Tagged: All Star Game
Brewers Announce “Timeless Ticket”
So this is pricey, but it’s also awesome. Any Brewers game at Miller Park. Guaranteed ticket.
And you can buy “companion” tickets at box office prices to be able to go with friends who don’t have a grand to drop on the timeless ticket alone?
Anybody want to chip in for a present for your favorite unpaid MLBlogs.com Brewers blogger?
What follows is the official press release along with some publicity photos so you know what you can expect.
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Limited Edition Brass Ticket can be Redeemed for one Future Brewers Home Game
For the Brewers fan who wants the ultimate gift, the Milwaukee Brewers today are offering a limited edition Timeless Ticket that guarantees a ticket to one future Brewers home game, including any Postseason game.
The Timeless Ticket will consist of a brass ticket personalized with an engraving of the owner’s name.
Only 1,000 of the items will be produced. Additional facts about the Timeless Ticket:
- Each ticket is individually numbered, comes complete with a certificate of authenticity and is packaged in a specially-designed gift box.
- Each ticket is authenticated by Major League Baseball and includes its own registered ID number under the MLB Authentication program.
- The ticket weighs approximately one pound, is 6.25” by 3.5,” and sits in a wood display base.
- The cost of the ticket (which includes the brass engraved ticket and the actual ticket to the game of the owner’s choosing) is $1,000.
This unique opportunity allows the owner to redeem their Timeless Ticket for an actual ticket to any single future Brewers game at Miller Park, whether it’s in 2015 or 2050 or whether it is Opening Day or the 7th game of the World Series.
To redeem the ticket, the owner just needs to contact the Brewers Box Office with their unique Timeless Ticket information as well as a photo ID and the date of the game he or she would like to attend. After redemption, the owner of the Timeless Ticket will keep the personalized brass statue to display. In addition, Timeless Ticket holders may purchase up to three additional companion tickets for the redeemed game at the single game box office price.
All ticket redemptions are subject to availability and owners of the Timeless Ticket are advised to contact the Brewers Box Office with their selected game as early as possible. Redemptions for the Timeless Ticket will be become available once dates for public ticket sales have been announced.
Fans may purchase the Timeless Ticket by calling 414-902-4609, or by sending an email to BrewersTeamStore@Brewers.com.
Brewers Get Four All-Stars on Selection Sunday
The Milwaukee Brewers today had four players selected to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. It marks only the fifth time in franchise history that the team has had four All-Stars. Center fielder Carlos Gomez (starter), third baseman Aramis Ramirez (starter), catcher Jonathan Lucroy and pitcher Francisco Rodriguez will represent the Brewers at this year’s Midsummer Classic, which will be played at Target Field in Minnesota on Tuesday, July 15 at 7pm CT.
In addition to the 2014 season, the Brewers had four All-Star selections in 1980 (Cecil Cooper, Paul Molitor, Ben Oglivie and Robin Yount), 1982 (Cooper, Rollie Fingers, Oglivie and Yount), 1983 (Cooper, Oglivie, Ted Simmons and Yount) and 2007 (Francisco Cordero, Prince Fielder, J.J. Hardy and Ben Sheets). The Brewers have multiple All-Star starters for the seventh time (1980, 1982, 1983, 2007, 2010, 2011 and 2014).
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Gomez, 28, has been selected to his second All-Star Game and first as a starter. He was a first-time All-Star last season. Gomez finished second among National League outfielders in fan voting (4,068,745), trailing only the Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen (4,519,440) and just ahead of the Dodgers’ Yasiel Puig (4,059,746). He is batting .299 with 13 HR and 45 RBI in 80 games this season.
Ramirez, 36, has been selected to his third All-Star Game and second as a starter. He started the 2005 All-Star Game as an injury replacement for Scott Rolen. He was also an All-Star in 2008. Ramirez had 2,318,611 votes in fan balloting, finishing ahead of the Mets’ David Wright (1,979,883). He is batting .287 with 11 HR and 41 RBI in 63 games this season.
