SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 16 (UPI) -- Less than a year after baseball's All-Star Game went unresolved, the annual contest may take on more significance than ever.
Major League Baseball owners voted unanimously Thursday to give the league that wins the All-Star Game home-field advantage in the World Series.
The move must be approved by the MLB Players Association and it is by no means certain that it will do so.
The sport suffered a public relations disaster last July when the All-Star Game ended in an 11-inning tie.
"We really think this takes the All-Star Game to a level it deserves," Commissioner Bud Selig said. "And frankly, the people who are paying $200 a ticket and all the other costs involved also deserve it. I think the fans, once they see the game under these circumstances, will appreciate how good this can really be."
While the All-Star Game has had little impact on the national pastime, home-field advantage in the "Fall Classic" has been critical. All but two of the last 17 World Series champions have had home-field advantage and the last eight decisive Game 7s have been won by the home team.
