Monday afternoon before the Home Run Derby offered a flurry of media availability from players representing American and National League clubs, not to mention several draft picks who took center stage at the Bellco Theater during round one on Sunday night.
Minus numerous conversations at performing at altitude, the beauty of Coors Field as well as the hangover effect, the following is a smattering of other exchanges.
Bo Bichette, Toronto Blue Jays
The first-time All-Star and son of legendary Rockies slugger Dante Bichette, Bo is a part of an interesting youth movement in Toronto that includes second generation ballplayers such as the sons of two Hall of Famers: Vladimir Guerrero Sr. and Craig Biggio.
“I think we all grew up pretty similar. I think the best thing that I’ve learned from being around Vlady (Jr.) and (Cavan) Biggio is that there’s a lot of different ways to be great. Like Cavan’s dad taught him things that my dad didn’t teach me. My dad taught me things. Vice versa. I think that was definitely big for all of our careers to understand there’s not one way to go about it.”
All-Star Game MVP Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has long been tabbed a future superstar of the game and it wasn’t until 2021 that he began to truly live up to expectations thanks to a different approach this past offseason.
“I think the physical changes are a huge part of it. When you put in that preparation, that hard work, it gives a lot of confidence going into the season. He worked really hard not only on his body, but I think his mentality. Everything. What he’s doing right now is incredible, but it’s nothing that you’re surprised to see.”
Jul 13, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; American League shortstop Bo Bichette of the Toronto Blue Jays (11) at bat during the eighth inning of the 2021 MLB All Star Game at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Marcelo Mayer, Boston Red Sox, MLB Draft 4th Overall Pick
The talented 6’3″ shortstop from Eastlake HS (CA) was deemed the best amateur player in the nation despite where he was finally selected. The 18-year-old appeared on the MLB Network via satellite before flying to Denver to join in the festivities.
“It’s been crazy. Starting from from yesterday at the Draft party I had in my community with all my family, friends and teammate, just doing that was pretty special. Then coming here… It’s my first All-Star Game, so it’s pretty special and super exciting.”
Being a big leaguer in the making is still a far cry from being the actual thing. On the field before the Home Run Derby, Mayer kept it together as best as possible with all the excitement swirling around him.
“(Coors Field) is amazing. You know, it doesn’t look this nice on TV. It’s still a nice feeling, but just walking into the stadium is crazy. Especially seeing all these All-Stars just walking right by you. From being a little kid and wanting to be like them and then just have them walking by me, it’s pretty crazy.”
Chase Petty, Minnesota Twins, MLB Draft 26th Overall Pick
A two-way star from Mainland HS (NJ) that was taken as a pitcher, Petty has an East Coast swagger that comes with a slight chip on his shoulder. Much like fellow New Jerseyan Mike Trout slipping to the 25th overall in his draft, there’s a lot of scouts to prove wrong.
“I would definitely say most slept on state with baseball. We’re definitely putting our names on the map, getting the state on the map for baseball. We’re always on the come up. I mean, there’s a lot of talent and a lot of it goes unnoticed. It deserves a lot more recognition. And I believe it’s getting there.”
Mainland’s Chase Petty is the 2021 South Jersey Baseball Player of the Year.
Chase Petty Mainland 2021 Cp Player Of The Year 5
Much like Mayer, the 18-year-old has the world at his feet, but these past few days were still the pinnacle of his career in Denver.
“I love it. The city is beautiful. The whole experience, the whole way that MLB set this entire thing up, it’s beautiful. I’m very shocked there’s not more kids here. This is gonna go down as best weekend in my life probably. For now.”