Lucroy, 28, has been selected to his first All-Star Game. He was selected via the player vote, finishing first among National League catchers with 420 votes. Lucroy is batting .329 with 9 HR and 44 RBI in 82 games this season. He entered today’s game leading the National League in multi-hit games (31) and among the league leaders in batting average (2nd), doubles (2nd), hits (T3rd), on-base percentage (4th), slugging percentage (5th), OPS (5th) and extra-base hits (5th).
Rodriguez, 32, has been selected to his fifth All-Star Game. He was also an All-Star in 2004, 2007 and 2008 with the Angels and in 2009 with the Mets. Rodriguez was selected via the player vote, finishing second among National League relievers with 138 votes, trailing only the Braves’ Craig Kimbrel (190). He is 3-2 with a 2.34 ERA and 27 saves in 42 appearances this season while holding opponents to a .187 batting average. His 27 saves tied Kimbrel for the Major League lead entering today’s game.
2014 NL All-Star Balloting Update 3
In the third update of National League voting totals for the 2014 MLB All-Star Game, Carlos Gomez has jumped two positions to move into third place among NL outfielders in the league’s tightest race with 1,192,174 votes. He is less than 67,000 votes behind Giancarlo Stanton (1,259,047) for second place. Yasiel Puig currently leads all NL outfielders with 1,472,717 votes.
Gomez ranks among the National League leaders in a number of offensive categories, including slugging percentage (4th, .554), total bases (4th, 128), extra-base hits (T-4th, 31), runs (T-5th, 42), doubles (T-5th, 17), batting average (7th, .307), home runs (T-8th, 12) and stolen bases (T-10th, 11). He is one of three players in the majors with at least 10 home runs and 10 stolen bases this season, joining Colorado’s Charlie Blackmon and Minnesota’s Brian Dozier.
Ryan Braun, one of 10 National League players with more than one million votes, is sixth among outfielders with 1,058,680 votes in the tightly-contested outfield race. Jonathan Lucroy remains third among National League catchers with 771,313 votes, trailing the Cardinals’ Yadier Molina and the Giants’ Buster Posey. Lucroy is among NL leaders in multi-hit games (T-1st, 24), doubles (T-2nd, 23), batting average (3rd, .335), hits (4th, 75), on-base percentage (6th, .398) and slugging percentage (10th, .500).
Jean Segura (567,481 votes) ranks third at shortstop, Aramis Ramirez is now fourth among NL third basemen (615,597 votes) and Khris Davis (459,771 votes) moved up a spot to 13th in the outfield.
Balloting at Miller Park continues through this Sunday, June 15, comprising 23 home dates. Fans can vote for the Major League All-Stars online at Brewers.com through Thursday, July 3 at 10:59pm CT.
Brewers fans have the well-earned reputation for filling the ballot boxes with All-Star votes for Milwaukee Brewers players year in and year out. With at least one Brewers player elected to start in five of the last seven All-Star Games since 2007, Milwaukee fans demonstrated that it doesn’t take the largest market to be heard as they voted for their favorite Brewers in almost unheard of numbers.
This season, eight Brewers players are featured on the ballot for the 85th Major League Baseball All-Star Game to be held on Tuesday, July 15 at Target Field in Minneapolis. Brewers fans will again have the opportunity to show their overwhelming fan support by helping decide which players will be named to the Midsummer Classic through the 2014 MLB In-Stadium All-Star Balloting Program and the 2014 All-Star Game MLB.com Ballot.
Brewers players on this year’s All-Star ballot include C Jonathan Lucroy, 1B Mark Reynolds, 2B Rickie Weeks, 3B Aramis Ramirez, SS Jean Segura, OF Ryan Braun, OF Carlos Gomez and OF Khris Davis.
