The Most Obscure MLB All-Stars Ever

Hunter Goodman of the Colorado Rockies recently joined the ranks of MLB All-Stars, a testament to the rule that every team must have a representative. But Goodman isn't the first relatively unknown player to earn this honor. Let's dive into the history of some of the most surprising All-Star selections.

Frankie Zak: The Accidental All-Star

Frankie Zak's story is perhaps the most unlikely. During World War II, the majors were filled with minor leaguers and players unfit for military service. Zak, a backup shortstop for the 1944 Pittsburgh Pirates, was one such player. Despite a career that spanned only 123 games with no home runs and just 14 RBIs, Zak found himself on the All-Star roster due to wartime travel restrictions and injuries to other players. He didn't play in the game, but his .300 batting average that season cemented his place in All-Star history.

Eddie Kazak: The War Hero

Eddie Kazak, a 28-year-old rookie third baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals, started the 1949 All-Star Game. Kazak's journey to the majors was marked by his service in World War II, where he suffered severe injuries. Despite doctors' warnings, Kazak returned to baseball and had a standout first half in 1949, hitting .302 with four home runs and 38 RBIs. His war hero background endeared him to fans, who voted him into the starting lineup over more accomplished players.

The Eddie Kazak All-Star Lineup

In honor of Kazak, let's assemble a team of unlikely All-Star starters:

• C: John Romano (1961) - A legit All-Star who struggled with weight issues.
• 1B: Justin Smoak (2017) - A first-round pick who finally broke out with the Blue Jays.
• 2B: Mariano Duncan (1994) - A utility player who started regularly for the Phillies.
• 3B: Eddie Kazak (1949) - Our war hero.
• SS: Orlando Arcia (2023) - The least accomplished shortstop to start an All-Star Game.
• LF: Iván Calderón (1991) - A talented prospect who made his only All-Star appearance with the Expos.
• CF: Kosuke Fukudome (2008) - A rookie from Japan who started in center field.
• RF: Pat Mullin (1948) - A solid platoon hitter who missed prime years due to the war.
• DH: Corey Dickerson (2017) - A journeyman outfielder with a big first half.
• SP: Dave Stenhouse (1962) - A rookie who started the second All-Star Game of the year.

The Anonymous All-Star Lineup

Some players had solid careers but were still surprising All-Stars:

• C: Steve Swisher (1976) - A Cubs catcher with a .216 career batting average.
• 1B: Bryan LaHair (2012) - A minor league journeyman who had a hot start with the Cubs.
• 2B: Mike Sharperson (1992) - A backup infielder for the struggling Dodgers.
• 3B: Don Wert (1968) - A weak hitter who somehow made the All-Star team.
• SS: Billy Hunter (1953) - A defensive whiz with a career OPS+ of 53.
• OF: Myril Hoag (1939) - A backup outfielder with minus-4.6 career WAR.
• OF: Domonic Brown (2013) - A heralded prospect who never lived up to expectations.
• OF: Richie Scheinblum (1972) - A journeyman who nearly won a batting title.
• DH: Daniel Vogelbach (2019) - A lovable DH who slumped in the second half.
• SP: Mark Redman (2006) - A pitcher with a 5.71 ERA who started the All-Star Game.
• RP: Derrick Turnbow (2006) - A closer with a 6.87 ERA who made the All-Star team.

The Other Accidental All-Star

Alfredo Griffin, primarily a defensive specialist, made the 1984 All-Star team as a last-minute replacement. Despite a .241 batting average and minus-1.5 WAR that season, Griffin's inclusion remains one of the most surprising in All-Star history.

These stories remind us that the MLB All-Star Game isn't just about the biggest names—it's also about the unexpected heroes who, for one reason or another, earned their place in the spotlight.