David Peterson got All-Star moment he was waiting for with Clayton Kershaw

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ATLANTA — Because of withdrawals and replacements, there were 81 players named All-Stars this season, a staggering number that reflects 1) the number of star pitchers not pitching and 2) an honor that might not mean as much as it used to for players who travel relentlessly during the season and often just want a break. 

Yet late addition David Peterson was happy to be invited, happy to pitch in Tuesday’s game and happy to be around some of the best players in the game, including one of the all-time greats. 

Peterson arrived at Truist Park wanting to talk with Clayton Kershaw, another big lefty with a much bigger résumé who was made an All-Star through the “Legend Pick,” in which MLB invites a player as a career honor rather than a season honor. 

The two talked for a little while before the game, the specifics unclear, although Peterson was not optimistic that he will now feature a new, devastating curveball. 

“That’s one of one,” Peterson said of Kershaw’s breaking ball, an offering that helped him reach 3,000 strikeouts. 

Peterson is a fan of the future Hall of Fame Dodger. Kershaw is a fan of Peterson’s. 

“I talked to him a little bit. He’s fun to watch,” Kershaw said. “I love the way he pitches. He’s got a great sinker. Great feel for pitching, too, both sides of the plate, breaking balls, changeups, everything. I enjoy watching him pitch.” 

The chat was one more reason for Peterson to attend the festivities, though there were a few. 

“Obviously being my first one, I think is the No. 1 reason,” the 29-year-old, sixth-year major leaguer said. “It’s something that I watched growing up and dreamt of coming to. To be able to share it with my family and have everyone here, be with my teammates, share that experience with them has been awesome. 

“And like I said, interact with some of the guys that you see from the other side.” 

For the first time since 2019, MLB allowed players to wear their own uniforms rather than introducing All-Star uniforms. Francisco Lindor, a first-time All-Star as a Met and a fifth-time All-Star in his career, was appreciative. 

“I think we have one of the best uniforms in the league,” the NL’s starting shortstop said before the game. “To be able to wear it here, representing the Mets organization and to represent the fan base that made me an All-Star, I’m looking forward to it.” 

The game was a showcase for the players and perhaps for the future of the league’s technology, MLB using the Automated Ball/Strike System for the exhibition. 

Player opinions on the challenge system vary, but Pete Alonso is a fan of it partly for its entertainment value. 

“With the US Open in New York, I love seeing the challenge system whether a ball is going across the line. There’s some entertainment value in that … like the crowd [goes] ‘Ohhhhhhhh,’” Alonso said. “If there’s a borderline call and someone uses it, I think the crowd will be engaged.”