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The Pondering 10 - Favorite 2026 All-Star Break Things


It's hard to believe we're already at mid-season for the 2026 MLB season. 

With a potential looming lockout next season, there's some added incentive to appreciate all things baseball right now. With that said, I soaked up all of what the MLB All-Star break was this week. 

For what it was, it was a nice ode to the game. I enjoyed it, and lots to love about where baseball is going...except for the pending labor talks.

Regardless, here is the latest Pondering 10 - my favorite things for the 2026 All-Star Break.

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10. Uniforms

It's a small thing. However, Nike's attempt to invoke what we've seen in the takeover in the NBA with the MLB backfired. The previous All-Star jerseys were a disaster. Getting back to the fellas representing their teams is a visual that should always remain. Welcome back. 

PS - They tried to do something different with the hats...wasn't a fan. 



9. Netflix Presentation

I don't know what the overall viewership will be for Netflix. Netflix is very much in the live event space now, and this is one of those annual events that fits the portfolio. I'm not sure if it's a worldwide event. Nonetheless, for a first swing (see what I did there), the opening performances, the in-between inning shows and banter, the graphics...all of it. I enjoyed their presentation. 




8. Return of Some Old Faces

From Bellinger's MVP, to Mike Trout's return, to simply seeing Justin Verlander in a Tigers uni, there were some really cool vibes in having the game revisit and even close some stories for fans. 




7. Miguel Vargas Home Run

Not much offense in this All-Star Game. However, Vargas' home run stood out in a big way. An absolute tank. 


6. Murakami's Custom 11s 

Admittedly, I wanted to see Murakami take some swings in the HR Derby, then immediately fell in love with the dude's kicks. While he was hitting, I found myself on my phone wondering about Murakami's connection to the Jordan brand.

Mr. Murakami, I'm sorry. I was just not familiar with your game.





5. Junior Caminero's Show

I loved the HR Derby this year. There's always that dude who doesn't win it, but definitely gives you one round where he lays it all out. Caminero was that dude in 2026, including that 496ft bomb. 


4. Sandlot Tribute

This was cool. So well done...

We all had the vibes, capturing the beauty of baseball. 

Though, do kids even ride bikes to the field anymore? 


3. Dylan Cease Mic'd Up

I really enjoyed this version of being Mic'd Up. It felt less contrived, with more of a real connection with us, the viewers. I wouldn't mind seeing more of this in the All-Star Game in the years ahead. 

Hey Netflix, just my feedback.



2. HR Derby Format

It took a while for us to get here. From a format of outs to that of the timed event, we've landed nicely on swings. It's perfect. Keep it. 

Being able to admire the home runs and limit the data to just distance - not the over-analysis we got over the past few years - was refreshing. 




1. Jordan Walker Story

The derby walkoff was very cool. Especially, as a heel, in Philly.

However, I very much love the comeback story that is Jordan Walker. From being heralded as a big-time prospect, to carrying the "bust" label, to reinventing himself, and now a household name. We all got to meet Walker on this stage, and he seems like a likeable guy, with a great family. 

Great for baseball. Good stuff for Cardinals fans. 
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