Southern League’s Best Prepare For All Star Game

June 17, 2014

Rick Nyman,

Chattanooga-(WDEF) The Southern League All-Star game gets underway on Tuesday night at Chattanooga’s AT&T Field.

While a ballplayer’s goal may not be to become a minor league all-star, it remains a big deal.

Said Mobile first baseman Jon Griffin,"Anytime you are a professional All-Star, it’s definitely an honor. There are some great ballplayers on this field. Happy to be playing with them. It should be a fun time."

Added Tennessee third baseman Kris Bryant,"Oh yeah, it’s a huge honor. To be able to compete with the best-of-the-best in the Southern League. I feel great about it. I’m glad to be here with my teammates. Some of the best in minor league baseball."

If you’re selected a Southern League All-Star, you would think that would increase your odds of playing in the major leagues.

Said Lookouts outfielder Scott Schebler,"Uh yeah, you’d like to think about that. I try not to think too far ahead. I mean geez. I would say so. There’s some big names out there."

Said Bryant,"I know a lot of these guys will be in the big leagues by the end of the year. It definitely gives me a huge boost of confidence going into the second half."

The Smokies Kris Bryant might be the biggest star on hand in Chattanooga.

He won the triple crown for the first half of the season, leading the Southern League in hitting, homers, and RBI’s.

And on Monday, he won the Homerun Derby.

What’s he got for an encore?

"I tend to be a perfectionist. I feel I can get better in all areas of my game. Just be more consistent at the plate. More consistent at third base and helping my team win."

Perfection may not be what everyone is striving for tonight.

It’s more about camaraderie.

Said Schebler,"It’s cool to see all the guys. You talk about the first half. You played against them all first half. You talk about all the stories and all the crazy things that may have happened. Umpire wise and game wise. It’s pretty cool to get together with all of them."

Said Bryant,"You just relax. Hang with some of the guys you are playing against. Nothing really matters here. We’re just having fun and trying to put on a show for the fans."