Che-Hsuan Lin was still sitting at his locker long after the Futures Game ended, having a bite to eat and grinning with teammates from all over the globe.

He and many of the awe-struck minor leaguers were in no hurry to leave Yankee Stadium yesterday as they soaked in their moment on baseball's biggest stage. But it's the Boston Red Sox, in particular, who are beginning to feel right at home during All-Star week.

Lin, a 19-year-old Red Sox prospect, hit a two-run homer and nine World team pitchers combined on a three-hitter for a 3-0 victory over the United States.

"It's one of the best memories of my life and my whole career," the Taiwanese outfielder said through a translator.

The 10th annual young-talent showcase began a much-hyped farewell to Yankee Stadium, with tomorrow's All-Star game highlighting the grand ballpark's final season.

First-place Boston, fierce rival to the hometown New York Yankees, will be well-represented. Seven Red Sox made the American League squad, to be managed by Boston's Terry Francona after his club won its second World Series title in four seasons last year.

Lin earned the MVP award won previously by Alfonso Soriano, Jose Reyes and Grady Sizemore.

The half-filled crowd wasn't impressed, chanting "Let's Go Yankees" and booing Lin — as it would anyone in a Red Sox cap — while he was interviewed on television near the mound after the final out.

"If I become a big leaguer, they won't love me," Lin said. "It's a tradition of being respected."

ELSEWHERE

All-Stars: The Chicago Cubs tied the National League record for most players on an All-Star team when Carlos Marmol was selected yesterday to replace teammate Kerry Wood, becoming the eighth player picked for the team. Marmol was chosen because he was the reliever with the highest vote on the player ballot. He is the only pitcher in the game who isn't a starter or a closer.

Cardinals: Longtime St. Louis coach Dave Ricketts, who played on their 1967 World Series championship team, died early yesterday. He was 73. Ricketts' family informed the Cardinals, who were playing in Pittsburgh, of his death. He had been battling cancer and living in St. Louis. Ricketts played college basketball at Duquesne, averaging 17.9 points and shooting 86.2 percent from the free throw line in 1956-57.

Reds: Cincinnati leadoff hitter Jerry Hairston had to be carried off the field after straining his right hamstring running out a bunt single against Milwaukee yesterday. Hairston will have an MRI in Cincinnati today.