MLB All-Star Game: Each team’s worst All-Star selections ever
Miami Marlins – Alex Gonzalez (1999)
Alex Gonzalez would gain some praise over the years for how well he fielded the shortstop position and it’s a strong reason why he put together a 14-year MLB career. Yet during that time, he made just one All-Star appearance and did so during what is likely his worst full season as a professional.
Times were tough in Florida in 1999, as evidenced by the fact that the Marlins finished 64-98 and just two years after winning the franchise’s first World Series. Gonzalez’s selection to the All-Star Game as the team’s lone representative just further rubbed dirt in it.
In 1999, Gonzalez ranked 8th among National League shortstops with a 0.2 WAR in a year where he hit a decent .277/.308/.430 with 14 home runs and 59 RBI. That said, outside of starter Barry Larkin, Gonzalez was the only other shortstop on the roster in what was a really down year for the position in the N.L. That left guys like Rich Aurilia (22 HR, 2.1 WAR) and Mark Grudzielanek (.326 AVG, 3.8 WAR) to stew at home.
As for the Marlins, a much more deserving representative would have been Preston Wilson, who hit .280/.350/.502 with 26 home runs and 76 RBI in center field that season. Alas, he was pushed out in favor of Brian Jordan of the Braves and Jeremy Burnitz of the Brewers, and Alex Gonzalez got his moment in the sun.
Next: Milwaukee Brewers - Ben Sheets (2001)