Milano impressed with Harvey's success in Big Apple

NEW YORK -- Alyssa Milano's a native New Yorker, so she knows how tough fans can be on athletes in this city. Watching Matt Harvey not only thrive in this market and spotlight, but also embrace it, has impressed the actress.

In Harvey's case, Milano said, it's possible his youthfulness is helping him face the pressure with such ease.

"It's almost like ignorance is bliss," Milano said. "It sort of creates this fearlessness, I think."

Milano was at Citi Field on Monday to meet fans in her Touch Boutique, which carries her fashion line for female fans. The line offers female fans unique team apparel. The Touch Boutique has been at Citi Field since the beginning of the stadium's existence, and now four years later, continues to thrive.

"I'm very proud of it, and very grateful to the Mets and Citi Field for allowing me to have it," Milano said.

For the All-Star Game, though, Touch's Mets merchandise was replaced by All-Star Game apparel. Milano said she was glad to be at Citi Field during such a memorable time for the Mets, the city and all baseball fans in New York.

She also played in the Taco Bell Legends and Celebrities Softball Game on Sunday, something that thrilled her young son.

"I think it's really special. New York is an amazing sports town and an amazing baseball town," Milano said. "They have two great teams. To just feel the energy here at Citi Field and in New York has just been great."

Milano is now a Dodgers fan, but she said she's glad Harvey is starting Tuesday's All-Star Game over Los Angeles ace Clayton Kershaw. She also said Kershaw's message that Harvey, 24, should be the starter was a classy gesture.

Harvey's bulldog mentality that's earned him the spotlight is something that'll be on full display in the national spotlight.

He's been stellar so far this season in just his second year in the Major Leagues, and only his first full season. Harvey's inexperience, Milano said, could be working to his benefit.

"The older you get, the wiser you get, the more you're aware of people's opinions and your surroundings," Milano said. "So I think his youth is beneficial in this circumstance."