Lucroy named NL All-Star for second time

Becomes 2nd Brewers catcher to make multiple Midsummer Classics

July 6th, 2016

WASHINGTON -- Sarah Lucroy was planning a family vacation to the Bahamas over the All-Star break, but San Diego is beautiful this time of year, too.
Her husband, Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy, will represent his team as a reserve at the 2016 All-Star Game presented by MasterCard at Petco Park in San Diego, a particularly meaningful honor given that he has played his way back into the discussion of baseball's elite catchers following a slump- and injury-riddled 2015. Lucroy made the Midsummer Classic for the second time, this time as a selection of National League manager Terry Collins.
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"On a personal level, it's pretty cool, considering I came through a tough year last year," said Lucroy, who also started an All-Star Game in 2014. "Last time, it was kind of, 'What do I do?' This time, I think I'll be a little more grounded. I won't be floating around."
Lucroy went 2-for-2 with a pair of RBI doubles as the NL's starting catcher at the 2014 game in Minneapolis, where Lucroy, Brewers third baseman Aramis Ramirez and center fielder Carlos Gomez comprised a third of the starting lineup. His follow-up in 2015 was ruined by an early-season slump and a pair of significant injuries, but Lucroy is back to performing at a high level, with an .841 OPS that ranked second among NL catchers to Washington's Wilson Ramos. That's three points higher than 2014, when Lucroy finished fourth in NL MVP balloting.
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Lucroy is the second Brewers catcher to represent the team at multiple All-Star Games. Ted Simmons did so in 1981 and '83.

"It's well-deserved after last year, when nothing went right for him," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. "You knew he was going to bounce back, but he has bounced back in a really big way."
Lucroy learned he'd made the cut Tuesday afternoon from teammate Ryan Braun, who hoped to make it a Milwaukee duo. Braun was one of five NL candidates for the 2016 Esurance All-Star Game Final Vote, so his fate rested with baseball fans, who weighed the merits of Giants first baseman Brandon Belt, D-backs third baseman Jake Lamb, Pirates outfielder Starling Marte and Rockies shortstop Trevor Story. Belt won the Final Vote.
Both players were recognized in a team meeting before the Brewers' 5-2 win over the Nationals on Tuesday.
"Brauny is a victim of the numbers," Counsell said. "You look at guys who got left off the team, and those are really good players."
"I'm actually pretty excited because my daughter [Ella] is going to be six soon, so I think she'll be able to gather more of it," Lucroy said. "She was four last time. This time, I think she'll be able to really appreciate it and remember it a little more. That will be cool."
On Tuesday, July 12, watch the 2016 All-Star Game presented by MasterCard live on FOX, and during the game visit MLB.com to submit your choice for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet via the 2016 MLB All-Star Game MVP Vote. The 87th All-Star Game, in San Diego, will be televised nationally by FOX, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 160 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB.com, MLB Network and SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com.