Gordon savors unique All-Star perspective
Knowing in advance he wouldn't play, Fish star enjoys overall experience more at second ASG
Dee Gordon did basically everything at the 2015 All-Star Game presented by T-Mobile except, well, play.
The Marlins second baseman, who leads the Major Leagues in hits with 122 and is batting .338 with 33 steals at the break, was elected by the fans to start the game, which the National League lost, 6-3. But even though he could only watch from the dugout as his team managed just six hits while ceding World Series home-field advantage to the American League, that didn't stop him from enjoying his trip to Great American Ball Park.
Gordon was all over the All-Star Game red carpet before the game -- taking photos with family, dancing for the cameras, and finally gliding away on a hoverboard. He also took selfies with kids at the T-Mobile FanFest, later posting a picture on his Twitter account.
"My All-Star Game experience was pretty cool, man," Gordon said in an interview with MLB Network in the All-Star Game Lounge. "I got to be here with some of the best players in the world, with some great fans. I appreciate the fans voting me in and making me a starter, and I'm just blessed to be here."
Gordon, whose father Tom was a three-time All-Star, was named to the Midsummer Classic for the second time. But he dislocated his left thumb sliding into first base during the Marlins' game on Saturday, leaving him unable to play. His teammate, Giancarlo Stanton, also missed the game due to a broken hamate bone in his left hand. Stanton was elected to start in the NL outfield.
"The first time, it was just like a whirlwind -- now this time, I get to enjoy it a little bit more, especially now that I can't play," Gordon said in a Monday interview on MLB Network's Intentional Talk.