Former Florida catcher Mike Zunino recorded 47 homers in his three-year career as a Gator, which sits fourth all-time in school history. However, he struggled at the plate in his first two seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays after he was traded back to his old stomping grounds from the Seattle Mariners in 2018. He rebuilt his swing with Tampa Bay’s hitting coach Chad Mottola this offseason.
His hard work this winter paid off. On Sunday, it was announced that the former Florida baseball star would play for the American League team in this year’s MLB All-Star Game. His first time in a nine-year career. So far this season, Zunino leads the Rays and is second among catchers with 18 home runs. He also holds the majors’ top on-base plus slugging percentage at 1.189.
“Oh man, extremely grateful,” he said, according to the Tampa Bay Times. “It’s been a long journey, and it’s still going. I’m just very blessed to have a lot of people in my corner that have supported me and kept me going. And very thankful for the Rays organization for continuing to put trust in me and giving me opportunities … and really help me grow as a player.”
His manager Kevin Cash will manage his team in Denver on July 13. He said this milestone is that much more special after what he has gone through so far with the Rays.