Dodgers second baseman Dee Gordon has agreed to offer occasional journal entries about his experiences at his first All-Star Game.
It was a great time, and I’m glad I got to be a part of my first All-Star Game and look forward to many more.
When I ran out to pinch run for Chase Utley, I was ready to go. I was like, "The world gets to see me play. I’m ready." I was ready to go do my thing. It was nice, because I got to score a run for our team on Jonathan Lucroy’s double to right field.
I wouldn’t rather be anywhere else. It was a great time, I’m happy to be here and I’m ready to get the second half started.
I haven’t talked to my dad yet, but I’ll see him at the hotel.
On the ball I hit to Jose Altuve, I hit it well, he made a great play and I was out. These are the best players in the game, so it’s part of it.
Being around all these guys for a couple days just helps with my confidence. It helps me know I have the skills and I can play.
I picked up a lot of little stuff here and there. But when you’re a young player at your first All-Star Game, I was trying to just stay out of the way and do my own thing, just help these guys win.
I got to talk to Derek Jeter. I haven’t seen Jeter since he played with my dad, and he knew I was Tom Gordon's kid. He was like, “Man, I feel old,” and I said, “Well, you’re retiring, man.”
Who knows, maybe one day a young player will approach me like that. I don’t know, though. I'm happy I got to be here for it.