Winnipeg hosts American Association's all-star game

Winnipeg is hosting this year's American Association All-Star Skills Competition, which got underway on Monday with fan festivities at Shaw Park.

The best players in the league are spending the next two days on the Winnipeg Goldeyes' home turf, demonstrating their skills on the field.

The event beganMonday afternoon with an All-Star Fan Fest, in whichplayers signed autographs and fans took in live entertainment and interactive displays.

Former Goldeyes pitcher Matt Rusch, who is now with the Trois-Rivires Aigles in Quebec, saidhe waslooking forward to Monday evening's skills competition.

"That's when we'll be joking around and having fun with each other," he said.

"But you know, once that game starts tomorrow, I think the competitive juices get flowing and I think I'll take it serious just like any other game."

On Tuesday, Team North will take on Team Southstarting at 7 p.m. Fanevents will be held throughout the day.

"Most of the time we come out here and it's all business, it's all serious," Rusch said.

"But we get these few opportunities to be able to play with the crowd and to play around with each other, so I think you'll see some good characters come out tonight."