In the ballpark last night were the families, extended families and friends of all-stars.
For many, especially the families of the younger stars, the event was a combination family reunion and celebration. Their loved one had finally, and truly, made it.
Baseball careers only rarely start on an upward trajectory and stay on course - some of the players here struggled at various levels and sometimes wondered if they would make the big leagues, let alone become all-stars.
Grudzielanek, an 11th-round draft choice, spent five seasons in the minor leagues, finally got called up last season, then got sent back down on July 3 (his brothers remember the exact date) before spending August and September back in the big leagues.
``And now he's down there talking with Ozzie Smith,'' said Tim. ``I mean, that's just unbelievable.''
Colorado Rockies second baseman Eric Young, of New Brunswick and Rutgers University, became an all-star this season after bouncing in and out of the lineup last year.
Last night, his father Otis, mother Lucille, brother Otis Jr., and about 20 other friends and relatives looked on.
``He called me after he was picked and said, `Mama, I made it,' his mother said. ``I said, `Very good, Eric. I knew you would someday, just as soon as you got your chance to play.'
``That was the only time I was worried about him a little bit,'' she said. ``Last year, he sat on the bench a little too long for my liking.''
A few rows in front of Eric Young's family was the Rodriguez clan, in Philadelphia to watch Henry Rodriguez of the Expos, a Dodgers reject who has suddenly become a star with the Expos. The 25-year-old outfielder has 25 home runs and 70 RBIs.