At Brewers.com, all fans voting 21 or more times for their favorite Brewers will be entered into a drawing to win a prize package that includes: four Field Box tickets to a mutually agreed-upon game, an opportunity to go down Bernie’s slide (restrictions apply), an opportunity to watch batting practice that day from the field and a meet and greet with five-time All-Star Ryan Braun. There is a maximum of 25 votes per email address. More information and rules may be found at Brewers.com. Additionally, fans voting online will be eligible to purchase Field Outfield and Club Outfield seats for select Brewers games at a savings of up to 50% (details available after voting at Brewers.com).
Those visiting Miller Park are encouraged to vote early and often via paper ballot at the All-Star Polling District, set up during Brewers home games along the first base concourse. In-park balloting at Miller Park continues through Sunday, June 15, comprising 23 home dates. The Vote Brewers! campaign features event staff decked out at home games in promotional t-shirts, and signage along the Miller Park fascia and behind the plate. In addition, media partners FOX Sports Wisconsin and Newsradio 620 WTMJ will be promoting the initiative on broadcasts, and the World Famous Klement’s Racing Sausages will help distribute voting information around the city. There will also be voting parties staged during the balloting period.
With every 10 ballots turned in to the All-Star Polling District, fans will receive one raffle ticket that will enter them in a drawing for the opportunity to win a collector’s item daily, ranging from game-used memorabilia to player autographs. A drawing will be held during every home game through June 15 and the winning ticket will be announced during the game. Rules will be available at the Polling District.
Last season, Gomez and Segura represented the Brewers at the Midsummer Classic. Ryan Braun narrowly missed being elected a starter for the 2012 MLB All-Star Game after finishing fourth in voting among National League outfielders to Matt Kemp of the Los Angeles Dodgers by just over 100,000 votes. Braun was later named a starter to replace the injured Kemp.
In 2011, Braun led National League outfielders in voting for the fourth straight season and led all NL players in voting for the first time (5,928,004). He is the only Brewers player to ever be elected to start in four consecutive All-Star Games (did not play in 2011 due to injury). Rickie Weeks was selected to his first All-Star Game as the NL’s starting second baseman and Prince Fielder started and made his third All-Star appearance in 2011. In 2010, Braun and Corey Hart started for the Brewers (Hart was named as a starter after an injury to Atlanta’s Jason Heyward).
In 2009, Braun and Fielder joined Trevor Hoffman as All-Stars. In addition to Braun in 2008, Hart was named that year to the National League All-Star team via the Monster All-Star Final Vote. In 2007, Fielder received the second-most votes in the National League en route to his first career All-Star team, becoming the first Brewers player to be voted to the All-Star Game since Paul Molitor was selected at third base in 1988. A complete list of All-Stars in franchise history can be found on page 285 of the 2014 Brewers media guide.
Both the National League and American League teams will have eight fan-elected starters. The pitchers and reserves for both will be determined through a combination of “Player Ballot” choices and selections made by the two All-Star managers.
Official Release: The 2014 “VOTE BREWERS!” Campaign Starts Today
Online Brewers.com Fan Balloting and Miller Park Firestone Voting Begins Today; Participating Entrants Will Have the Opportunity to Win Unique Prizes
Brewers fans have the well-earned reputation for filling the ballot boxes with All-Star votes for their favorite players. With at least one Brewers player elected to start in five of the last seven All-Star Games since 2007, Milwaukee fans demonstrated that it doesn’t take the largest market to be heard as they voted for their hometown Brewers in almost unheard of numbers.
And while it may still be April, it’s time to ramp up and Vote Brewers! This season, eight Milwaukee Brewers players are featured on the ballot for the 85th Major League Baseball All-Star Game to be held on Tuesday, July 15 at Target Field in Minneapolis. Brewers fans will again have the opportunity to show their overwhelming fan support by helping decide which players will be named to the Midsummer Classic through the 2014 MLB In-Stadium All-Star Balloting Program and the 2014 All-Star Game MLB.com Ballot.
