As expected, Cody Bellinger was named among the National League starters for the 2019 MLB All-Star Game when the Starters Election results were announced. He and Joc Pederson were the only Los Angeles Dodgers position players to advance past the Primary stage of voting.
While Bellinger was essentially a lock to finish in the top three outfielders, Pederson faced longer odds, and wound up ranking ninth. Bellinger was the leading vote-getter throughout the Primary, though lost that honor to Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim center fielder Mike Trout in the ensuing round.
Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Christian Yelich (930,577) also finished with more votes than Bellinger (875,017) during the Starters Election.
Nevertheless, the Dodgers’ NL MVP candidate is appreciative of receiving his first opportunity to start in the All-Star Game, via SportsNet LA:
“It’s special. I was there in ’17, and it was an awesome experience. It would be an awesome experience in general, but I think being a starter makes it a little more special.”
As he’ll head into a second trip to the All-Star Game, Bellinger intends to ensure he relishes the experience after missing out on it last year:
“Enjoy every second. I mean, I didn’t take it for granted at all in ’17, but just knowing how hard it is to get there, with all the talent in the league to be a part of that. So just take it all in and have fun with it.”
The 23-year-old reaches the 90th Midsummer Classic in similar fashion to his first selection. After making his MLB debut in April 2017, Bellinger played his way into remaining with the Dodgers even once Adrian Gonzalez returned from injury.
This season, Bellinger got off to a record-breaking start that vaulted him into the early lead for NL MVP and into the thick of the conversation of who is the game’s best player. Bellinger has cooled off from the historic pace but still remains the NL leader in several categories.
One clear difference for Bellinger this year is an All-Star Game selection will not be accompanied by his participation in the Home Run Derby. While Bellinger ruled out partaking in the event this year, he remains open to possibly doing so when the 2020 All-Star Game is hosted at Dodger Stadium.
Bellinger lost in the semifinals to New York Yankees right fielder and eventual champion Aaron Judge in 2017.
