By: Joseph Stuckey

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

The 96th Major League Baseball All-Star Game is set to take place Tuesday, July 14th at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was announced several years ago that the game would take place in Philadelphia in conjunction with the celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

This year is just like many others, with the All-Star rosters loaded with players from the baseball hotbed of the state of Georgia.

To start on the American League side is former Appling County standout and current Minnesota Twin Byron Buxton.

This is his 3rd All-Star Game selection (2022, 2025, 2026) and is slated to be a starter for the American League. Heading into the All-Star break, he has a .271 batting average and is tied for 6th in home runs.

Next representing the Toronto Blue Jays is Dylan Cease from Milton, Georgia. He has a 2.56 ERA this season, along with the second most strikeouts with 148. This is his first All-Star Game.

C.J. Abrams from Alpharetta, Georgia, will be starting for the National League, representing the Washington Nationals. He already has 20 home runs and 67 RBIs on the season. This is his second All-Star Game (2024 & 2026).

Brandon Marsh is from Buford, Georgia, and will be starting for the National League from the hometown Philadelphia Phillies in his first All-Star appearance. He is batting over .300 and has 15 home runs on the season.

The St. Louis Cardinals’ young superstar Jordan Walker will be representing the National League and will be participating in Monday night’s Home Run Derby. He is from Stone Mountain, Georgia, and this is his first All-Star appearance.

There are also several representatives from the Atlanta Braves making the trip to the always hostile city of brotherly love.

The Braves and Phillies are arch-rivals, and one can assume the local fans may not show the Braves All-Star selections much love during their time in town.

We will start with their young superstar catcher and reigning National League Rookie of the Year, Drake Baldwin, who has had a very solid season so far and ranks in the top 75 in average, home runs, RBIs, and OPS. This is his first All-Star appearance.

Next is veteran Ozzie Albies, who will be attending his 4th All-Star Game (2018, 2021, 2023, 2026). He also has a near .300 batting average and 14 home runs on the season.

Reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale will also be making the trip to Philadelphia. He has a 2.27 ERA and 112 strikeouts on the season. This will be his 10th All-Star Game appearance (2012-2018, 2024-2026).

Next is relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias, who has 19 saves on the season. He also has a 2.30 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP. This is his first All-Star appearance.

Finally, Parkview product Matt Olson, who will be headed to his 4th All-Star Game (2021, 2023, 2025, 2026). He is currently tied for 6th in home runs with 25 and has a near .300 batting average.

As stated above, Georgia will be well represented in the City of Brotherly Love on Tuesday, July 14th.