Dodgers News: Will Smith Named to First All-Star Team in His Career

The Fresh Prince will be in Seattle for this year’s midsummer classic. Dodgers catcher Will Smith has been named to the NL reserves for the upcoming All-Star Game. It’s Smith’s first All-Star selection in his career.

Will Smith is an All-Star!

Congratulations on your first All-Star selection, Will. pic.twitter.com/JrjYV4kXNu

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— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 2, 2023

Smith joins Mookie Betts, J.D. Martinez, Freddie Freeman, and Clayton Kershaw (who was also named to the NL squad on Sunday) as LA’s representation.

For the 28-year-old it’s a dream realized and a well deserved honor for one of the consensus best catchers in baseball.

“I think this means a lot of hard work, you know? It’s obviously the dream as a kid to make the All Star team,” Smith told reporters on Sunday. “It’s an honor and a privilege and I’m just grateful.”

Will’s .891 on-base-plus-sluggng is the second best among all qualified catchers. He trails only Atlanta backstop Sean Murphy, who was selected as the starting catcher for the contest, something Smith was fine with.

"It's an honor and a privilege and I'm just grateful." @will_smith30 reacts to being named to this year’s NL All-Star team. pic.twitter.com/kS4zYoMggT

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) July 2, 2023

This honor feels like a long time calling for the former first round draft pick out of Louisville. He was widely viewed as a snub for last year’s game held at Dodger Stadium but now he gets the first of what should be many in his career.

He’s the first Dodger All-Star catcher since Yasmani Grandal in 2015.

Congratulations to Will Smith and the entire Smith family for the achievement!