Brewers players on this year’s All-Star ballot include C Jonathan Lucroy, 1B Mark Reynolds, 2B Rickie Weeks, 3B Aramis Ramirez, SS Jean Segura, OF Ryan Braun, OF Carlos Gomez and OF Khris Davis.
Beginning today, fans are able to vote online at brewers.com and through in-park balloting at Miller Park.
At brewers.com, all fans voting 21 or more times for their favorite Brewers will be entered into a drawing to win a prize package that includes four Field Box tickets to a mutually agreed-upon game, an opportunity to go down Bernie’s slide (restrictions apply), an opportunity to watch batting practice that day from the field and a meet and greet with five-time All-Star Ryan Braun. There is a maximum of 25 votes per email address. More information and rules may be found at brewers.com. Additionally, fans voting online will be eligible to purchase Field Outfield Box and Terrace Box seats for select Brewers games at a savings of up to 50% (details available after fans complete their votes at Brewers.com).
Those visiting Miller Park are encouraged to vote early and often via paper ballot at the All-Star Polling District, set up during Brewers home games along the first base concourse. In-park balloting at Miller Park begins today and continues through Friday, June 15, comprising 23 home dates. The Vote Brewers! campaign will feature event staff decked out at home games in promotional t-shirts, and signage displayed along the Miller Park fascia and behind the plate. In addition, media partners FOX Sports Wisconsin and Newsradio 620 WTMJ will be promoting the initiative on broadcasts, and the World Famous Klement’s Racing Sausages will help distribute voting information around the city.
With every 10 ballots turned in to the All-Star Polling District, fans will receive one raffle ticket that will enter them in a drawing for the opportunity to win a collector’s item daily, ranging from game-used memorabilia to player autographs. A drawing will be held during every home game through June 15 and the winning ticket will be announced during the game. Rules will be available at the Polling District.
Both the National League and American League teams will have eight fan-elected starters. The pitchers and reserves for both will be determined through a combination of “Player Ballot” choices and selections made by the two All-Star managers.
Fans can vote for the Major League All-Stars online at brewers.com through Thursday, July 3 at 10:59 p.m. CT.
The Case for Jean Segura
The time for voting is over. Well, at least until they announce the “Final Vote” participants anyway. But the time to make your voice heard in Major League Baseball’s annual “page-views-driven popularity contest which is easily swayed by a motivated fan base”, a.k.a. the All-Star Game Fan Ballot, has expired. Now comes the requisite gnashing of the teeth and summer’s version of the airing of grievances.
Yes, the rosters for both the American and National Leagues will be revealed in a television event the likes of which you’ve only seen once a year for the last several! (That’s not all that catchy, is it?) Though the reveal this year happens on FOX, after having been on TBS last year, if I recall correctly, so that’s a change. Regardless, when the eligible participants in this year’s All-Star Game in Flushing, New York at Citi Field are unveiled, that’s when the real conversations start to take place.
Because everyone seems to love an enthusiastic, good-natured chat about “snubs.”
Hopefully, I don’t think that we’ll have to have that discussion about Brewers starting shortstop Jean Segura. If ever there was what should be a non-fan-elected lock to make an All-Star team, Segura is one. His numbers are All-Star caliber and his profile in a fantasy sports landscape is more than elevated enough to allay concerns that fans of teams outside the NL Central Division won’t know who he is.
The Dominican-born Segura was the key piece in the 2012 trade deadline deal which sent Zack Greinke to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Orange County, SoCal, California. He spent a pittance of time in the Brewers minor league system last year following the trade but was recalled at the beginning of August. His first month against MLB pitching was nothing to write home about, but from September on, all the young star has done is consistently display 4.5 tools on an everyday basis.
