One the great traditions of All Star Week is the All Star Parade. It is held early in the afternoon of the ASG. The parade begins at the hotel for the players and takes them to the ballpark for the game. It is a really fun way to see all the players up close prior to the big game. People begin lining up a couple of hours prior to the parade start, but we were able to find a nice spot about 40 minutes before the first truck.
So what do you do when you arrive early to the parade? Why, you read books about presidents and hold your newly purchased Starting Line-Up figures.
Figures of choice for the parade: Cal Ripken, Jr. and Barry Bonds.
The Waiting is the Hardest Part
Even this guy was getting anxious.
Mac’s favorite Quick Pitch Host – Heidi Watney
Finally!
The Players
Bryce Harper
Madison Baumgarner
Home Run Derby Champion, Todd Frazier
Chris Archer
The King, Felix Hernandez
ASG MVP, Mike Trout
Look who is finally coming!
America’s First Baseman . . . Paul Goldschmidt.
The Oldest Ever First Time All Star, AJ Burnett
Albert Pujols
The Mascots
This was actually one of the best parts of the parade.
The first arrivals were the home team representatives. The iconic Reds mascots.
Umm, we weren’t sure what to make of the White Sox “mascot”
Ladies and Gentlemen – the Phillie Fanatic
Meet the Mets . . .
Bernie the Brewer
Billy the Marlin
Even Money Ball was represented.
We love Orbit! 
Screech even made the trip. He was pulled part way through the parade by Matt Williams for a lesser unproven mascot.
Even the Rays were there . .
Hey Look! It a sockless Don Mattingly!
The façade of the player’s hotel.
