George Springer will represent all of New England tonight at the MLB All-Star Game in Cleveland.
The New Britain, Conn., native and product of both Avon Old Farms and UConn is leading off for the American League, the lone New Englander active for the game. This is Springer’s third All-Star appearance and the second time he’s been voted to start the game by fans — already putting the 29-year-old Astros outfielder year among the very best ever from New England.
Tampa Bay ace Charlie Morton (Redding, Conn.) earned his second straight All-Star selection, but he was replaced on the AL roster because he pitched Sunday, finishing the first half with a 10-2 record and an AL-leading 2.32 ERA.
Springer, though, is entering rare air. He now is only one of 22 New England-born players to earn three or more All-Star selections. In total, 66 New England-born players have been MLB All-Stars, earning 158 total All-Star selections.