It will be the first All-Star Game for Petco Park and the third for San Diego -- the 1978 and 1992 editions having been played at what is now Qualcomm Stadium in Mission Valley.
The All-Star Game -- which has become affectionately known as the "Midsummer Classic" -- was started in 1933 after an initiative by Chicago Tribune sports editor Arch Ward.
Before 1933, the only time players from the National and American Leagues met was during the World Series. Many of baseball's top players went entire careers without ever facing the best players from the other league.