Entering play tonight on Friday, July 5th, Segura is slashing .323/.359/.497 (with an OPS+ of 129). He’s produced a National League-best 108 hits, 28 of which went for extra bases. He’s third in the league with 26 stolen bases (against one three caught stealings) and despite only walking 14 times, he’s only struck out in 42 at-bats. He’s doing things at the plate that don’t show up in the box score as well. He’s hit behind lead-off man Norichika Aoki very well situationally in moving Aoki up on the bases. And his seemingly innate ability to beat out infield grounders for base hits has kept many an inning alive while contributing to more than one rally.
Segura has shined in the field as well. His range is a breath of fresh air for Brewers fans who have dealt with the likes of Yuniesky Betancourt, Cody Ransom, a hobbled Alex Gonzalez, and more over the course of the past two full seasons. When positioned straight up in the field, there isn’t much hit on the ground to the left side that Segura can’t get to. His throwing arm has been accurate and gloriously strong also. The only knock on Segura at this point — and it’s been around since he was under consideration to move to second base while with the Angels organization — is that sometimes his hands aren’t all that soft. There have been a number of plays this season where Segura reaches a ball, doesn’t field it completely cleanly, but recovers with his quickness and arm to still collect an out. In fact, some of those plays helped highlight Segura’s arm early this season and get everyone excited in the first place.
On the advanced metric side of things, Segura’s contributions in all facets of the game have led to his compilation of 3.2 bWAR/3.5 fWAR already this season. He’s also posted a 7.8 WPA+ and carries a .369 wOBA and a 136 wRC+. Those are what you would call significant totals.
But I understand that the world we live in doesn’t allow for a team of starters based solely on their baseball playing merits. Troy Tulowitzki was justifiably garnering the majority of the fan vote before he cracked a rib and has missed significant time. He may be activated prior to the All-Star Game, but odds are that Colorado would suggest he not expose himself to unnecessary situations in an glorified exhibition. Beyond him, there isn’t a single shortstop available to play for the National League on July 16th that contains as complete a package and therefore as much potential to positively contribute to the fortunes of the team than Jean Segura.
The experts from various websites have begun to release their choices for starting players, if not full rosters, and they by and large agree with the Segura selection. FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal wants Segura to start at shortstop. On his side of the fence are ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark, Tim Kurkjian, Jerry Crasnick, Buster Olney and Jim Bowden. The only ESPN panelist to choose a different starter was David Schoenfield who would tap Andrelton Simmons. CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman also thinks that Jean Segura should get the call to start in Tulo’s place. (I’ll update this space with other choices as I come across them between now and the television reveal.)
And Ron Roenicke still has my favorite quote about Segura’s All-Star resume. “If Segura isn’t an All-Star, then people aren’t paying attention.”
The bottom line is that people in and around baseball want Jean Segura on the National League All-Star Team. He’s the best choice to help the NL win the day and he’s the necessary choice if they’re only going to send one representative from the Milwaukee Brewers (though they need to send Carlos Gomez too, don’t kid yourselves). But, whether Segura was elected by his peers or selected by the National League’s coaches will be secondary to the fact that he makes the team at all.
Jean Segura has been a revelation to the Milwaukee Brewers, their fans, and fantasy baseball players all over the world. Let him put the skills that made his such on display in New York on Tuesday, July 16th. It’s the right thing to do.
Poll: What All-Star Game Statue Would Best Support a Miller Park Redo? (VOTE!)
If Miller Park ever gets to host another All-Star Game to soften the memories of “The Tie”, and they made statues such as this year’s Apples, what should they be of?
New York made Statues of Liberty when the game was at Yankee Stadium a few years ago…
And when the Angels hosted in Anaheim, replica Mickey Mouse statues were constructed.
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As you can see, the statues have been more about the host city than the host team. Let’s hear your opinion, Brewer Nation! What screams: “Milwaukee!” to you?
Vote on these options but if you select “Other”, please leave a comment with your idea.
