MIAMI -- All-Star fever is heating up in South Florida and three prominent members of the Marlins will be front and center representing the organization during the event.
Major League Baseball on Wednesday announced Christian Yelich, Giancarlo Stanton and Martin Prado have been named All-Star Ambassadors, tasked with helping generate public awareness for the MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard. They will represent the organization, along with a couple of legendary Marlins who have previously been tabbed as ambassadors -- Jeff Conine and Hall of Famer Tony Perez.
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"I think everyone is excited to have the All-Star Game in Miami," said Yelich, Miami's standout center fielder. "It should be an exciting couple of days for the city, with the Home Run Derby, Celebrity Softball Game, Future's Game and All-Star Game. It's something everyone has looked forward to, you can feel the buzz around the city. It should be a fun couple of days. "
As All-Star Ambassadors, the Marlins trio will attend various All-Star-related events, including MLB All-Star FanFest on July 10-11.
Stanton, Yelich and Prado join a distinguished list of MLB stars who have served in this role, including Torii Hunter, Jose Pujols, Justin Upton and David Wright. MLB legends who have served as All-Star Ambassadors include Derek Jeter and Hall of Famers George Brett, Rod Carew, Barry Larkin and Dave Winfield.
Specially-priced $13 tickets for All-Star FanFest can be purchased online only, while tickets to All-Star Sunday can be purchased at the official website of the All-Star Game, marlins.com, the Marlins' advance ticket windows at Marlins Park or by calling 1-888-FanFest. Mastercard, preferred by Major League Baseball, is an accepted form of payment.
A native of Venezuela, Prado is one of the most respected players in the game. The veteran third baseman was an All-Star in 2010 while with the Braves.
"From my side, I'll represent the Latino community, and my teammates, and represent [the Marlins] primarily. It's a great event for the city. It's going to be a huge week for the city of Miami, and to be able to be part of it is cool stuff."
Stanton is a three-time All-Star who has a strong chance to make the team for the fourth time. The 27-year-old, who has reached the 20-homer mark for the eighth straight year, has already announced he will participate in the T-Mobile Home Run Derby.
Last year at Petco Park in San Diego, Stanton won the event in record fashion, taking home the trophy after connecting on 61 homers. He gets a chance to defend his title at Marlins Park.
"We'll find out how much fun it is," Stanton said. "I'm looking forward to it. I know it's going to be a good time, win or lose, it doesn't matter. Just enjoy the moment, enjoy the atmosphere. It's not too often you get to have the Home Run Derby in your hometown."
Other than Stanton, no other players have committed to the Home Run Derby. There's plenty of sentiment for rookies Aaron Judge of the Yankees and Cody Bellinger of the Dodgers to participate.
"It doesn't get much more exciting than the Home Run Derby, especially with Stanton in it," Yelich said. "And hopefully, Judge and Bellinger jump into it too. It's going to be great, and it's something we're all looking forward to."
Yelich, a first-round selection in the 2010 Draft, is one of the game's best all-around outfielders. In '16, he was a National League Silver Slugger Award winner with a .298 average, a career-best 21 home runs and 98 RBIs.
In March, Yelich was a key contributor on Team USA's World Baseball Classic championship team, earning All-Tournament Team honors. The 25-year-old also was a Gold Glove Award-winning left fielder in 2014.
Prado, acquired by Miami prior to the 2015 season, is one of the most respected players in the game. The 33-year-old sustained a right hamstring strain this year, causing him to miss substantial time. Now back in the lineup, he's a stabilizing presence on the roster.
Marlins Park, which opened in 2012, will be the site of the first MLB All-Star Game in South Florida.
"The city and the stadium, it's a good fit for the All-Star Game," Prado said.