On July 14, for the first time since 1996, Philadelphia will host the annual Midsummer Classic. Unlike 30 years ago, the host franchise will have more than a token representative.
Major League Baseball on Saturday revealed that five members of the second place club in the National League East will rep the home squad: outfielder Brandon Marsh, first baseman Bryce Harper, designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, along with pitchers Cristopher Sanchez, and Jhoan Duran.
Marsh, with his first career selection, will actually start for the Senior Circuit. Harper was named as a "Legend" pick by MLB commish Rob Manfred, while Schwarber will be a reserve. The 28-year-old is enjoying a career first half, hitting .315 with 15 homers -- one off his career best of 16 set in 2024 -- 15 doubles and 46 RBI over 83 games.
Harper is batting .274 with 16 doubles, 20 homers and 57 RBI in 88 games, while Schwarber continues to set a club record for the most round-trippers before the All-Star break, having slugged a major-league high of 30 in 84 contests.
Sanchez rocketed up the rotation by going 10-3 with a 2.00 ERA over a major-league best 18 starts, while also compiling an MLB-high 117 innings pitched. The 29-year-old native of the Dominican made headlines earlier in the season by failing to allow a run for the entire month of May en route to 50-plus scoreless innings.
Duran has racked up a league-high 21 saves and 30 games finished alongside a 1.52 ERA despite a 1-3 record.
In 1996, in the midst of a season where they'd finish last in the NL East, the host Phillies lone All Star representative was reliever and current sports-talk radio host Ricky Bottalico.
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