All-Star Game Apples Are Hitting New York
With a tip of the hat to Craig Glaser (@sabometrics on Twitter), here is an image of what the Brewers’ edition of the 2013 All-Star Game figurine — believed to be currently residing outside of the Commissioner’s Office — looks like.
Fitting image given the game is being held at Citi Field this year.
You may recall that this isn’t the first time something like this has been done either. Miller Park displays both the Mickey Mouse statue and one of the Statue of Liberty which were produced for the games held in Anaheim (2010) and the Bronx (2008), respectively.
Hopefully this big apple makes its way to Milwaukee when it’s all said and done. I wonder where they’d put it?
That picture above? That’s of the replica figurines available for purchase on MLB.com. Here is what the actual apple looks like on the streets of New York. You can follow the photographer of these pictures on Twitter: @thatgirlmegan
Pictures courtesy of Megan Brown
It’s April 23rd. (So? Vote Brewers!)
THE 2013 “VOTE BREWERS!” CAMPAIGN IS UNDERWAY
Online Brewers.com Fan Balloting Begins Tomorrow, Miller Park Firestone Balloting Begins April 29; Participating Entrants will have Opportunity to Win Incredible Prizes
MILWAUKEE – Brewers fans have the well-earned reputation for filling the ballot boxes with All-Star votes for Milwaukee Brewers players year in and year out. With at least one Brewers player elected to start in five of the last six All-Star Games since 2007, Milwaukee fans demonstrated that it doesn’t take the largest market to be heard as they voted for their favorite Brewers in almost unheard of numbers.
And while it may still be April, it’s time to ramp up and Vote Brewers! This season, eight Milwaukee Brewers players are featured on the ballot for the 84th Major League Baseball All-Star Game to be held on Tuesday, July 16 at Citi Field in New York City. Brewers fans will again have the opportunity to show their overwhelming fan support by helping decide which players will be named to the Midsummer Classic through the 2013 MLB In-Stadium All-Star Balloting Program and the 2013 All-Star Game MLB.com Ballot.
Brewers players on this year’s All-Star ballot include C Jonathan Lucroy, 1B Corey Hart, 2B Rickie Weeks, 3B Aramis Ramirez, SS Jean Segura, OF Ryan Braun, OF Carlos Gomez and OF Norichika Aoki.
Beginning Wednesday, fans are able to vote online at brewers.com and beginning Monday, April 29, fans will be able to vote through in-park balloting at Miller Park.
At brewers.com, all fans voting 21 or more times for their favorite Brewers will be entered into a drawing to win Ryan Braun’s Miller Park Suite for a night, complete with tickets, food and a personal visit from the 2011 National League MVP. There is a maximum of 25 votes per email address. More information and rules may be found at brewers.com. Additionally, fans voting online will be eligible to purchase Field Outfield and Club Outfield seats for select Brewers games at a savings of up to 50% (details available after voting at Brewers.com).
Those visiting Miller Park are encouraged to vote early and often via paper ballot at the All-Star Polling District, set up during Brewers home games along the first base concourse. In-park balloting at Miller Park begins on Monday, April 29 and continues through Friday, June 21, comprising 25 home dates. The Vote Brewers! campaign will feature event staff decked out at home games in promotional t-shirts, and signage along the Miller Park fascia and behind the plate. In addition, media partners FS Wisconsin and Newsradio 620 WTMJ will be promoting the initiative on broadcasts, and the World Famous Klement’s Racing Sausages will help distribute voting information around the city. There will also be voting parties staged during the balloting period.
With every 10 ballots turned in to the All-Star Polling District, fans will receive one raffle ticket that will enter them in a drawing for the opportunity to win a collector’s item daily, ranging from game-used memorabilia to player autographs. A drawing will be held during every home game through June 21 and the winning ticket will be announced during the game. Rules will be available at the Polling District.
