Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was disappointed when complete All-Star Game rosters were announced, and his club had several players who were passed over. Roberts specifically touted Max Muncy and Justin Turner among those being worthy of an All-Star Game selection.
That was rectified in some regard when Muncy was named to the National League roster as an injury replacement for the Washington Nationals’ Anthony Rendon. “It’s kind of everything, it’s a dream come true,’ Muncy said of the honor.
“It’s something that I wouldn’t have thought would happen but here we are. I just try to go out there and play every day as hard as I can, play like there’s no tomorrow. For as long as I can do that, that’s what I plan on doing. For people to take notice of that means a lot.”
Muncy learned of the news from his agent and Roberts, nearly simultaneously. “Doc told me. He called me into his office, was trying to talk about managing my workload the next couple days,” Muncy recalled.
“Unfortunately, right before I walked into his office, my agent had text me, so I already knew. I tried to fake it, walked in there and was talking about, ‘Hey, if you’re going to tell me about playing against a lefty, we’re going to have a fight.’ We kind of joked around about it.”
Muncy’s first career All-Star selection has added sentimental value in that he’s bound for Progressive Field. His father and grandfather attended countless Cleveland Indians games.
“I know it will be pretty special for my dad,” Muncy said. “Growing up, going to Cleveland Indians games all the time with his dad, just the way he’s always talked about going, it will be pretty special that my first All-Star Game is in Cleveland.”
While Muncy was a clear snub, he expressed an understanding over falling short in fan voting. “I was first base on the ballot, and first base is kind of a loaded position in the National League. I think the fact that Josh Bell wasn’t even a starter kind of says it all,” Muncy noted.
“The guy has 800 RBIs, or whatever it is he’s got, and looking like he’s the best player in the world behind Belli, of course. It kind of tells us what the position is at first, it’s a tough spot. All those guys deserve to be there.”
While the 28-year-old was effusive of other players, Roberts understandably was thrilled by Muncy receiving the honor. “I’m very excited. I’m just very happy for Max. Seeing the production, Major League Baseball got it right,” Roberts said.
“I don’t think anyone can debate that. For him to make his first All-Star appearance in Cleveland with four other teammates, it’s great. I think in this day of self-promotion and a lot of things that lead to the fans, it’s not always about who’s having the best first half. Looking at all these statistics, WAR or OPS and all that stuff, he deserves it.”
