the 51st All-Star Game features J.R. Richard (10-4) and Steve Stone (12-3) as the starters. Ken Griffey wins the MVP

On July 8, 1980 — At Dodger Stadium, the 51st All-Star Game features J.R. Richard (10-4) and Steve Stone (12-3) as the starters, with Richard going just two innings because of various back and shoulder problems he’s been having. Richard becomes the first Astro to be the starting pitcher in an All-Star Game. He fans three in two innings of work

The National League battles back to win its 9th consecutive Midsummer Classic, 4 – 2, pinning the loss on Dodger defector Tommy John. Reds outfielder Ken Griffey goes 2 for 3 with a solo home run to win the game’s MVP Award. While the short stint causes no pain in his tired right arm, Richard plans to have Dr. Frank Jobe examine it while he’s in Los Angeles.@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90YWdzIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiTGVhcm4gTW9yZSBhYm91dCB0aGUgdGVhbXMsIHBsYXllcnMsIGJhbGwgcGFya3MgYW5kIGV2ZW50cyB0aGF0IGhhcHBlbmVkIG9uIHRoaXMgZGF0ZSBpbiBoaXN0b3J5IC0gLSAtIC0gLSAtIC0gIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJsaW5rX3RvX3Rlcm1fcGFnZSI6Im9uIiwic2VwYXJhdG9yIjoiIHwgIiwiY2F0ZWdvcnlfdHlwZSI6InBvc3RfdGFnIn19@