Andre Ethier of the Dodgers earlier on Friday was named as a National League All-Star, replacing Shane Victorino, although it took a little while for Ethier to find out. He was at home, in his backyard, playing wiffle ball with his kids. Ethier eventually got the call from manager Don Mattingly, but it was after several attempts. "I kept pushing ignore because we were in the middle of an intense game," Ethier joked.
Ethier grew up in Phoenix and now resides in nearby Chandler. Asked whether or not he would get booed in his hometown, the former Sun Devil said, "Hopefully there are some Arizona State fans in attendance." As for the importance of the game in Phoenix, Ethier thought it would be great for Arizona. "Baseball has always thrived there," he said. "It's nice to have something as big for the city as and as important as the 2001 World Series."
Victorino beat out Ethier in the Final Vote, the results of which were announced Thursday. Ethier said he voted for himself once. When Victorino was placed on the DL Friday, Ethier was quickly chosen by All-Star manager Bruce Bochy of the Giants. "It's an honor to get selected by an opposing manager, somebody you play against in your division a lot," said Ethier.
Ethier is the 12th Dodgers outfielder to be named to the All-Star team in two straight seasons. He started last year's game in center field, the only time he has played that positon in the major leagues. As for what Ethier might do if he wasn't named to the All-Star team? "Sit at home, ride my tractor, mow my pastures," said the outfielder and now two-time All-Star.
For more news and information on Andre Ethier and the Dodgers, or on tonight's game, be sure to read the SB Nation blog True Blue LA.