Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino to play in 3-on-3 game during All-Star Week
The former Phillies will be “captains” for MLBx, a three-on-three competition on July 12 after the Futures Game.
The gang is getting back together.
Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, and Shane Victorino — three authors of one of the greatest eras in Phillies history — will play again at Citizens Bank Park as part of the festivities leading to Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game.
The former Phils will be “captains” for MLBx, a three-on-three competition on July 12 after the Futures Game. All three will have their own team of three with the fourth team captained by a “former Phillies rival.” The event’s other players have yet to be announced.
“To be part of MLB All-Star Week is always special,” Howard said in a statement. “But getting the chance to lead a team in my old home with this new event is going to be a lot of fun.”
» READ MORE: MLB announces full schedule for All-Star week in Philadelphia
The league describes MLBx as “a high-energy, coed competition that combines the excitement of power hitting with the athleticism of defensive plays.” Each player will have one two-minute at-bat during the three-inning game. During the at-bat, the opposing team aligns their players in the outfield, and the batter hits from a stage. A batter can earn bonus points by hitting targets in the outfield.
“MLBx is a fresh take on baseball that still highlights the skills fans love to see: power, defense, and big moments,” Rollins said in a statement. “Doing it in Philadelphia with this group makes it even more exciting.”
MLBx is a new addition to MLB’s All-Star Week and replaces the Celebrity All-Star Game. The league tested it at minor league and college parks and at their international events.
“There’s going to be a lot of energy around this event,” Victorino said in a statement. “It’s quick, competitive, and built for fans to stay engaged the whole time. I’m excited to be back representing Philadelphia during All-Star Week.”
Tony Gwynn Jr. is a former major league outfielder and son of late Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn. Over the last two years, he got to know new Phillies second baseman Luis Arraez, whose contact skills at the plate often draw comparisons to Gwynn. Tony Jr. joined Phillies Extra to discuss his father, Arraez, and the bonds that connect them. Watch here.
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