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.”
Ricky Bottalico spouts opinions each day on sports-talk radio and the Phillies' television pre- and postgame show. But before all that, he had a solid career as a relief pitcher, even representing the Phillies in the 1996 All-Star Game at Veterans Stadium. With the baseball world set to descend on Philly again in a few weeks, Ricky Bo joined "Phillies Extra" to re-live his All-Star experience. Watch here.
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