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| Monday, July 8 First-time frenzy hits Milwaukee By Matt Szefc ESPN.com |
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MILWAUKEE -- Junior Spivey calls it "the most exciting time of my life." Mike Lowell refers to it as a "great honor." And Adam Dunn labels it as "real special." All three players are making their first trips to the All-Star Game. Tuesday's game at Miller Park will feature 29 first-timers, 14 in the American League and 15 in the National League. "When the game starts I'm going to be looking at Barry (Bonds), Sammy (Sosa) and (Vladimir) Guerrero in the outfield. What a sight that's gonna be," said Lowell, the Marlins' 28-year-old third baseman who leads the NL with 31 doubles. "For me, the game is secondary compared to just being around all these great players." Lowell is the NL's backup third baseman to starter Scott Rolen of the Phillies, who is also making his first All-Star appearance. Dunn, in just his second year with the Reds, is a reserve outfielder for the NL team. Prior to coming to Milwaukee he got some advice from teammate Ken Griffey Jr., who has seen his fair share of All-Star action -- he's played in eight of them (and missed three others with injuries). "Junior told me to enjoy it first and foremost," Dunn said. "He also kiddingly told me to not bring all my good equipment because when you go to All-Star Games certain things seem to disappear for whatever reason. He just told me to have fun."
A most painful time "(Darryl) was a great man who everybody is going to miss," said Morris, who decided not to pitch in the game and was replaced on the roster. Morris considered Kile his closest friend on the Cardinals and since Kile's death has struggled, going 0-2 in three starts, including 11 runs allowed in his last two outings. "He refined me as a player," Morris said of Kile. "He helped me be a winner. I would always look to him for advice and now I'm unable to do that. (Darryl no longer being around) is a huge void."
Feels like the first time
The Giants catcher is back at the All-Star Game for the first time in 10 years -- as is Yankees third baseman Robin Ventura.
"I feel like a rookie again," Santiago said. "After 10 years, I don't know how to explain it. I feel like a kid."
Santiago, the 1987 NL Rookie of the Year, was almost out of baseball after breaking his knee and pelvis in a car crash four years ago.
But Santiago has battled back and will play in his fifth All-Star Game on Tuesday.
"Two years ago, I was out of baseball and people were saying everything was done," he said. "But I didn't give up and worked hard and now I'm back."
Around the All-Star Game "I've worked for UPS before, I think I could do that again," said the 27-year-old Spivey, who has burst onto the scene, hitting .328 with 36 extra-base hits during the first half.
The Associated Press contributed to this story. |
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