The camera loves Mariners phenom Julio Rodríguez, there’s no doubt about that.
Gustafson: Julio has MLB’s attention – and should be in MVP race
A day after the 21-year-old rookie stole the show with 81 homers in his second-place showing at the MLB Home Run Derby, the FOX television broadcast of the All-Star Game caught up with Rodríguez while he was playing center field for the American League in the eighth inning Tuesday.
Rodríguez not only chatted with play-by-play announcer Joe Davis and color commentator John Smoltz – including sharing his thoughts on whether this is the year the Mariners break their 20-season playoff drought – but he became the first player all night to make a defensive play while joining the telecast. He hauled in a fly ball by Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson with his trademark swagger for the second out of the inning.
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That marked the end of his interview, but the most memorable part of his night was about to come.
White Sox closer Liam Hendriks entered the game and was mic’d up himself, and he got Atlanta catcher Travis d’Arnaud to fly out to Rodríguez, as well. Hendriks wanted to keep the ball, though, and shouted “Julio!” to get Rodríguez’s attention to make sure the ball wasn’t thrown into the crowd at Dodger Stadium as a souvenir.
The playful Rodríguez eventually obliged, as you can see here:
Liam Hendriks never disappoints on the mic. 🤣 #AllStarGame pic.twitter.com/2Mbf7hJ3n9
Watch the full four minutes Rodríguez was in the spotlight in this video:
Taking it all in. @JRODshow44 was mic'd up for the eighth and got to make a play. #AllStarGame pic.twitter.com/VLcuLPihXB
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) July 20, 2022
As for how Rodríguez and fellow Mariners representative Ty France did, they both came up hitless at the plate. Rodríguez grounded out and flew out, while France struck out in his lone plate appearance before taking over at first base for the AL. The AL won 3-2 for its ninth consecutive All-Star Game victory (box score).
The next time the midsummer classic comes around, it will be the talk of the town in Seattle. That’s because T-Mobile Park will play host for the second time, and first time since 2001. The Mariners will unveil the logo for the 2023 All-Star Game on Friday night ahead of first pitch of their sold-out second half opener at 7:10 p.m. against the Houston Astros. The night will conclude with a fireworks and drone show.
That's a wrap on the #AllStarGame
We'll see you all in Seattle in 2023! pic.twitter.com/pBExdzqa64
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) July 20, 2022
Mariners’ McKay breaks down Julio the player and person, France’s importance