Gallery: Local All-Stars Pave Way for MLB's Midsummer Classic

Last month four local athletes were named to the Anne Arundel County 2011 All-County Baseball team. 

Featuring three seniors and one sophomore, the young men from Old Mill and Meade high schools each carried their teams throughout the season with stellar hitting and some defensive flair.

While these local athletes received their recognition a month ago, the best of the best will soon be featured in a similar way in Phoenix, AZ, at the 2011 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

Known as the "Midsummer Classic," fans have the opportunity to vote for who they think are the best at each position for both the American and National leagues. Whether you're a diehard Orioles fan or a supporter of that other team, you can have a say as to who gets the ticket to Phoenix to represent their team and league.

The MLB All-Star game actually means something unlike other sports. Since 2003 the league that wins the Midsummer Classic is then rewarded to have home-field advantage throughout the World Series, regardless of which team from that league reaches the final.

Since the start of the home-field advantage rule in All-Star games, the team that started out on their home field walked away with the Commissioner's Trophy five out of eight times.

The All-Star game is set to be played on July 12, and will feature the usual festivities like the Home Run Derby and Celebrity Softball Game.

Place your vote soon and see if your favorite starts make it to Phoenix!