Xander Bogaerts will represent the Red Sox at the All-Star Game
Another season, another honor added to the long resume of Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts. Earlier today, the 2022 All-Star Game rosters were announced. For the fourth time in his illustrious career, Bogey has earned the right to represent the American League at the Midsummer Classic. It should come as no surprise considering the type of season he’s having but it’s still exciting to see a guy who works as hard as he does get his roses.
Xander Bogaerts: 4x All-Star pic.twitter.com/IAbgwkEgVc
— Red Sox (@RedSox) July 10, 2022
More often than not Xander is a driving force in this Red Sox offense alongside his All-Star teammate, Rafael Devers. The longest-tenured shortstop in Sox history has become the veteran voice of this squad and is a leader for this team. His jersey may not have that “C” on it, but if you ask any member of the organization or fan of the team, they’d tell you, he’s the captain. Where Bogey goes is likely Boston goes and hopefully thanks to his time and efforts, he’ll play his entire career at Fenway Park.
Xander was asked about his fourth trip to the All-Star game and his reaction would make you think it was his first time.
"“It’s special, you know. I feel like every time it’s different,” Bogaerts said. “It’s definitely something that in the offseason you have in your mind. If you want to say you have some goals set, I think obviously every player individually would want something like this.”"
This reaction should come as no surprise to anyone as we all know how Bogey approaches this game. He loves the sport, loves being on the field, and loves giving everything he has to his teammates. Every time we see X earn another accomplishment you can tell how proud he is of it and how much work he put in to receive the honor.
He won’t be heading to the Hollywood Hills by himself though as his best friend will be right alongside him. In another repeat, Rafael Devers will also be heading to the 2022 All-Star Game and the Red Sox infield will be heavily represented. If anyone else on this roster is carrying the team on a nightly basis, it’s Raffy. Boston’s ‘Dynamic Duo’ are continuing to pose as one of the most dangerous pairs in all of baseball.
Speaking of Devers, Bogaerts didn’t shy away from joking about the two both being selected. The way he speaks about Raffy you can just feel the brother-like bond the two have. Not only does he express love for Carita but he also heaps tons of praise on those he shares the roster with.
"“Again, huh?” quipped Bogaerts, when asked about teaming with Devers at the Midsummer Classic. “As I told the guys earlier, I feel like we had a lot of guys in this room that could have been nominated, that could have been invited. A lot, to be honest, position players and pitchers, but I’m not the one to make the votes. They would have had my vote, most of them did. It’s special for everyone to experience one.”"
Seriously, is there a more captain-like thing to say? It’s never about him and it never has been. Ever since that first World Series championship as a baby in 2013, to leading this very team to another championship in 2018, to finally being the veteran and foundation of not just a team but this organization. Xander deserves and has earned this and everything he gets to add to his mantle.
Boston is currently in the middle of a difficult stretch of the schedule and maybe these honors will help spark the fellas before the break. The 2022 MLB All-Star takes place in sunny Los Angeles, California as the Dodgers will play host to the fan favorites from the American and National League. The Red Sox will have their Batman and Robin in Hollywood and don’t believe I’ll be the only member of the Fenway Faithful tuning in.