Sports
MLB All-Star Hails From Anne Arundel County
A Severna Park native is heading to the MLB All-Star Game. The honor is "surreal" for the 21-year-old rookie.
SEVERNA PARK, MD — Severna Park High School graduate Jackson Merrill is heading to Tuesday's MLB All-Star Game in Arlington, Texas.
Merrill, 21, is one of three rookies to make the star-studded lineup.
The San Diego Padres drafted Merrill in the first round of the 2021 draft. The former shortstop converted to centerfielder this spring.
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Merrill heard the news on July 7 during a team meeting, where his comrades all celebrated his achievement.
"Everybody kinda went crazy and I was just like sitting here smiling," Merrill said in a press conference. "It was just really surreal. Just kinda take it in for a sec, but just grateful for everyone around me."
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Merrill's parents were already in San Diego to watch him play when the news was announced, making for a special family moment.
"They already knew by the time I saw them after the game," Merrill said. "They just hugged me and said they're proud of me and, you know, they're there for me like they always are."
Merrill made his Major League debut this year and is batting .278 with 12 home runs, 46 runs batted in and 10 stolen bases.
Merrill is the youngest All-Star this year, and he's the Padres' youngest All-Star in franchise history. Merrill is also the first San Diego rookie to ever make an All-Star team.
Merrill made the All-Star roster as a reserve via a player vote. That came after the fan vote that decided the starting lineup.
Anne Arundel County Public Schools cheered the news.
"This year's All-Star Game will have a #AACPSFamily feel to it!" AACPS said on Facebook. "Congratulations to San Diego Padres rookie and Severna Park High School graduate Jackson Merrill on being selected to his first Midsummer Classic!"
The All-Star Game airs Tuesday at 8 p.m. on FOX. To learn how to watch without cable, read this guide.
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