Editorials

Joc Pederson Comments On All-Star Selection, Home Run Derby



The Major League All-Star reserves and pitchers were announced on Monday. Amongst the field, four Los Angeles Dodgers were selected to the July 15 game in Cincinnati. One of the Dodgers selected is rookie Joc Pederson, who has taken Major League Baseball by storm.

The 23-year-old rookie solidified himself as the everyday center fielder for the Dodgers and has shown both offensive and defensive displays of talent this season. Pederson was selected as an All-Star via the player’s selection method, an honor he does not take lightly.

When asked about how it feels to be an All-Star, the California native proclaimed how a childhood dream came to fruition. “It’s extremely humbling. I’m honored to be able to represent the Dodgers and my family as well,” Pederson stated. “Something I dreamed about as a little kid and I get to take the field with some of the best players in the game.” The leadoff hitter for the Dodgers also was adamant that since this is his first All-Star game, he wants to make sure he takes it all in and enjoys the process as much as possible.

Some other news in store for Pederson is his possible selection to the Home Run Derby. Pederson was asked to participate a few weeks ago and has since repeated that he would only participate if he were selected to the All-Star team. Now that he has been officially selected as an All-Star, the young phenom was once again asked if he would welcome it. “Yeah. I think it’s probably one of the only reasons I made the All-Star game because I have some home runs. I think it would be fun. I’ve never done one before.”

The obvious follow-up question would be to examine who would pitch for Pederson if he does participate. The left-handed hitter was asked that very question and he responded instantaneously. “Johnny Washington. He was my hitting coach.” Washington is the hitting coach for the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers and has aided Pederson’s swing over the past few seasons. In fact, Pederson and Washington get together every summer to fine-tune his swing and make sure he is working on the little things to correct it and evolve.

On the season, the Palo Alto native is batting .233, with a .370 OBP, 20 home runs, and 39 RBIs. In 83 games played, the center fielder is fifth in home runs and third in walks in the National League.

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Staff Writer

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