Five Dodgers are heading to Philly for the All-Star game this Tuesday, and two of them, Andy Pages and Justin Wrobleski, are getting their first nod. But let's talk about Pages, the guy who's not just making his debut, he's starting in centerfield for the National League after a seriously frustrating snub last year.
Andy Pages: From Snubbed Finalist to NL Starter
Freddie Freeman, who's a 10-time All-Star and will be right there in the NL starting lineup with Pages, didn't hold back. He said flat out, "It should be his second. I think he should have had it last year." Talk about a strong endorsement! Freeman knows what's up, saying Pages has been "great for a couple years now." So why the delay? Last year, our man Pages was one of three finalists for the fan vote to get into the Midsummer Classic. Didn't make it. Wasn't even added as a replacement. Ouch. Did that sting? You bet it did. Pages, speaking through interpreter Juan Dorado, admitted, "I think it did affect me." But that's the kind of competitor we love to see. He didn't dwell on it. He took that fire and channeled it, saying he focused on "the things that I can control, the things that I need to do, and kind of learn from what happened last year and put myself in a better spot this year." That's growth, right there. He wasn't all talk, either. He put in the work, focusing on getting better for the team, and now he's the starting centerfielder for the National League. He's proud of that grind, the "little things that you think can make you better, keeping working and trying to do the best every day." That's the stuff that makes you an All-Star starter.Max Muncy: A Five-Year Fight Back to the Big Stage
Then there's Max Muncy, heading to his third All-Star team, but this one's got a special flavor. It’s been a full five years since his last appearance, and let me tell you, that's a long time in this league, especially when you're battling "significant injuries" like he has. Muncy called this recognition for "coming back from injuries, finding ways to stay healthy , regaining form I guess you’d call it." He fought to get "back to the player that I had been for several years before I started getting hurt." That's not just a physical fight, that's mental toughness, too. What's really hitting home for Muncy this time? The family. He’s looking forward to his kids experiencing this whole thing with their dad. You gotta love that. And talk about dedication: Muncy spent his whole offseason making sure his body was in prime shape for this season. Why? Because he knew the reality: "if I want to continue being a Dodger I had to learn to play third base. There really is no ifs ands or butts about that. I had to get better." He put in the work, he changed his game, and now look at him. He leads ALL NL third basemen. That’s not just a comeback, that’s a complete career revitalization. What a story! These guys, Pages and Muncy, are living proof that grit and determination pay off. They'll be shining bright in Philadelphia this Tuesday, representing all that hard work and perseverance. Then it's back to the grind for the second half of the season, fueled by this well-deserved recognition. You know they're gonna bring that same fire back to the team. What a ride so far, and it's only gonna get better!This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.