OAKLAND, Calif. — Going into this season, the Oakland Athletics hadn’t had a position player make the American League All-Star team since catcher Ramon Hernandez in 2003, hadn’t had an All-Star starter since first baseman Jason Giambi in 2000 and hadn’t had more than three selections since 1991.
The A’s reversed All-Star course in a huge way Sunday when six of their players made the American League team, including third baseman Josh Donaldson, who was voted in as a starter.
Outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, first baseman Brandon Moss, catcher Derek Norris, starting pitcher Scott Kazmir and closer Sean Doolittle also made the team. This is Kazmir’s third selection, following two All-Star team berths with Tampa Bay. The other five A’s were selected for the first time.
The A’s have had more than six selections just once, in 1975, when seven Oakland players made the team: pitchers Vida Blue and Rollie Fingers, outfielders Reggie Jackson, Joe Rudi and Claudell Washington, shortstop Campy Campaneris and catcher Gene Tenace.
“This is great, just to be represented by so many guys on this team,” Donaldson said. “It’s very deserving and a pretty special moment for every one of us. I’ve been saying this for years that we’ve had guys on this team that are very talented and that obviously you’re going to see the hard work that we put in pay off. I think you’ve seen that by our record the past few years.”
The A’s won the American League West two straight years and own baseball’s best record this year at 55-33 after a 4-2 victory over Toronto on Sunday.
The A’s actually have a seventh current player who was named an All-Star on Sunday. Former Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija, who was traded this week to Oakland and earned his first win as an Athletic on Sunday, was named a National League All-Star. He’ll take part in the All-Star Game festivities but won’t play in the game.
“I don’t think it’ ever happened before, and I don’t think anyone knew I was going to be an All-Star before the trade or after. It just happened to be that way. I won’t get to pitch, which is a bummer, but that’s all right. I’ll just go through whatever the ceremonies they have then jump over to the AL dugout with an NL jersey on and have some fun with the six other dudes we have over there, which is exciting. It’s crazy. This many guys in an All-Star game is exciting.”
Cespedes won the Home Run Derby during last year, and he said he’ll compete in the derby again this year.
“It’s something big for me to be part of the All-Star Game, make the team with six more guys, and at the same time I feel so happy to be part again of the Home Run Derby,” Cespedes said.
Donaldson said there’s a chance he could take part in the Home Run Derby, too.
“There’s a couple things that still have to be ironed out,” Donaldson said. “I don’t know if it’s 100 percent for myself. I would love to do it if I get the opportunity.”