National League All-Stars 2008

Each year 32 players are selected to the National League All-Star Team. Fans vote online and at ballparks around the country. The three outfielders with the most votes were named as starters in addition to the top voted players for each position. A second vote is held to determine the 32nd player for each team. Voting via internet, baseball fans chose Chase Utley with nearly 4 million votes. The NL had thirteen pitchers chosen should they need them.

Led by manager, Terry Francona, the NL team of 2008 included the following players: Alfonso Soriano, Lance Berkman, Ryan Braun, Chipper Jones, Hanley Ramirez, Geovanny Soto, Chase Utley and Kosuke Fukudome. The NL team lost the game with a score of 3-4 permitting the American League to continue a 12 game winning streak. Dan Uggla of the Florida Marlins made three errors which set a new All-Star game record. He also hit into a double-play and struck out three times establishing yet another record.

The National and American Leagues players battled for 15 innings tying a record that was set in 1967. The July 15th game had additional records set for stolen bases, men left on base, combined strike-outs and number of players used throughout the game. Both teams were using their last pitchers when the game ended. National and American League players were introduced simultaneously and, had the honor to stand in their respective positions beside Hall of Famers who played that position during their careers. That All-Star game was the 79th meeting of selected players from both leagues. For the National League players and their fans there is always next year.