Gamecock-great Justin Smoak was named the starting first baseman for the American League All-Star Team on Sunday. It will be the first All-Star Game appearance for the 8th-year Major Leaguer, who is currently tied for sixth in home runs with 22.
Smoak played baseball for Ray Tanner and the Gamecocks from 2006-2008 and is the school's all-time leader in home runs, with 62 balls leaving the park during his career in Columbia.
This makes the second time in the last two seasons that a former Gamecock was named an All-Star. Gamecock legend Jackie Bradley Jr was an All-Star last season after his red-hot start with the Boston Red Sox.
Smoak, while excited to be an All-Star, has reportedly declined a spot in the Home Run Derby that precedes the All-Star Game. The game will be held July 11 at Marlins Park in Miami. Coverage begins at 7:30 PM on Fox, with the game beginning at 8:00 PM.
