On All-Star roster

Topps update usually highlights the All-Star game, well it was still the case in the 2020 Topps update, however, there wasn’t an All-Star game in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemics. So the series highlights the past All-Star games. And I was thinking of the All-Star selections last decade.

From 2010 to 2019, three players were selected to the midsummer classic 8 times. They are Yadier Molina, Mike Trout and Clayton Kershaw. During these 10 years, Molina only missed the All-Star game in 2016 and 2019. Additionally, Molina also played in the 2009 All-Star game. If Molina keeps playing as he always did, it’s highly possible that he will become a 10-time All-Star this year. Mike Trout was called up in July 2011 and played 40 games that year. He wasn’t an All-Star in 2011, however, it was a year to begin his great career. Since 2012, Mike Trout was selected to the All-Star game for 8 consecutive years. Well, if there is an All-Star game, there is Mike Trout. Clayton Kershaw made it into the big league in 2008, but he wasn’t an All-Star in his first three seasons in the majors. His first All-Star selection was in 2011 and since then, he only missed the 2018 All-Star game. In addition, 5 players were selected to the midsummer classic 7 times from 2010 to 2019. These players are Miguel Cabrera, Robinson Cano, Craig Kimbrel, Chris Sale and Max Scherzer. Miguel Cabrera is an eleven-time All-Star and he was selected to the midsummer classic from 2010 to 2016. Cabrera will turn 38 in April and it’ll be interesting to see whether he could be an All-Star again. From 2010 to 2019, Cano was an All-Star 7 times, 4 times as a Yankee and 3 times as a Mariner. Nonetheless, Cano has been suspended for the entire 2021 season. Craig Kimbrel won the 2011 Rookie of the Year award and has become a reliable closer in the league. Since 2011, Kimbrel has only missed the All-Star game in 2015 and 2019. Chris Sale hasn’t won a Cy Young award yet, however, he was selected to the All-Star game every year from 2012 to 2018. Sale underwent Tommy John surgery last year and he might be back in the summer this year. Max Scherzer’s first All-Star selection was in 2013, he earned 21 wins that year and won the AL Cy Young award. Since 2013, Scherzer was selected to the midsummer classic for 7 consecutive years. Moreover, there are 9 players that were selected to the All-Star game 6 times from 2010 to 2019. They are Joey Votto, Jose Bautista, Justin Verlander, Buster Posey, Jose Altuve, Bryce Harper, Aroldis Chapman, Salvador Perez and Paul Goldschmidt. At the same, 9 players were selected 5 times. Among these 9 players, Troy Tulowitzki and David Ortiz already retired and 7 active players are David Price, Jon Lester, Felix Hernandez, Andrew McCutchen, Nelson Cruz, Zack Greinke and Nolan Arenado. The 2021 spring training started on time. It’s supposed to be a 162-game season and we are going to have an All-Star game in Atlanta. We will see some of the players listed again in the midsummer classic. And, of course, to honor Hank Aaron, who holds the record for the most All-Star selection (25 times).