Reds eye hometown appeal at All-Star Game
CINCINNATI -- With the Reds hosting the 2015 All-Star Game, it was fitting to have one of their players cast the first official vote. During a pregame ceremony before Wednesday's game against the Brewers, third baseman and 2014 All-Star Todd Frazier was granted the honor of beginning the voting.
"It was cool," Frazier said. "Hopefully I can represent the Reds and Cincinnati really well."
Major League Baseball released the All-Star ballots on Wednesday. This will be the fifth All-Star Game hosted by Cincinnati and the first held at Great American Ball Park, which opened in 2003. Reds fans have an opportunity to elect members of the home club and watch them play for the National League All-Stars at GABP.
Video: MIL@CIN: Frazier, Reds mascots cast their ASG ballots
On the field between mascots Mr. Redlegs and Rosie Red, Frazier used a tablet to cast his vote. Per usual, all voters will have eight Reds players to choose from.
Reds first baseman Joey Votto, a four-time NL All-Star who was elected by the fans in 2012 and '13, is enjoying a resurgence following an injury-filled 2014 season.
Votto is joined on the ballot by three-time All-Star second baseman Brandon Phillips, shortstop Zack Cozart, 2014 All-Stars in catcher Devin Mesoraco and Frazier, two-time All-Star right fielder Jay Bruce, left fielder Marlon Byrd and center fielder Billy Hamilton.
Fans can cast their votes for starters at MLB.com and all 30 club sites -- on their computers, tablets and smartphones -- using the 2015 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot until Thursday, July 2, at 11:59 p.m. ET. For the first time, voting is exclusively online, where fans may submit up to 35 ballots.
Fans may also receive the ballot by texting VOTE to 89269 (USA) or 101010 (Canada). Or text VOTA for a ballot in Spanish. Message and data rates may apply. Up to five messages. No purchase required. Reply STOP to cancel. Reply HELP for info.
Following the announcement of the 2015 All-Stars, be sure to return to MLB.com and cast your 2015 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Final Vote for the final player for each league's All-Star roster. On Tuesday, July 14, watch the 2015 All-Star Game 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 2015 MLB All-Star Game MVP Vote.
MLB.com will provide extensive online coverage of All-Star Week festivities.
The 86th All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 200 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB Network and SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com.