LaHair thrilled to make All-Star team
The Cubs had two players chosen as All-Stars on Sunday, one expected and one unexpected.
Shortstop Starlin Castro made the NL team for the second time in his career and for the second year in a row. Castro, now 22, last year became the youngest Cub named to the team.
The big surprise was outfielder/first baseman Bryan LaHair. The 29-year-old had been a journeyman who had never made a big-league Opening Day roster until this season. From 2003-11, he had toiled almost exclusively in the minor leagues, getting only 65 games of major league action with the Mariners and Cubs.
"It gives you chills," LaHair said. "You get a chance to reflect, and I'm sure I'll reflect more later on, kind of all the work you put in and the adversity you've been through and just the different adventures you've had along the way to get your first opportunity in the big leagues and you end up making the All-Star team, it's just really incredible."
Castro won the player balloting but finished behind starter Rafael Furcal of the Cardinals in the fan balloting for the starter's spot.
"Everybody wants to start it, but I'll play in the second half (of the game)," Castro said. "It's unbelievable because as a little kid, I see a lot of stars, a lot of baseball games, a lot of good players who make the All-Star Game. I said, 'Oh, my God. Unbelievable. I want to be one day in there.'"
