Freddie Sanchez In Third all-Star Game

BASEBALL: Burbank graduate selected to the National League squad as a reserve.
By Jeff Tully
July 8, 2009 - Burbank Leader

BURBANK — The honor doesn’t get old for Freddy Sanchez.Having been chosen to take part in two previous All-Star games, the former Burbank High and Glendale Community College standout was hoping to be considered this season after putting up solid numbers for the first half of the season.

Sanchez, 31, received good news Sunday, as he was selected as a reserve by Philadelphia Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel to be a part of the 33-player National League team. “Obviously, it’s an honor to make the team,” Sanchez told mlb.com about his selection this season. “To be chosen by Charlie, Tony [LaRussa] and Joe [Torre], those are some Hall of Fame managers. For them to even consider me was an honor. It’s an honor to be able to represent the Pittsburgh Pirates.

”It is Sanchez’s third All-Star honor, as he played in his first game in 2006. He also made the NL squad in ’07 — making both teams as a reserve. The 80th All-Star Game will take place July 14 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Pregame ceremonies will begin at 5 p.m. Philadelphia’s Chase Utley was voted the starting second baseman by the fans. Sanchez will be one of three second basemen for the NL team, as they are joined by Los Angeles Dodger Orlando Hudson.

Sanchez is Pittsburgh’s lone representative. He is the first Pirates player since Jason Kendall to be a three-time All-Star. He is also one of 20 Pirates in the history of the organization to make three All-Star appearances, joining standouts Arky Vaughn, Paul Waner, Roberto Clemente, Smoky Burgess, Bill Mazeroski, Willie Stargell, Dave Parker and Barry Bonds.

After struggling last season with a shoulder injury and eye ailments, Sanchez came into spring training healthy for the first time in two seasons. He has been able to thrive, becoming the Pirates’ most consistent hitter. “I feel like I worked to get my shoulder right, to get my body feeling good,” Sanchez told mlb.com. “It’s definitely rewarding that much more, knowing the effort that I put into the offseason and that I’m still putting in as the season goes on. ”Sanchez missed three games last week after experiencing lower back spasms. However, he said he expects the symptoms to subside this week and he should be ready for next week’s game.

Coming into Monday’s game, which he also didn’t start, the eight-year veteran was batting .316 (96 for 304) — the best among second basemen in the majors — with 33 runs batted in, 25 doubles and six home runs. His doubles total ranks second in the league and only Houston Astros’ Miguel Tejada has more multi-hit games. He is a career .302 hitter. In addition, he is one of two players to have six hits in a game this year, accomplishing the feat May 25 against the Chicago Cubs. Along with his offensive success, Sanchez — who has also played third and shortstop in his career — has been a stalwart on defense. He has committed just one error in 365 total chances, and his .997 fielding percentage leads all second basemen.

Sanchez has the distinction of being the only player to have played second, short and third in the All-Star Game. With his versatility, he gives Manuel some options on defense.Sanchez has been able to enjoy success in baseball since breaking into the majors in 2002 with the Boston Red Sox. His most prosperous season came in 2006 when he hit .345 and won the National League batting championship. Sanchez had 200 hits and led the NL with 53 doubles.