Parrish, Finley Selected to All-Star Team

Lance Parrish wanted to prove he could play as well as he did in his younger years. Chuck Finley wanted to prove he could pitch as well as he did last year. Both have succeeded, and for their efforts were named by American League Manager Tony La Russa to represent the Angels in Tuesday’s game at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

Parrish, 34, was hitting .285 with 15 home runs and 39 runs batted in before Thursday’s game and had thrown out 30 of 57 runners. Parrish, now an eight-time All-Star, is rebounding from seasons in which he hit .215 with Philadelphia and .238 with the Angels.

Parrish said he was concerned he might have been bypassed if Oakland’s Terry Steinbach won the voting, which might have resulted in Sandy Alomar Jr. being named Cleveland’s representative. However, Alomar was voted the starting catcher, clearing the way for Parrish’s selection.

“It’s been a goal of mine to try and re-establish myself as one of the better catchers in the league,” Parrish said. “I’ve had trouble on and off the last few years. . . . I’ve been healthy and I’ve been able to stay in the lineup a little more consistently. When I go out there on an every-day basis, that allows me to perform at a higher level. Or gives me an opportunity to, anyway.”

Finley didn’t get an opportunity to pitch in last year’s game in Anaheim but said he was “almost sure” he would get in the game this time. He also rates consideration for starting honors. With one start left before the game, he is 11-4 and tied for third in victories and ninth in winning percentage. His 2.50 earned-run average is second to the 2.40 of Greg Hibbard of the Chicago White Sox, and opponents’ batting average against him is .228, eighth-best in the league.

“The significance of the whole deal for me is that when I was picked last year, people might have said that was a fluke, but I backed it up this year,” said Finley, who was a career-best 16-9 with a 2.57 ERA in 1989. “I don’t care if I pitch early, late, extra innings--I just want to get in there.

“When you go once, you like to go back again. It’s a very sweet feeling.”

The fun for each was enhanced by knowing that his batterymate will be there.

“I’m glad Lance made it. He deserves it,” Finley said. “Maybe I won’t have to change my signs. I’ve had this much success with him, so he might be able to sway me toward success Tuesday.”

Parrish will do all he can. “I’d just as soon catch somebody I know and feel comfortable with,” he said. “It might help him relax, too.”

Due to an incentive clause in his contract, Finley will pick up an extra $25,000 for being selected to the team. Parrish’s contract does not include an All-Star bonus.