USD, Bryant Ready to Shine in San Diego's All-Star Opportunity

USD, Bryant Ready to Shine in San Diego's All-Star Opportunity

Former USD standout Kris Bryant is playing in the MLB All-Star Game on July 12 in San Diego.

Top Major League Baseball stars, including former University of San Diego standout and current Chicago Cubs infielder Kris Bryant, will compete in the 87th MLB All-Star Game July 12 at San Diego's Petco Park. 

Bryant, who was voted in as the National League All-Star team’s starting third baseman, will be making his first San Diego appearance this season. But the Torero baseball program's career home run leader (with 54) isn’t the only USD representation during MLB's five days of all-star festivities beginning July 8.

The University of San Diego is an official partner of the 2016 MLB All-Star FanFest, which runs July 8-12 at the San Diego Convention Center. FanFest features several fun and interactive experiences for baseball fans of all ages. USD is the exclusive presenter for this year's Hometown Heroes Pavilion, which honors the city, the baseball history of the San Diego Padres and USD.

FanFest attendees are invited to stop by USD's Hometown Heroes Pavilion area and pick up a free collectable baseball card of Bryant. Another special giveaway will be provided to exhibit visitors who wear USD gear while supplies last and there will additional chances to win other fun prizes.

'Leading Change Live' July 10 at FanFest

One special USD event at FanFest will take place on Sunday, July 10 as "Leading Change Live," a program hosted by MLB Network personality and USD alumna Heidi Watney '03 begins at 10 a.m. This event is open to all FanFest ticketholders. During the program, Watney will be joined by a panel of notable USD representatives.

USD’s All-Star Green Team

There’s a bevy of MLB all-star festivities taking place downtown, including a Color Run and the Petco Park events such as the Futures Game, Celebrity Softball Game, Home Run Derby and the actual MLB All-Star Game. Throughout the five days of all-star activity, a group of USD students, staff and faculty, along with student and staff representatives from the University of Minnesota, will comprise the MLB All-Star Green Team.

The group will be working at each of the aforementioned events, separating trash and recyclable materials during the games to increase sustainability awareness and to help divert items that otherwise would end up in a landfill.

USD Office of Sustainability Director Michael Catanzaro and Coordinator Paula Morreale, are leading this effort in conjunction with MLB. Joining them are USD students Mariah Banks, Hailey Gordon, Haley Cahill, Chris Waite, Brendan Cleary, Jeff Stephens, Spencer Dunlap, Cormac Cardwell, Catie Chipman, Ayan Karadshen and Jeff Cirillo. The USD faculty and staff members are Michael Williams, Chris Nayve and Michel Boudrias.

Torero History in the MLB All-Star Game

Bryant, the 2015 National League Rookie of the Year, will play in his second straight MLB All-Star Game in 2016. Bryant, the second overall pick in the 2013 MLB Draft by the Cubs, is the only former USD Torero baseball player to play in the MLB All-Star Game. He was an NL reserve last year, playing in left field and getting two plate appearances, a walk and a fly out.

Bryant might be the lone USD player to play in the MLB All-Star Game, but he’s not the only former Torero to be on the field for the game. Current MLB umpire Mike DiMuro, a 1990 USD alumnus, was the third base umpire for the officiating crew at the 2005 MLB All-Star Game at Comerica Park in Detroit. DiMuro made his MLB umpire debut in July 1997.

Toreros’ MLB Connections

Bryant is one of 18 Toreros to reach the major leagues and is currently one of three found on a main 25-man roster. The other two are AJ Griffin, who debuted with the Oakland A’s in 2012, is now a starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers and Sammy Solis, who debuted in 2015, and is a left-handed relief pitcher for the Washington Nationals.

The USD baseball program's MLB player list begins with Kerry Dineen, who debuted in 1975, followed by John Wathan in 1976. Wathan played in two World Series with the Kansas City Royals, 1980 and 1985, winning the latter. Dineen and Wathan were the only USD players to reach the major leagues until Jeff Grotewold arrived in 1992. He was followed by Mike Saipe (1998), Brady Clark (2000), Bart Miadich (2001) and Kevin Reese (2005).

Eleven Toreros have reached the majors since 2007, including Dan Giese, Freddy Sandoval, Mike McCoy, Josh Butler and Anthony Slama and Brian Matusz, who was the fourth overall selection by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2008 draft. Matusz, McCoy and Butler made their MLB debuts in 2009. Griffin was next in 2012, followed by Zach Walters in 2013, and Bryant, Solis and James Pazos in 2015.

Matusz and Walters are potential MLB roster call-ups this year. Matusz was traded earlier this season by Baltimore to the Atlanta Braves and then signed a minor-league deal with the Cubs last month. The left-hander gives the Cubs pitching depth as either a starter or reliever. Walters, who has played with the Nationals and Cleveland Indians, was acquired by the Los Angeles Dodgers in April. The outfielder is currently playing for the Dodgers’ Triple-A team in Oklahoma City.

— Ryan T. Blystone