At long last, the announcement was made.
Arizona Diamondbacks left-handed relief pitcher, Joe Mantiply has been selected to the National League All-Star roster. The Mid-Summer classic will take place in Los Angeles, California at Dodger Stadium on July 19th.
Mantiply, 31, has been dominant this season. He has posted a 1.83 ERA, 34 strikeouts, and a 0.88 WHIP in 34.1 innings of relief. He has prevented zero runs from crossing the plate in 32 of 35 outings and owns the MLB record for most consecutive appearances by a left-handed pitcher without allowing a walk - 33.
But the road to this career milestone was anything but easy.
Mantiply signed a minor league free agent contract in January 2020. Before that, he was traded from the Reds, Tigers, and Yankees. In 2019, he underwent Tommy John surgery.
There was lots of adversity. The long anticipated, anxiety-filled wait was over. It meant the world to him.
Diamondbacks fans found out about Manitply being named an All-Star after the ESPN Selection Show revealed both of the leagues rosters but he actually found out earlier that morning. There was only one person he shared this special moment with - his wife, Ella.
“She teared up a little bit. She’s been there every step of the way, every step through my pro career, she’s been right by my side pushing me. This means as much to her as it does to me, I’m sure,” Mantiply said.
The 92nd Major League Baseball All-Star game will be broadcasted on FOX on Tuesday, July 19th at Dodger Stadium.