Ryan Braun narrowly missed being elected a starter for the 2012 MLB All-Star Game after finishing fourth in voting among National League outfielders to Matt Kemp of the Los Angeles Dodgers by just over 100,000 votes. Braun was later named a starter to replace the injured Kemp.
In 2011, Braun led National League outfielders in voting for the fourth straight season and led all NL players in voting for the first time (5,928,004). He is the only Brewers player to ever be elected to start in four consecutive All-Star Games (did not play in 2011 due to injury). Rickie Weeks was selected to his first All-Star Game as the NL’s starting second baseman and Prince Fielder started and made his third All-Star appearance in 2011. In 2010, Braun and Corey Hart started for the Brewers (Hart was named as a starter after an injury to Atlanta’s Jason Heyward).
In 2009, Braun and Fielder joined Trevor Hoffman as All-Stars. In addition to Braun in 2008, Hart was named that year to the National League All-Star team via the Monster All-Star Final Vote. In 2007, Fielder received the second-most votes in the National League en route to his first career All-Star team, becoming the first Brewers player to be voted to the All-Star Game since Paul Molitor was selected at third base in 1988. A complete list of All-Stars in franchise history can be found on page 277 of the 2013 Brewers media guide.
The 2013 American League and National League All-Star Teams will be unveiled on Sunday, July 7 on the 2013 MLB All-Star Game Selection Show on TBS. Both the National League and American League teams will have eight fan-elected starters. The pitchers and reserves for both will be determined through a combination of “Player Ballot” choices and selections made by the two All-Star managers.
Fans can vote for the Major League All-Stars online at brewers.com through Thursday, July 4 at 10:59 p.m. CT.
Ryan Braun Starts Fourth All-Star Game, Records First Hit
Manager Ron Roenicke and left fielder Ryan Braun (8) represented the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2012 MLB All-Star Game in Kansas City.
Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun has been elected to Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game in each of his five full seasons in the big leagues.
The first three games saw Braun reach base exactly zero times in seven at-bats. He struck out three times to boot. (Braun’s fourth election resulted in him not playing in the game due to injury.)
Earlier tonight though, Braun started his fourth Midsummer Classic for the National League, playing left field, and hitting third in manager Tony La Russa’s lineup. Following a one-out single by San Francisco Giants outfielder Melky Cabrera, Braun dug into the right-handed batter’s box.
On a 2-1 count, Braun took a 98-MPH fastball from American League starting pitcher Justin Verlander over the head of starting right fielder Jose Bautista for an RBI double, giving the National League a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Braun would later score from third base on Pablo Sandoval’s bases-clearing triple, but the run he drove in held up the entire way as the National League shut out the American League be a final score of 8-0!
In the fourth inning, with two outs, Ryan Braun then tripled into the right field corner. (He was stranded there when Joey Votto grounded out to end the inning.) That second hit was the first time a Milwaukee Brewer has ever recorded two hits in the same All-Star Game. A little piece of history is always a good thing.
Braun contributed on defense as well during his four innings in the field, tracking down two deep fly balls on the warning track and catching another in much shallower left. But the crowning moment was a leaping catch while running at full sprint to take away a double from Home Run Derby champion Prince Fielder to end both the fourth inning and Braun’s night of work.
Offensively, Braun finished 2-for-3 with a double, triple, RBI and run scored. Without a tremendous diving catch by Jose Bautista, Braun could have been 3-for-3 and again, his RBI was the game-winning RBI! Ryan Braun is the also only the fifth player to hit a double and triple in the same All-Star Game. He joins Earl Averill, Willie Mays, Mike Schmidt, and George Brett.
All things considered, it was an extremely positive All-Star break for the reigning National League Most Valuable Player.
Congratulations to Ryan!
Congratulations are also in order to Brewers manager Ron Roenicke who was named to Tony La Russa’s staff after the Brewers made it to the National League Championship Series in 2011.
2012 National League All-Star Starting Lineup
*image courtesy Major League Baseball Public Relations
The Brewer Nation 