MLB All-Star Game Moved From Atlanta Due to New Election Bill

Major League Baseball announced Friday that the annual All-Star Game, being held in Atlanta this year, would be moved from its original location. This change by the MLB is due to a new Georgia voting law that would, according to ESPN, “unfairly limits access to the ballot box, especially for people of color.” In addition to the annual All-Star Game, the 2021 MLB Draft will also be moved out of Georgia.

At the time of the announcement, the MLB has not announced a replacement venue for the two events, but Manfred clarified that the new host city would be announced soon.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, in his public statement about the change, clarified that this decision was made after discussions with many different parties.

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“Over the last week, we have engaged in thoughtful conversations with Clubs, former and current players, the Players Association, and The Players Alliance, among others, to listen to their views,” Manfred said. “I have decided that the best way to demonstrate our values as a sport is by relocating this year’s All-Star Game and MLB Draft.”

The MLB, which was one of the first major sports leagues to take a stance during last summer’s social unrest, was quick to take a stand after the Georgia bill was passed.

“I have decided that the best way to demonstrate our values as a sport is by relocating this year’s All-Star Game,” Manfred said.

In a statement responding to the MLB’s decision, the Atlanta Braves noted that they were “deeply disappointed.”

After last year’s baseball season was postponed and put into a bubble, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the MLB has now seen a return to near-normalcy. This week signified “Opening Day” for all 30 clubs. Some of which, including the Atlanta Braves, are in the process of raising capacity to 50% either now or later in the month.