Major League Baseball (MLB) Commissioner Rob Manfred announced last week that the 2024 All-Star Game will be hosted in Atlanta, Georgia. This decision comes after the league’s controversial move to relocate the 2021 All-Star Game from the state due to disagreements over Georgia’s voting laws.
Commissioner Manfred expressed the belief that the team deserves the honor of hosting the All-Star Game, stating, “As a model of success on and off the field, the Braves deserve to host the All-Star Game.”
The Braves had initially been selected to host the 2021 event, but the venue was shifted to Colorado by Commissioner Manfred, citing concerns over Georgia’s voting laws, specifically Senate Bill 202 (SB202). Manfred said in a statement that the relocation of the All-Star Game was MLB’s best way to demonstrate its values as a sport.
SB202, which required voters to show identification, faced criticism from the left, with opponents, including President Joe Biden, labeling it as “Jim Crow 2.0.” The argument was centered on the notion that requiring identification disproportionately impacted non-white voters, particularly in urban areas.
“Major League Baseball fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box. In 2020, MLB became the first professional sports league to join the non-partisan Civic Alliance to help build a future in which everyone participates in shaping the United States. We proudly used our platform to encourage baseball fans and communities throughout our country to perform their civic duty and actively participate in the voting process. Fair access to voting continues to have our game’s unwavering support.”
MLB statement in 2021 in response to Georgia’s new voting laws
Ironically, the Braves clinched the World Series title in 2021, showcasing their prowess on the field, despite the controversy surrounding the All-Star Game location. Now, with the 2024 All-Star Game slated to return to Atlanta, the decision signals a recognition of the team’s success and a potential shift in the league’s stance on the state’s voting laws.
