Shining Stars

PHILADELPHIA: Tonight's Major League Baseball All-Star game may be the last to hold the mystery of National and American League players meeting for the first time. By next spring, interleague play, if approved by the players union, will be a regular part of baseball. Baltimore's Cal Ripken will have seen NL starting pitcher John Smoltz's best fastball; Cincinnati's Barry Larkin will know the break on AL starter Charles Nagy's curveball. Some players and fans, of course, fear the allure of the game may wear off if matchups like these aren't saved for All-Star games and the World Series. As for this year, some of the usual star power is missing. Ken Griffey Jr., Tony Gwynn and Matt Williams, all voted onto the team by the fans, have been sidelined by injuries. Roberto Alomar, Frank Thomas and Greg Maddux are also hurt and may miss the game. Despite the injuries, fans will still have plenty of stars to admire, including Barry Bonds, Mo Vaughn, Albert Belle and Mike Piazza. -- Josh Dubow