Pirates' Adam Frazier earns spot in starting lineup at second base for All-Star Game

The Pittsburgh Pirates were making a pitching change with the bases were loaded and two outs in the fifth inning, which proved to be the perfect time to turn the attention to an announcement on the Jumbotron.

Adam Frazier was trying to concentrate on the game against the Milwaukee Brewers when ESPN revealed that he would be the starting second baseman for the National League in the 91st All-Star Game on July 13 at Coors Field in Denver. Frazier received a rousing ovation and tipped his cap to the crowd of 11,074 Thursday night at PNC Park.

It was a moment he always dreamed about, one he called “pretty special.”

“On the field, I’m still trying to focus on the game,” Frazier said. “Gave a little acknowledgement to the fans, show them my appreciation to them for voting me in there and taking a big part in that.”

A push by the Pirates paid off for Frazier, as he led the NL second basemen with 47% of votes, ahead of Atlanta’s Ozzie Albies (33%) and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Gavin Lux (20%). Albies had led the first round of voting.

“I think it means a ton,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said. He’s in the final three with two major markets, and the fact that the fans stepped up and voted the guy in that deserved to be in the All-Star Game. No. 1, it’s a credit to Fraz with everything he’s done; and, No. 2, it’s a credit to our fans for stepping up and putting him rightfully where he belongs — and that’s as a starter at second base for the National League.”

The moment he found out. pic.twitter.com/4frB8tdvR2

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) July 2, 2021

The 29-year-old Frazier, a two-time Gold Glove finalist, became the first Pirates second baseman to earn a starting spot in the Midsummer Classic since Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski, a 10-time All-Star and eight-time Gold Glove winner between 1958-67. Where Frazier was informed of his selection by Shelton in an impromptu clubhouse meeting before the game, he didn’t learn about the Mazeroski connection until after the 7-2 loss to the Brewers.

“It’s pretty unbelievable,” Frazier said. “Maz speaks for himself, just that name. Mention that name, and he’s a Hall of Famer, legend, Pittsburgh legend especially. So, I mean, anytime you’re mentioned with him, it’s a pretty big honor.”

Frazier also became the first Pirates player to earn a start in fan voting since outfielder Andrew McCutchen in 2014, and the ninth overall. Dave Parker has the most fan-selected appearances (four), followed by Willie Stargell and Andy Van Slyke (twice each). Barry Bonds, Bobby Bonilla, Roberto Clemente and McCutchen were selected once each.

Former Pirates first baseman Josh Bell started as the NL’s designated hitter for the 2019 All-Star Game. There was no All-Star Game last summer because of covid-19 restrictions.

Your NL All-Star double play combo: pic.twitter.com/7xklDfKfTl

— MLB (@MLB) July 2, 2021

Frazier made the NL starting lineup thanks to a strong first half in which he led the league’s players at his position in batting average (.328), hits (95), walks (29), on-base percentage (.399) and OPS (.857), ranked second in doubles (22) and triples (three) and third in slugging (.464). He played 74 games at second base, four in left field and started one as a DH.

Being selected for the All-Star Game was a goal for Frazier, who said his father helped him set great expectations.

“He’s going to set the bar high for myself just so I’m thinking that way too,” Frazier said. “If I just come up here in the major leagues and think about surviving, then you’re setting a ceiling on yourself that’s way too low. So, you know, believe in yourself and go out there and play hard everyday and have confidence, and you keep that and you’ll have a lot better chance at succeeding. As a little kid, you’re dreaming of being an All-Star, so that’s really a dream come true situation. And, if I believe it as a little kid, then I’m not going to forget about it, and that’s something I’ve always strived for.”

A thank you from @A_Fraz12. ? pic.twitter.com/cgH30K4zD3

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) July 2, 2021

The Pirates kept phones buzzing with a social media campaign designed to boost his All-Star candidacy. The club changed the handle on its official Twitter account to “Adam Frazier Stan Account” — a reference to an Eminem song about an obsessed fan — and encouraged fans to #Vote4Fraz to ensure a spot in the starting lineup.

Frazier’s All-Star selection could boost his trade value before the July 30 deadline, an issue Pirates general manager Ben Cherington addressed Thursday afternoon during a guest appearance on 93.7 FM, the club’s flagship radio station.

“Adam Frazier is a really good player having a really good year who has one year of arbitration left ­— and that’s really valuable to us,” Cherington said. “We’re happy he’s a Pirate. He helps us every day. Other teams like him, too.”

That speculation, along with the College World Series run by Frazier’s alma mater, made for a whirlwind week.

“It’s been a pretty cool past couple of days,” Frazier said. “Mississippi State won the National Championship, got voted starter of the All-Star Game. It’s pretty tough to beat. I’m glad it’s happened.”