Piazza Finds All-Star Game Habit Forming

Catcher Mike Piazza remembers the days of being a bat boy when the Dodgers came into Philadelphia to play the Phillies, dreaming one day of playing in Veterans Stadium.

Never in his wildest imagination did he envision this:

Piazza will be heading to Philadelphia, just outside his hometown of Phoenixville, not only as the starting catcher in the July 9 All-Star game, but the most popular player in the entire National League. Piazza received 2.2 million votes--nearly one-half million votes more than Barry Bonds, and 1.7 million more than Atlanta Brave catcher Javier Lopez, who finished second among National League catchers.

“It’s like living a dream,” said Piazza, who has a league-leading .364 batting average, with 23 homers and 60 runs batted in. “You just hope that one day you don’t wake up. It’s hard to talk about because I get emotional about it.

“It’s extremely flattering. People recognize your accomplishments. I’m very, very honored. “Anything that happens after this is just icing on the cake. The whole thing is very overwhelming to me. I try to guard against things happening so fast. I just want to enjoy it.”

Piazza becomes the first Dodger position player to be voted to the All-Star game four consecutive years since first baseman Steve Garvey in 1974-1981. He was the lone Dodger or Angel to be voted to the team, but is expected to be joined today by teammate Todd Worrell and possibly pitcher Hideo Nomo. Closer Troy Percival is expected to represent the Angels.

“I’m very proud of Mike,” Dodger Manager Tom Lasorda said. “He’s drafted in the 62nd round, and everybody in baseball thought he was drafted because of me.

“He had to prove to everybody that was not the case. He’s proven to everybody that he has ability, and showed just what hard work can do.

“Nobody gave this guy anything.”

Lasorda, who will be sidelined at least a few more weeks to recover from his heart attack and ulcer, still does not know whether he’ll be able to coach on Bobby Cox’s National League staff. He’s awaiting medical clearance to travel to the game, but it appears unlikely he’ll receive permission.

Piazza, who has been hampered by torn cartilage in his right knee, never gave any thought to skipping the All-Star Game in his hometown, but rejected an invitation to participate in the home-run hitting contest.

San Diego Padre right fielder Tony Gwynn, voted to his 12th All-Star game, gave mild consideration to bypassing the game because of his nagging right heel, but not after being voted in.

Center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. of the Seattle Mariners received the most votes of any player, 3.06 million, despite being out because of a broken hand.

The closest balloting occurred at third base in the National League when Matt Williams edged out Ken Caminiti of the Padres by only 49,451 votes.

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All-Star Game Starting Lineups

AMERICAN LEAGUE *--*

Pos Player, Team Votes C Ivan Rodriguez, Texas 1,441,920 1B Frank Thomas, Chicago 1,215,690 2B Roberto Alomar, Baltimore 2,153,993 SS Cal Ripken, Baltimore 2,550,275 3B Wade Boggs, New York 1,282,767 OF Ken Griffey, Seattle 3,064,814 OF Albert Belle, Cleveland 1,692,409 OF Kenny Lofton, Cleveland 1,337,262

*--*

NATIONAL LEAGUE *--*

Pos Player, Team Votes C Mike Piazza, Dodgers 2,272,115 1B Fred McGriff, Atlanta 1,358,094 2B Craig Biggio, Houston 1,241,228 SS Barry Larkin, Cincinnati 1,085,711 3B Matt Williams, San Francisco 958,422 OF Barry Bonds, San Francisco 1,750,498 OF Tony Gwynn, San Diego 1,485,693 OF Dante Bichette, Colorado 980,802

*--*

Note--Reserves and pitchers announced today