Dodgers News: Cody Bellinger Talks About What It Means To Be An All-Star Starter
You might have heard the big Dodgers All-Star Game news: Cody Bellinger has been voted in a starter. While some see the game as a simple exhibition, truthfully it’s more than that. Especially to a young player like Bellinger who experienced some sophomore struggles, it’s more of a crowning achievement.
Now, he talks with Alanna Rizzo of Sportsnet LA about what it means to be elected as a starter in the midsummer classic.
.@Cody_Bellinger spoke with @alannarizzo after being named a 2019 NL All-Star Game starter. pic.twitter.com/9hADewlgi2
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) June 27, 2019
Rizzo led with a question of what it means to be a starter now after appearing at the 2017 game in Miami. While Bellinger said it was always meaningful, being a starter carries a little more weight.
“It’s special. I was there in 2017 and it was an awesome experience. It would be a special experience in general, but I think being a starter makes it a little more special. I have enjoyed every single second of this first half. It’s been fun.”
Then, he was asked if he would treat this second trip to the All-Star Game any differently.
“I want to enjoy every second – I didn’t take it for granted at all in 2017. Just knowing how hard it is to get there with all the talent in the league, I want to just take it all in and have fun with it.”
Finally, Rizzo asked what has allowed him to sustain the success over the entire first half of the season. Truly, Bellinger has been solid from Opening Day until now.
“I don’t know if it’s any one thing, but the hitting coaches have done a great job in looking at a lot of video. When I do go through these tough stretches, they help with getting out of them. It’s just going out there every day with the same mindset, but trying to treat it like a new game; and forget about what you have done in the past.”
Continually, Bellinger has credited Robert Van Scoyoc and Brant Brown for his transformation in 2019. Equally important, he gives mention to the video work that the staff does with him; showing that he is a student of his craft.
Without question, Bellinger has a more veteran perspective than his first trip to the All-Star Game as a rookie. It’s going to be really good to see him out with the elite players in the league when the NL takes the field in Cleveland.
