Washington Nationals’ Bryce Harper is youngest position player to appear in an All-Star Game - MLB
As the National League All-Star Manager Tony La Russa declares the Washington Nationals’ outfielder Bryce Harper as replacement for the Miami Marlins’ right-fielder Giancarlo Stanton, he makes history with this announcement.
Harper can now boast being the only position player in the history of baseball who is appearing in an All-Star game at such a young age.
However, it has not been an easy ride for him.
Harper was short of winning enough votes in the ‘Final Vote’ balloting for earning the spot. Despite being touted as one of the favourites, final results saw him out of contention.
That had come at a grave disappointment of the Nationals' fans, who wanted to witness their flamboyant 19-year-old becoming part of the high-profile game.
Meanwhile, the Nationals' General Manager Mike Rizzo was hopeful of Harper’s entry in the ASG, in-spite of the fact that results of the ‘Final Vote’ had been revealed.
He was of the view that likelihood of injuries to some of the players, who were on the ASG roster, would keep the chances of Harper alive.
Interestingly enough, what he hinted turned out true, with Stanton’s sore knee becoming a serious problem and making way for Harper.
Right now, Harper is excited for the festivities on July 10. He takes pride in being the youngest position player to have achieved such an incredible laurel. More than being the youngest player, luxury of having star players around him on ASG day is something
Harper is extremely enthusiastic about.
“I’m just excited to get there and just have a good time,” Harper said. “Pretty cool.” … “I think it’s exciting to go, and I’m excited to get there and be around all the top guys in baseball, of course. I’m just going to take it all in, try to enjoy it with
the family and try to just be as mellow and calm as I can.”
With Harper being named, the Nationals can be proud of the fact that they have four players making it to the All-Star team this year. Although Ian Desmond has been withdrawn now, it remains a great achievement for the organisation.
Similarly, the manager Davey Johnson will be content with his efforts and will be happy that they are bearing fruit.
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