Major League Baseball marked the ceremonial start of All-Star Balloting for the 83rd All-Star Game, which will be held on Tuesday, July 10th at Kauffman Stadium, the home of the Kansas City Royals. Major League Baseball and the Royals hosted a press conference today at Kauffman Stadium, which to announce balloting will officially begin on Friday, April 20th, when the Royals host the Toronto Blue Jays.

MLB’s All-Star Balloting Program is the largest of its kind in professional sports, and last year produced a record-shattering total of 32.5 million ballots cast. More than 20 million All-Star ballots will be distributed at the 30 Major League ballparks, each of which will have 23 dates for balloting, and in approximately 100 Minor League ballparks. Also starting tomorrow, fans around the world can cast their votes for starters up to 25 times exclusively at MLB.com and all 30 Club web sites.

Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig said: “As we aim for another record year of All-Star Balloting, today’s festivities at Kauffman Stadium represent the beginning of our efforts to bring the excitement of the Midsummer Classic to the wonderful fans of Kansas City. Today’s players are carrying on the legacy of George Brett and the other greats of the game, and we are delighted to bring the All-Star Game to Kansas City for the first time since 1973.”