Time-honored MLB All-Star Game tradition returns for a special reason

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

We all have that friend that likes to claim that they know everything. But, the friends and family of baseball enthusiast Kevin McDaniel know that he did.

"He had a great memory," his daughter, Katelyn, said. "Almost like somebody that had a photographic memory."

In many ways, McDaniel was in a league of his own. He possessed an uncommon knowledge of baseball and an unreal collection of the sport's memorabilia. Over the years, he collected autographs, mementos and baseball cards from players all across the league: from Pete Rose's rookie card to signed photos of Ozzie Smith.

His collection could easily fill multiple rooms in any house, however, that's not the only thing that made him so memorable. In addition to his one of a kind love of America's past time, he also had a one of a kind spirit.

"When I think in my head if there could be a better dad out there, I don't think that one existed," Katelyn said. "He only ever gave out love and support and positivity, to really everybody. He just wanted to give and help anybody he ever could."

McDaniel was a pro at bringing people together. Over the years, his love of baseball spawned a now time-honored tradition: MLB All-Star parties. For one night, in Jefferson City, the baseball lover would gather with friends, family and anybody he knew that loved baseball during the All-Star Game.

Of course, they would all watch the game on TV, but it was more than that. The group ate, talked about baseball and enjoyed each other's company over the thing they all had in common. But, perhaps the most memorable part of the evening was McDaniel's trivia questions.

"Whatever it was, he'd give you a baseball card as the prize," McDaniel's friend Bruce Meister said. "It might be the answer to the question or it might've been your favorite player."

It's a beloved tradition that's lived on ever since the 1980s.

However, everything changed in August of 2023 when McDaniel passed away, unexpectedly.

"He was the most important person in my life...always," Katelyn said.

Family and friends said they will never forget McDaniel's giving nature and vibrant spirit, but they'll also never forget his love of baseball. Even at his funeral, America's past time was ever-present, with the playing of 'Take Me Out To The Ball Game,' as the final song.

McDaniel spent a lot of time giving and creating joy for other people. But, in his death, there is one last thing that his daughter wants to give to him.

"I haven't been able to afford to get my dad a headstone, yet. I won't be able to close that chapter, in a way, until I'm able to get him that," Katelyn said.

As she spent time sifting through her father's memorabilia, Katelyn came up with an idea.

"After thinking and going through the baseball collection for the last year and a half, I just thought how fund would it be if I were to take some of the pieces and do like a silent auction type thing at the barbecue," she said. "Maybe this could be a col way for me to also earn the money that I could put into getting dad a headstone, finally."

The idea blossomed from there, as family and friends are all set to attend the event at Memorial Park in Jefferson City, during the 2025 All-Star Game.

Katelyn has spent quite a bit of time organizing her dad's impressive collection, making sure to keep some of the particularly special pieces for her and her family. However, she said there should be something that everyone likes available for purchase, with special focus on the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals mementos.

She said it's an incredible feeling to go through the very things that meant so much to her dad. She can also imagine his reaction to her planning the same party that he once did.

"I can think of what he would say...it would just be, through tears, 'It's incredible, Katelyn. It's just incredible,'" she said. "He would just be blown away. I don't think he could've ever imagined it in his wildest dreams."

As McDaniel's friends and family gather together for the MLB All-Star Game fundraiser and silent auction, in his honor, on Tuesday night, they will be remembering the seat that sits empty.

"It's the greatest party he could ever imagine and the only thing that would be missing would be him," Katelyn said. "I'm sure that everyone will be able to feel him there because I'm sure he will be there so strongly in that moment."

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Memorial Park in Jefferson City. Katelyn said she plans to have an open donation jar at the barbecue for anyone who wants to come and stop by.

You can watch the full story on the return of this time-honored tradition on ABC 17 News at 10 p.m. on KMIZ, during sports.