Chapman, Hendriks earn first All-Star selections

July 5th, 2019

ANAHEIM -- attended the 2010 MLB Home Run Derby at Angel Stadium just a 17-year-old kid from Orange County who dreamed of getting a chance to partake in the All-Star festivities one day as a player. Nine years later, in that same stadium, that dream turned into reality.

Chapman is one of two players who will represent the A's at the 2019 All-Star Game, which will be played on Tuesday at Progressive Field in Cleveland. Righty reliever , a nine-year veteran in the midst of a career year,  was named as a replacement on Friday for Rays starting pitcher Charlie Morton. Chapman, a 2018 Gold and Platinum Glove winner, earns his first career All-Star selection in the midst of a breakout year at the plate in just his second full big league season.

“It’s definitely a surprise,” Chapman said. “I had my hopes up, but you never really know. I don’t think it has hit me yet. But I’m definitely excited.”

Among MLB relievers entering Friday, Hendriks ranked fourth in strikeouts (58), fifth in innings pitched (46 2/3) and fifth in opponents' slugging percentage (.261). He also had a career-high and A’s season-high-tying 14 2/3 consecutive scoreless inning streak. Hendriks entered Friday without having allowed a run in 26 of his past 28 appearances. Friday’s announcement came just days after Hendriks, 30, was named the AL Reliever of the Month for June. 

Chapman's selection really should not come as a surprise. The defense continues to be off the charts for Chapman, whose 10 defensive runs saved lead all Major League third basemen, but what has transformed him into an all-around star are his offensive numbers. Chapman ranks second among American League third basemen with 21 home runs, slashing .270/.356/.552 with a team-leading 52 RBIs.

Chapman isn’t just hitting, he’s hitting when it counts. Of his 21 home runs, 10 have been hit to put Oakland ahead, which leads the AL.

“A lot of hard work went into this, way before the big leagues even started for me,” Chapman said. “To accomplish this feels pretty good, and there are other guys on our team that I feel are deserving, so I’m going to try to represent the whole team well. I’m excited to be that guy.”

A loud roar echoed through the A’s clubhouse when Chapman’s teammates got word of Chapman’s All-Star nod on Sunday morning, with many of them egging him on to give a speech before a congratulatory celebration.

“It was fun. They were supporting me and seemed more excited than me,” Chapman said. “It was cool to see them react like that.”

Just as he did from the stands in 2010, Chapman plans to take advantage of the opportunity to take in the Home Run Derby for a second time, only this time with a little better view from the field.

“I want to watch all of those dudes drop bombs,” Chapman said with a laugh. “I’m going to make the most of this and do as much as I can. You never know if your first is your last. I’ve got to enjoy it all.”

The All-Star Game presented by Mastercard will be televised nationally by FOX Sports; in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS; and worldwide by partners in more than 180 countries. FOX Deportes will provide Spanish-language coverage in the United States, while ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide exclusive national radio coverage. MLB Network, MLB.com and SiriusXM also will provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage.