Josh Hamilton is officially on his way to his first All-Star Game and will start in the outfield for the American League on July 15 at Yankee Stadium.
This has been known for weeks, but finally confirmed on Sunday with the final release of the fan voting that had Hamilton among the top three outfielders. His strong candidacy was based on the fact that he leads the Major Leagues with 83 RBIs while hitting .307 with 19 home runs and a .547 slugging percentage.
Hamilton will be joined in New York by three teammates: second baseman Ian Kinsler, shortstop Michael Young and outfielder/designated hitter Milton Bradley. All three were voted in by the players. It's the first time in club history the Rangers have sent four position players to the All-Star Game.
It's also the fourth time in club history the Rangers have sent four or more players to the game. They sent five in 2004: pitchers Francisco Cordero and Kenny Rogers and infielders Hank Blalock, Alfonso Soriano and Young. Rogers, Young, Soriano and Mark Teixeira all went in 2005. In 1989 the Rangers sent pitchers Nolan Ryan and Jeff Russell, second baseman Julio Franco and outfielder Ruben Sierra to the All-Star Game. |
