This year’s MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 15, will be the first All-Star appearance of Maui native Kurt Suzuki. Unfortunately, Suzuki will be the lone Hawaii All-Star headed to Target Field in Minneapolis, as Shane Victorino is still recovering from a hamstring injury.

Twenty-five first-timers will take the field. Two first-timers to keep an eye on are power hitter Jose Abreu, and all around fun player to watch, Yasiel Puig.

This will also be the final All-Star outing for 14-time All-Star Shortstop, Derek Jeter. Jeter leaves the game in good hands as the 2014 All-Star Game is jam packed with young stars, and should be a great display of what’s to come for the future of the game.

Tonight’s Home Run Derby will also feature a new format, moving away from the old 10 outs format to the new seven outs format with bracketed play after the first round. For more information on the recent changes, click here.

If you want to catch the game, here are a few of my favorite local sports bars:

  • Side Street Inn
    This is my go to spot for after hour’s drinks, and pupus (Hawaiian for tapas).  Side Street Inn has some of the best eats on the island, and the Kaimuki location has flat screens on every wall of the bar.  Great food, great atmosphere, and the best pork chops on the island.
  • Rivals
    Another local favorite is Rivals in Waikiki. I love the pizza here, and they also boast the largest whiskey collection in the state. Not to mention the large flat screen that runs above the bar.
  • Akoni’s Bar and Grill
    Worth checking out is Akoni’s Bar and Grill in Kalihi.  This place is known for its delicious local grinds, from garlic chicken to blackened Ahi.

The 2014 Homerun Derby will be held on Monday, July 14, on ESPN at 5:00 pm Hawaii Time.

The 2014 All-Star Game will be held on Tuesday, July 15, on FOX at 2:00 pm Hawaii Time.

Which All-Stars are you most excited to see play this year?

Photo Credit: Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com