Former Bearcat Josh Harrison Named To NL All-Star Team

The rosters for Major League Baseball’s 2014 All-Star Game, which will be held next Tuesday in Minneapolis, were announced on Sunday evening.

Four Cincinnati Reds were named to the NL squad (Cueto, Chapman, Frazier, Mesoraco), but we’re here to talk Bearcats, not Reds.

As I scrolled through the National League’s reserves, I was pleasantly surprised to see former UC Bearcat and Princeton Viking Josh Harrison’s name included on the NL roster. Harrison, now in his 4th season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, is hitting .298 with 5 HRs and 25 RBIs in 71 games this season.

Certainly not overwhelming offensive numbers, but Harrison’s versatility and defensive prowess have made him a valuable part of the Pirates ballclub.  His glovework has earned him several appearances on SportsCenter’s Top Ten plays already this year.  Despite playing second base almost exclusively during his time at UC, he’s developed into a jack-of-all trades utility man as a pro, playing five different positions (SS, 2B, 3B, LF, RF) this year. He even pitched during a blowout loss to Colorado last year, inducing a flyout against the only batter he faced, and registering 69-72 MPH on the radar gun.

Harrison is the first Bearcat to become an MLB All-Star since Kevin Youkilis.  The former UC star and Sycamore Aviator was named an AL All-Star in 2008, 2009, and 2011 with the Boston Red Sox.

From all of us here at Cincy On The Prowl, congratulations to 2014 NL All-Star Josh Harrison on his first career Big League All-Star game! Represent the C.

Remember to like Cincy on the Prowl on Facebook and follow Cincy on the Prowl on Twitter.