By: Tyler Ward
ESPN has reported that Joey Votto and Nick Swisher have been voted in by the fans to be the final representatives of their respected leagues.
Cincinnati's Votto was perhaps the biggest All-Star snub this year and was not elected to the All-Star game...at first. He beat out Ryan Zimmerman, Carlos Gonzalez, and Billy Wagner for the final spot. Heath Bell was in fifth for the first three days of balloting, but was taken off because he was informed that he would replace Brewers pitcher, Yovani Gallardo, on the National League roster. Votto received the most votes out of the final ten players with 13.7 million votes.
Reds fan showed massive support for Votto after he did not get in on the first vote. They launched a group called "Vote For Votto", in hopes to get him into the game he rightfully deserves to be in. The MLB first basemen are virtually stacked in the league and All-Star game, so many can see why Votto didn't get in at first. But, you can't argue with stats. Votto is leading the NL in home runs (21) and on-base percentage (.417). He also places fifth in RBI (59) and batting average (.313). As of right now, he is a leading NL MVP candidate.
Votto was still pleased to get into the game, but would have liked to be in on the first ballot. "I was disappointed," Votto stated to the media. "I would've liked to have gotten in on the first vote, but I still consider this an honor to give myself a chance to go to the All-Star Game with a pretty good group of guys."
The Yankees' Nick Swisher was also voted into the All-Star game, narrowly beating Boston's Kevin Youkilis for the final slot. This was the closest race in the history of the final balloting, with Swisher receiving 9.8 million votes. He beat out Youkilis, Paul Konerko, Michael Young, and Delmon Young to be elected to the 81st MLB All-Star game.
Swisher enters tonight's game versus the Mariners with a .298 batting average, 14 home runs, and 48 RBI's. In hopes of getting him to the All-Star game, Swisher received endorsements from New York mayor, Michael Bloomberg, actress Jessica Alba, and "The Apprentice" co-star, Ivanka Trump. On Thursday, Swisher wrote to his 1,220,890 followers on Twitter that, "We're in the final stretch. Can't thank yall enough for your support. Let's finish strong!" He influenced people that they could send the hashtag, #SENDSWISH, in a text message to try to get him elected to the game. Apparently, it worked out well for him.
