MLB Set for Second Annual All-MLB Awards Show in Las Vegas
This Thursday, Major League Baseball takes center stage at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas as it hosts its much-anticipated second annual All-MLB awards show. Scheduled for an 8 p.m. ET kickoff, the event promises to be a significant gathering for baseball's elite, blending current stars with living legends in a celebration of the sport's finest moments over the past year.
A Night of Recognition and Celebration
The awards show will encompass several distinguished accolades. Among the highlights are the All-MLB team awards, which recognize the best players across the league at each position. Additional honors include the Hank Aaron Awards, celebrating the top offensive performers in each league; the Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman Relievers of the Year awards, acknowledging the premier relief pitchers in both the American and National Leagues; and the Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter of the Year award. The Comeback Player of the Year award will also be presented, paying tribute to players who have reemerged as key contributors during the season.
A Star-Studded Gathering
In attendance will be a mix of baseball luminaries. Current players such as Mookie Betts, Dylan Cease, and Emmanuel Clase are expected to join the ranks of fans and fellow athletes. Meanwhile, former titans of the field like CC Sabathia, Andruw Jones, and Gary Sheffield will add an extra layer of history and prestige to the festivities.
Roy Wood Jr. Returns as Host
Roy Wood Jr. will reprise his role as the show's host, bringing his comedic prowess to baseball's grand evening for the second consecutive year. Reflecting on his debut as an MLB awards host, Wood shared, "I was just as nervous as the players are because you're not sure what you're getting into." Nevertheless, he described the experience as a fusion of award ceremony elegance with the warmth of a "family reunion that is all baseball." This year, he feels more poised: "So now, understanding and knowing what the energy and the vibe will be all week, I think I'm more equipped, from a comedic and hosting standpoint."
Balancing Comedy With Tradition
Speaking about his comedic approach, Wood emphasized the importance of connecting with the live audience: "I think that comedy, especially really good comedy, especially hosting, is about having a relationship with the audience. Not the viewers at home, the audience in the room." He aims to cater to the veterans in attendance, noting, "The veterans are cool with whatever." Notably, Wood fondly recalls how former stars Bartolo Colon and Fred McGriff took his jokes in stride.
This year, Wood plans to start his monologue with nods to "some of the retired players and some of the more established players," highlighting icons like Ken Griffey, Sheffield, and CC Sabathia. "If I can make a Nick Swisher joke, I will be on Cloud Nine," he remarked, underscoring his enthusiasm for crafting relatable humor.
Building a Tradition
Wood's aspirations extend beyond delivering laughs; he envisions the event becoming an annual, must-attend gathering for the baseball community: "I can't speak for MLB, but my hope is this becomes the type of class reunion/graduation vibe event every year for the players." As the host, Wood views his role as foundational, stating, "As a host, I get to play a role in laying the foundation. So I don't take that lightly."
With its unique blend of celebration, humor, and nostalgia, the All-MLB awards show is poised to become a cherished tradition. As the baseball world converges in Las Vegas, fans can look forward to a night that honors the game and bridges generations of its formidable athletes.