Orioles in the All-Star Game over the Past Decade

Jun 30, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Wieters (32) scores a run in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Orioles defeated the Yankees 4-2 completing the three game sweep. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

2011 – Phoenix – NL 5, AL 1    

Orioles – Matt Wieters (C)

This was the first All-Star game and appearance for the Orioles’ catcher at age 25. Wieters was on his way to the first of two Gold Glove seasons. At the break he was batting .264 (ended season at .262) with 15 doubles, eight home runs, and 34 RBIs. He was indeed a bright spot on a team that was 36-52 with seven consecutive losses heading into the midsummer game.

Wieters played late in the game. He replaced starter Alex Avila of the Tigers and was 0-for-1 in his only at-bat. Wieters was also charged with a passed ball.

2010 – Anaheim – NL 3, AL 1

Orioles – Ty Wigginton (1B)

This was Wigginton’s only All-Star year over his 12-year career with eight different teams. So one would expect that this was his best season ever. Actually, he ended up with only a .248 average, though his career average was .261.  And he had 22 total home runs in 2010 – tied as his third-best seasonal total. Wigginton was a sort of similar story and talent as is Steve Pearce currently for the Orioles.

Ty came into the All-Star break batting .252 with 13 doubles, 14 home runs, and 45 RBIs … all on a team that was 29-59 – and that included the recent first-half-ending four-game sweep of the Rangers in Texas.

In the game itself, Wigginton appeared at third base, but when his time to bat came around, Nick Swisher pinch hit for him and … yes, you guessed it … struck out. By the way, Ubaldo Jimenez was the starting pitcher for the National League and pitched two scoreless innings, giving up … wait for it, wait for it … … a WALK!