BOSTON — Xander Bogaerts felt the love.
While the campaign to send Bogaerts to the 2015 Major League Baseball All-Star Game via the league’s annual Final Vote proved unsuccessful, the Boston Red Sox shortstop knows it wasn’t for lack of trying.
“I know how much the fans tried, the Red Sox organization, they tried really hard,” Bogaerts said after Friday’s 5-1 loss to the New York Yankees at Fenway Park. “The fans here, also back at home in Aruba, really tried.
“Kansas City fans this year have been pretty crazy for their players. I appreciate all the votes that they gave me.”
Kansas City Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas won the American League Final Vote, giving the defending AL champions seven representatives at this year’s Midsummer Classic. St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Carlos Martinez won the National League Final Vote.
Bogaerts finished fourth behind Moustakas, Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier and Detroit Tigers outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner also was on the initial ballot, but he since has been added to the AL All-Star roster as an injury replacement for Royals outfielder Alex Gordon.
Bogaerts never stood much of a chance to join teammate Brock Holt — Boston’s lone All-Star representative — in Cincinnati after falling behind early in the voting. Royals fans voted in droves for this year’s All-Star festivities, making Moustakas’ selection almost a foregone conclusion.
Regardless, Bogaerts is honored just to have been considered for the final spot on the AL roster. The honor speaks to how much progress he’s made since his rookie campaign in 2014.
“I know the fans tried really hard, the fans here and especially back home in Aruba,” Bogaerts reiterated. “And I do appreciate all of them trying their best to get me in.
“Hopefully there’s better luck next year.”
If things continue on the current path, Bogaerts won’t need “luck” next year. The 22-year-old has “future All-Star” written all over him.
Thumbnail photo via Mark L. Baer/USA TODAY Sports Images
