The 2016 American Association All-Star Game was just a few hours away when the MSR chatted with St. Paul Saints players Tony Thomas and Alonzo Harris.
Thomas said it was a “phenomenal feeling” to be playing in the All-Star game. He is one of five infielders on the North squad, and told the MSR that this is the fourth All-Star contest that he’s participated in.
Harris told us that it’s been since his high school senior year that he has played in a similar contest. “Not only am I representing my team but also the City of St. Paul and Minneapolis. I know I will get a good ovation at the plate [because of] being at home,” added the center-fielder.
When asked, both Thomas and Harris said that their North teammates can put aside their league competitiveness and play together as a squad, if only for one night. “I know everybody out here is a competitive person,” noted Thomas. “When the game actually starts, it will be a competitive game, and we will do whatever it takes to help our team win.”
Added Harris, “You never know when one little kid is watching and might see something he likes and want to be [a baseball player] one day. It will be an amazing feeling.
“To just say I’m an All-Star and one of the best on my team, to say I’m part of an elite group” is an honor, concluded the Saints outfielder.
The MSR will provide post-game analysis on the 2016 American Association All-Star Game on MSR News Online.
Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@spokesman-recorder.com.
Support Black local news
Help amplify Black voices by donating to the MSR. Your contribution enables critical coverage of issues affecting the community and empowers authentic storytelling.