Former NSU Demon Vying to Be MLB All-Star

The MLB season is in full swing. In fact, we're coming up on the midway point of the season - which means we're coming up on the All-Star Break. This year's midsummer classic will take place on July 16, 2024 in Arlington, Texas at Globe Life Field - the home of the Texas Rangers. But, the location of the All-Star game isn't the only local connection to the game as there are several locals vying for a coveted spot in the game - including former Northwestern State Demon David Fry.

Could David Fry Be an MLB All-Star in 2024?

There are several local/regional players vying for a spot on an All-Star team roster. Former Parkway Panther and Bossier Native Seth Lugo seems like a lock. Taijuan Walker, from Shreveport, may be having a down year for him but is still stringing together some solid starts and making a case for himself.

However, fans don't get to vote on pitchers. That kind of sucks, but it is what it is. As far as position players go, there's one guy with ties to the local area and is making one hell of a case for himself - Cleveland Guardian's David Fry. Fry is an Irving, Texas native and played his college ball for the Northwestern State University Demons down in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

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Since getting called up to the Majors in 2023, he has been one of the most impactful Utility player in all of baseball. At this point, I think he's played every position except centerfield - including being only the 2nd position player to pitch four or more innings in a major league game.

With that said, if 'Utility' was an official position on the All-Star ballot, David Fry would 100% be an All-Star. However, on the voting ballot, he's listed as a DH. Even with that, he stacks up pretty well against the competition.

So far this year, he's racked up 8 home runs with 30 RBIs with a .317 batting average and .984 OPS (on-base plus slugging for those that don't know. Having an OPS in the .900s is elite). And, as I mentioned, he's doing that playing multiple positions and coming off the bench - so impressive.

Currently, he ranks 3rd in voting behind the Houston Astro's Yordan Alvarez & The Yankee's Giancarlo Stanton - both of which are traditional, every day Designated Hitters.

Here's the last vote count as of June 17th, 2024:

DESIGNATED HITTERS
1. Yordan Alvarez, Astros: 475,158
2. Giancarlo Stanton, Yankees: 408,610
3. David Fry, Guardians: 379,845
4. Ryan O’Hearn, Orioles: 290,091
5. Josh Jung, Rangers: 208,187

READ MORE: Spring Training Once Brought Babe Ruth & the Yankees to Shreveport, LA

Here's How You Can Help Make David Fry an All-Star

All-Star Voting is currently happening. Phase 1 of voting runs from June 5 - June 27 - this helps narrow the field. Then Phase 2 runs from June 30 - July 3 - this helps select the starters.

You can vote up to 5 times a day here. As mentioned above, Fry is currently in third place behind Alvarez and the Yankees. However, while the fans get to select the starters, the votes can still help your favorite player make the team as an alternate. So, even if Fry doesn't win, your vote could still help him make the roster.

Again, while not an official position of the All-Star game, Utility players are starting to get way more respect. They now have their own category for Gold Gloves and people are starting to appreciate the ability to play multiple positions well in the modern game. And, when it comes to utility men, David Fry is one of the best. And, based on what he's done this year - he deserves to be a 2024 American League All-Star.