In our last E-Newsletter, we asked for your opinions about the fact that the All-Star Game determines the home field advantage for the World Series. Personally, I'm torn. I think the old way worked just fine…alternating years between the American League and the National League….and the All-Star Game IS supposed to be an exhibition. But, on the other hand, the fact that the game has some meaning causes the players to actually stick around for the whole game. I remember hearing about the players would who play their one or two innings and then actually leave the ballpark…maybe that's just old lore but it's what i've heard. There DOES seem to be a LOT more excitement about the game now. But I think that does come in waves. The All Star Game was a HUGE event in the 1970's and 1980's. It lost a little luster in the 1990's and I don't know why. I think Major League Baseball has done a great job of making it a real spectacle again. It's an amazing event! Anyway, you guys have a lot to say on this subject so take a look at the comments below…and keep those comments coming!

–Charles

I promise, this is my last blog about the All-Star Game, but it was such an incredible week. I was lucky to be invited to MLB Commissioner Bud Selig's suite to watch the game and sign some posters for his guests. What an honor…and everyone was so gracious! Mr. Selig was fantastic and of course, my friend Bob DuPuy was there. Billy Crystal shook my hand and stayed to watch the whole game. He's such a baseball fan! I met the owners of the Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, Texas Rangers, and more. Sheryl Crow was there but i think it was a little too crowded for her. She and Mr. Selig, along with actress Sarah Jessica Parker made an announcement during the game about a new MLB-supported initiative to raise money for cancer research. Learn more about it at www.standup2cancer.org.

–Charles

Hello Everyone! You can see highlights from Charles Fazzino's experiences during MLB All-Star Game Week on several websites including MLB.Com and Fox.Com. I'll post the links as i get them.

http://www.mlb.com/mlb/photogallery/standalone/year_2008/month_07/day_10/cf3110557.html

Chalres Fazzino Talks About his All-Star Game Artwork on MLB.com

We're four days into the MLB Fanfest at the Jacob Javits Center and it's been a blast. Being in our home town and sharing the all-star game with all of you has been an exciting experience. The “Big Hat” yankee helmet sculpture has been attracting a lot of attention and i've done interviews for mlb.com, ESPN, WFAN radio, Fox news, and more. It's been a lot of fun. Write to me and tell me about YOUR Fanfest experience.

–Charles

Last night, my All-Star Game artwork was unveiled at the Sports Museum of America downtown in New York City. It was an amazing night…and I met a few of you there. Thanks so much for joining me! It was great to see you there.

Bob DuPuy, the President of MLB, John Urban (CEO of the Sports Museum), Goose Gossage (former Yankee headed for the Hall of Fame), and Gene “Stick” Michael (Player, GM, Manager, Executive of the Yankees) joined me there….and Bruce Beck the great WNBC Sportscaster was the emcee for the evening. I can't say enough good things about the gentlemen that were there with me. Bob has been an incredible friend and I was honored not only for him to be there, but also to have the chance to announce our fundraising efforts for the MLB initiative “Welcome Home Veterans” with him….we'll be using my All-Star Game poster to benefit this incredible organization that helps war veterans AFTER they return home. It's a great effort to support. Learn more at www.web.welcomebackveterans.org.

Goose and “Stick” are two of my all-time favorite Yankee heros and Bruce Beck has also been a great friend, acting as emcee for several of my events, the last of which was a poster signing at J&R Music World with the Justin Tuck of the Super Bowl-winning NY Giants. He's a fantastic broadcaster and knows more about sports than anyone I've ever met.

The DHL All-Star Game Fanfest starts tomorrow and i'll be there everyday for a few hours. Come and see me there. You can get more information about it at www.MLB.com.

Have you heard about the new Sports Museum of America yet? It's a fabulous place and only recently opened….in downtown New York City…down by Wall Street. They asked me to create an original painting for them. It hangs in the Museum. I went down for the opening reception and I was impressed. It's almost like they took the highlights of every sports Hall of Fame and put them under one roof. It's interactive….great for kids….and I loved the flow of it.

I'm going to be there next Wednesday night at 6:30. They are hosting a cocktail reception to unveil my art for the MLB All-Star Game. Bob DuPuy, the President of MLB and Gene “Stick” Michael are going to be there with me. Gene is the only person to be a player, manager, and general manager for the Yankees. He's currently a Senior Advisor for the club.

I hope you can join me there. It's going to be a great event and a lot of fun…a great opportunity to see the new museum too.

You can rsvp for the event by sending an email to cfazzino@sportsmuseum.com or get more info on the museum at www.sportsmuseum.com