MLB All-MLB Awards Show Returns for a Second Year
Major League Baseball is set to roll out the red carpet at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas this Thursday for the second annual All-MLB Awards Show, beginning at 8 p.m. ET. The event promises to be a gathering of both current and former legends of the game, celebrating another exciting season of baseball achievements and milestones.
A Night of Celebration
This highly anticipated event will feature the presentation of several prestigious awards, including the All-MLB team awards, the Hank Aaron Awards, the Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman Relievers of the Year awards, the Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter of the Year award, and the Comeback Player of the Year award. All eyes will be on who takes home these honors as the baseball community comes together to acknowledge outstanding performances on the diamond.
Star-Studded Attendees
The attendee list boasts an impressive array of talent, both past and present. Current stars such as Mookie Betts, Dylan Cease, and Emmanuel Clase are expected to grace the event, alongside retired greats like CC Sabathia, Andruw Jones, and Gary Sheffield. This unique mix offers the promise of a night filled with nostalgia, as well as a celebration of today's talents.
Roy Wood Jr. Brings His Comedic Flair
Back by popular demand, comedian Roy Wood Jr. will once again take center stage as the host of the awards show. Having made his debut as an MLB awards host last year, Wood is set to bring his unique comedic style to the event. Reflecting on his hosting duties, Wood expressed the crucial role 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 observed.
Wood recalls being just as nervous as the players last year as he navigated the nuances of hosting such a prominent event. "I was just as nervous as the players are because you're not sure what you're getting into," he admitted. However, the experience turned out to be quite rewarding, likening it to "an awards ceremony mixed with a family reunion that is all baseball."
A Comedic and Nostalgic Monologue
Drawing from his experience last year, Wood feels more prepared to entertain the audience this time around. "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," he noted. His monologue this year will delve into references both familiar and new, spanning the eras of baseball with nods to both retired and active players.
Willing to push the comedic envelope, Wood highlighted the coolness of players, past and present, with jokes. "The veterans are cool with whatever," he shared, adding, "Bartolo Colon was cool with every joke. Fred McGriff was cool with every joke." This warmth and acceptance from the players give Wood the creative freedom to craft a monologue that resonates with the entire room.
Preparing for a monologue that pays homage to baseball's storied history, he mentioned, "Even when you look at the actual monologue that I'm starting with this year, we're starting with some of the retired players and some of the more established players." Celebrating the presence of the "old guard," Wood is eager to engage legends like Ken Griffey Jr., Gary Sheffield, and CC Sabathia sitting in the audience. Enthusiastically, he added, "If I can make a Nick Swisher joke, I will be on Cloud Nine."
A Vision for the Future
Roy Wood Jr.'s vision for the awards show reflects a deeper hope 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," he said. Acknowledging his role in shaping this atmosphere as the host, he emphasized, "As a host, I get to play a role in laying the foundation. So I don't take that lightly."
This year's All-MLB Awards Show is shaping up to be a celebration of both athletic prowess and camaraderie, offering a rare gathering that spans generations of baseball excellence. Expect a night filled with laughter, accolades, and memories as the baseball world converges on Las Vegas for a truly special occasion.