on the "hot streak."
“To be part of MLB All-Star Week is always special, but getting the chance to lead a team in my old home with this new event is going to be a lot of fun,” Howard said. “Phillies fans appreciate competition and entertainment, and that’s what MLBx is.”
For those who haven’t seen MLBx before, it’s a 3-on-3, high-energy, co-ed competition where players need to bash homers at the plate and rob them in the field. Each player will have one two-minute at-bat during a three-inning game, while the opposing team will set up their three players in the outfield. Teams earn a point for each home run and a point for each catch. Bonus points can be earned by hitting balls through a center-field target placed above the outfield fence or calling for a hot streak of five swings where offensive and defensive points count double. At the end of a game, the team with the most points wins.
“MLBx is a fresh take on baseball that still highlights the skills fans love to see – power, defense and big moments,” Rollins said. “Doing it in Philadelphia with this group makes it even more exciting.”
While the three Phillies stars will captain teams, a former Phillies rival will soon be announced as the captain of the fourth team to round out the bracket-style contest. They, along with the rest of the participants, will be announced soon.
“There’s going to be a ton of energy around this event,” Victorino said. “It’s quick, competitive and built for fans to stay engaged the whole time. I’m excited to be back representing Philadelphia during All-Star Week.”
Tickets for All-Star Sunday, which will include the All-Star Futures Game and MLBx, will go on sale on Wednesday, May 27 at AllStarGame.com. Follow @mlbxofficial or visit MLB.com/MLBx for the latest updates.