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“Well, there’s a little competition obviously. But I don’t think it’s as competitive as when we square off from 60 feet, 6 inches,” D-backs pitcher Zac Gallen said.
NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. — All eyes turned to Fred McGriff. On the first tee at the renowned Shadow Creek Golf Course, McGriff’s group of four golfers had just embarked on a best-ball tournament as part of baseball’s inaugural All-MLB Weekend presented by MGM Rewards. The group’s first two shots had gone wayward. Now, it was McGriff’s turn, and his group needed a big shot.
Clutch as ever, the longtime first baseman grabbed an iron, uncorked that smooth, left-handed swing, and a few moments later, his ball settled squarely in the middle of the fairway.
“That,” shouted Braves third baseman Austin Riley, playing alongside McGriff, “is a Hall of Fame swing right there.”
“I should shut it all down right now,” McGriff, the newly minted Hall of Famer, laughed back.
In total, a dozen former and current players took part in Friday’s golf outing, alongside a handful of members and MGM casino guests. It marked the latest event in a series of them for the inaugural All-MLB Weekend, as players arrive in Las Vegas for Saturday’s main event: the unveiling of the 2023 All-MLB Teams at HyperX Arena.
“It’s cool,” said Riley. “Any time you can get together, even if you’re obviously not playing ball, but just to celebrate the years guys have had, it’s always a great honor. I hope everybody takes it in and enjoys it.”
The All-MLB Team Show presented by MGM Rewards will air at 8 p.m. ET Saturday on MLB Network. This year marks the fifth edition of baseball’s All-MLB Teams, which honor the best players at every position. But it’s the first year with an entire weekend dedicated to the event.
The weekend began Thursday night with an exclusive dinner at Rivea, a restaurant atop the Delano Hotel. For many of the All-MLB nominees in attendance, Friday’s golf outing was a highlight.
“To come out to a place like this, me being an avid golfer, it’s definitely a privilege for sure,” said D-backs right-hander Zac Gallen.
Shadow Creek Golf Course is widely regarded as one of the nation’s top courses.
So Friday’s event wasn’t exactly the fiercest competition the course has ever seen.
