SC NATIVE GETS STOLEN BASE, MEETS OBAMA

After a brief appearance from President Barack Obama, it was business as usual Monday night at the 2009 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

Before more than 46,000 fans, the American League pulled off its 12th straight Midsummer Classic win (not counting a 2002 tie) with a 4-3 victory at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo., securing home field advantage during the World Series in October.

The game’s MVP was Tampa Bay Rays Outfielder Carl Crawford, who took away a home run with an amazing catch in the bottom of the seventh inning that would have given the National League the lead. Instead, the AL capitalized in the next inning with what would prove to be the game-winning run.

South Carolina native Orlando Hudson, an All-Star game reserve from the Los Angeles Dodgers, got into the game as a pinch-hitter in the sixth inning.

Hudson flew out in that at-bat, but was able to steal a base after hitting a single in his second at-bat two innings later.

Despite getting into scoring position, though, Hudson did not make it home as the Philadelphia Phillies’ Ryan Howard struck out to end the inning.

For Hudson, who hails from Darlington, it was the All-Star Red Carpet Show that offered one of the night’s best experiences.

“The red carpet was unbelievable,” he said. “I was having fun with the fans, telling them that I would be back in a couple of weeks to sweep the Cardinals. It’s a beautiful setting the way baseball has set it up.”

Hudson also had an opportunity to meet Obama.

“I shook his hand and he signed me a ball and everything,” Hudson said. “Meeting Obama, he’s the man. I’m looking forward to meeting him again sometime soon.”