Nearly a decade ago, Major League Baseball’s Diversity Pipeline Program was launched. It was an initiative focused on identifying and developing front office candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. After all these years, without issuing any public update, the MLB and Rob Manfred decided to remove the program’s website this March.

They also removed the word “diversity” from their “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” webpage. When the baseball world took notice, the league immediately issued a statement the next day. They emphasized that their values on diversity haven’t changed a bit; they’re just in the middle of evaluating their programs for any required modifications. They wanted the eligibility criteria to be met to ensure that all their programs align with federal law.

That time, Manfred didn’t address the removal of the word “diversity” from the MLB website. Now, we have his stance on the matter. “The diversity pipeline—let me say it this way. Sometimes, you have to look at how the world’s changing around you and readjust where you are. There were certain aspects of some of our programs that were very race and/or gender based.” He also added that he was aware that the citizens in Washington wanted MLB’s programs in such a way that they don’t trigger legal issues.

Manfred also pressed on how the league has always been on board with pushing for the values they’ve believed in. However, they wanted to do it carefully. “I believe I made the right decision,” he concluded.

Aside from the diversity pipeline issue, critics had also been pushing back on why, after all, he moved the All-Star game to Atlanta. Apparently, the annual midsummer classic was moved from Atlanta around four years ago. That was in response to Georgia’s controversial voting law. And now, in 2025, it returned to Atlanta. For the same, Manfred said, “I think the reason to come back here is self-review. Walk around here and see the level of interest, the level of excitement, the great facility, and the support this market has given to the Atlanta Braves and baseball generally. That’s a really, really good reason to come back here.”

Self-review? Still, Manfred didn’t state the reason for moving it in the first place. He vaguely answered by giving the reason for crowd energy and stadium quality. That didn’t quite add up. Now, he feels there’s another venue that fits perfectly for the All-Star game.

Red Sox wants to host the All-Star game; Rob Manfred on board

To be precise, it’s been twenty-six years since Boston hosted the MLB All-Star game. As it turns out, as of now, the Red Sox are reportedly interested in hosting it again at Fenway Park. Recently, Manfred provided an update on the odds of the Red Sox being the venue for the midsummer classic. According to Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe, Manfred has revealed the Red Sox’s interest in getting the All-Star game to Fenway Park. In response to that, Manfred has called Boston “a great venue.”

For the record, the Boston Red Sox have hosted the MLB All-Star game four times. Of those, the 1999 All-Star game is long remembered as one of the most memorable midsummer classics. That night, the greatest hitter of all time, Ted Williams, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

To set the records straight, the Philadelphia Phillies’ Citizens Bank Park will be hosting the 2026 Midsummer Classic. Then in 2027, the Cubs’ Wrigley Field is confirmed as the host. With 2028’s venue undecided, reports say it could be the Baltimore Orioles, the San Francisco Giants, or the Toronto Blue Jays. Now, since the Red Sox have also shown interest, it’ll be worth watching when they get their chance.

What’s your favorite city for the All-Star game?

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