Thanks, but no thanks

Mike Schmidt acknowledges the crowd at the 1989 All-Star Game

Less than six weeks after playing in the final game of Hall of Fame career, Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Mike Schmidt 36 years ago today becomes the first retired player elected to start an All-Star Game.

The 39-year-old Schmidt says thanks, but no thanks, and leaves the New York Mets’ Howard Johnson to start at third base for the National League in its 5-3 loss at Anaheim.

Schmidt hits 548 home runs for the Phillies during his 18-year career that eventually leads him to the Hall of Fame.

In 12 of those 18 seasons, Schmidt is an All-Star, including the 1989 game that he attends but gives his playing time to Johnson.