Everyone has an opinion on why the All Star Game isn’t as popular anymore.  For some, it is due to the free agency because it allows players to shift leagues.  For others, Interleague Play has taken the fun out of the one time we see American Leaguers play National Leaguers.  Finally, there is a case the accessibility of games with cable and the internet takes some of the interest out of the All Star Game because you can see the best players of the game whenever you want.

Despite the passing interest, for me, it is always exciting when you see a young Mets player make his way to the All Star Game for the first time.

Back in 2006, we saw David Wright help launch himself into superstardom.  In his first ever All Star at-bat, he hit a homer.  In 2013, Matt Harvey got the the start before the home crowd, and he pumped up the home faithful with two scoreless innings.  It was Jacob deGrom‘s turn in 2015 when he became the story of that All Star Game striking out the side with just 10 pitches.

Now, it is Michael Conforto‘s turn.

The last time he was on a big stage was the 2015 World Series.  In that World Series, he was one of the best Mets on the field with a .333 batting average.  In Game Four, Conforto had seemingly propelled the Mets into tying the series hitting two home runs.  The point being Conforto will not shy away from being on the big stage.  This is his chance to once again make a name for himself.

What better time to do it than right now for the 24 year old budding star.  He will be on a field with the biggest names in the game.  Right now, Bryce Harper, Jose Altuve, Daniel Murphy, Buster Posey, Nolan Arenado, Chris Sale, Max Scherzer, Clayton Kershaw, and even Aaron Judge are his peers.  Like Wright, Harvey, and deGrom before him, Conforto has a chance to have a moment tonight that sets himself apart, to have the whole world take notice.

We know Conforto is capable.  We’ve seen him do it.  He has been great all year hitting .284/.403/.542 with 14 homers and 41.  That is why he is the youngest Mets outfielder to be named an All Star since Darryl Strawberry.  That is why I’ll be watching tonight.

Tonight can very well be Conforto’s moment, and I can’t wait to see it happen.