Major League Baseball last night announced that Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy was selected to his first All-Star team as National League Manager Mike Matheny’s selection. The 85th Major League Baseball All-Star Game will take place July 15 at Minnesota’s Target Field.
The Mets have three candidates, with Murphy, third baseman David Wright and lefty pitcher Jon Niese potential options to suit up for the NL.
While Wright is a constant on the All-Star team, and may still be on the team due to his status in the game, he’s experiencing a down year. His power numbers, batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage are well below his career norms.
For as strong as Niese has pitched this year, as he’s 5-4 with a 2.96 ERA, his statistics do not place him in the top 10 of the main pitching categories among NL hurlers.
That leaves Murphy, who entered Saturday’s game tied for second in the NL in hits with 104. From the first game of the season, Murphy has been the team’s most consistent hitter. Murphy is having his best season since his injury-shortened campaign in 2011.
Murphy never has finished a game batting below .250 this season, and he has hit .288 or better since May. His consistency and high average stands out among this Mets lineup. It’s been rare this season that Murphy has found himself in an extended slump.
“I don’t know how you can not consider the guy who’s leading the National League in hits,” Mets manager Terry Collins said Wednesday in Atlanta. “You’ve certainly got to take a look. The guy’s hit .300 almost all season long, he’s gotten some big hits, he’s got some home runs now, he has some RBI. Certainly he’s got to be heavily, heavily considered as one of our guys who goes.”
In addition to his steady performance at the plate, Murphy has also played in all 85 games he’s been eligible to, as he missed the first two games of the season while on paternity leave. He’s shown a durability that sometimes can be underappreciated in baseball.
Collins believes it would be a great moment for Murphy to make his first All-Star team.
“Everybody knew he could hit but he’s been an overachiever his whole time in the big leagues,” Collins said. “I think it would be a huge, huge honor for him and a feather in his cap to be the kind of player that he is.”
The Guy Corner NYC 
That is great that he made the All Star game after the flack some sports news guys gave him for taking paternity leave. That was ridiculous.
LikeLike
Yeah, I don’t know how you can have an All Star squad without this guy on it.
LikeLike
You could see his effort last night. Great performance and I was there.
LikeLike
I love that he took paternity leave!
LikeLike
Randi, I agree!
LikeLike
Randi, I totally agree! despite those opposed.
LikeLike
I don’t follow baseball, except a local team here, but I loved that you shared this story. Way to go Daniel Murphy.
LikeLike
I never understood the all-star game. What’s the point of putting the all-stars in arbitrary opposing teams? Why not have ONE all-star team vs an all-star team from a competing country?
LikeLike
It gives those in the states a chance to see the best of the best against each other. Plus the winner gets home field advantage (AL vs NL).
LikeLike
Sounds like he had a really good day. I really don’t know anything about baseball. Haven’t seen a game in my life but he seems to be a very good player.
LikeLike
while i don’t know much about baseball, it’s always good to hear when a player gets to do something like this.
LikeLike
You should be a sports writer. Literally!
LikeLike
Thanks
LikeLike
Yay for Murphy making the All star team! Sounds like he’s had a great year on the field and off the field with a new baby!
LikeLike
Jen, I was there last night and you could see the effort he puts in on the field. 8-3 Mets win.
LikeLike
Glad he is doing good. I love that he puts his family first.
LikeLike
Tara, I agree. despite what others thought, taking the time to spend time with his wife and new born baby is important.
LikeLike
Thanks for all the comments. Sorry I didn’t respond to everyone but I do read all of them. Thanks again.
LikeLike