Bill Plaschke: Welcome to Baseball USA — where the All-Star Game should always be played

The most impactful player in baseball history grew up here, Jackie Robinson learning his craft on the sandlots of Pasadena just up the road from Chavez Ravine.

His childhood house has been torn down, but you can still pay homage to a plaque that has been placed at his Pepper Street address.

Welcome to Baseball USA.

The most impactful pitcher in baseball history took the mound here, Fernando Valenzuela arriving from the tiny Mexican village of Etchohuaquila to throw a screwball, stare at the sky, and help mend the fractured bond between the city's large Latino community and its baseball team.

Valenzuela has long since retired, but you can still see him in an announcer's booth at Dodger Stadium, view his influence in the team's largely Latino fan base, and hear him cheered as if Fernandomania is forever.

Welcome to Baseball USA.

One of the greatest moments in baseball history happened here, limping Kirk Gibson's home run against unhittable Dennis Eckersley in 1988 still alive and coursing through the