One All-Star is a requirement. Two All-Stars is an accomplishment. Three All-Stars gives you bragging rights. But four? That’s treading on special.
No, the Mariners won’t be as well-represented at the Midsummer Classic as the Red Sox, Astros or Indians, each of which will send five players. But they did match the Yankees and surpass other payroll titans such as the Dodgers and Cubs.
The team with the fourth-best record in baseball appears to be getting the national recognition commensurate with its success. The best part for its fans? This All-Star love may very well become tradition.