Last Updated on July 1, 2007 7:25 pm by admin
CHICAGO (AP) -The last time the Milwaukee Brewers had this many All-Stars, “Harvey’s Wallbangers” were terrorizing the American League. Now, they’re doing a number on the National League – with a Prince leading the way.
First baseman Prince Fielder, shortstop J.J. Hardy, closer Francisco Cordero and pitcher Ben Sheets were selected for the All-Star team on Sunday. That gave Milwaukee four representatives for the first time since 1983, when shortstop Robin Yount, catcher Ted Simmons, outfielder Ben Oglivie and first baseman Cecil Cooper made it.
“We’re starting to be recognized nationally and I think we should be,” said Hardy, batting .284. “We have a really good team and people are starting to notice.”
At 47-34, the NL Central leaders are tough to ignore. And they’re on pace to reach the playoffs for the first time since 1982, when St. Louis beat them in the World Series.
“This just shows that we’re all playing well this year,” said Fielder, a first-time All-Star. “Hopefully we can keep it up.”
In his second season, Fielder leads the league with 27 homers and got voted in as a starter in the fan balloting, beating St. Louis’ Albert Pujols 2.7 million to 1.9 million.
At 10-3, Sheets is tied for the league lead in wins and has a 3.19 ERA in 17 starts. Cordero leads the NL with 27 saves – an impressive turnaround for a player who struggled in the first half last season and got dealt from Texas.
“Being able to be an All-Star over here, it means a lot,” he said. “It showed me that I worked hard to get back on track and it showed me that I’m doing a great job in ’07.”