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Matt Olson making sure Oakland A’s get All Star attention

By David Hill |
Jun 18, 2021; Bronx, New York, USA; Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson (28) hits a home run during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 18, 2021; Bronx, New York, USA; Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson (28) hits a home run during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Olson was named as the Oakland A’s only representative to the All Star Game, a travesty considering how many worthy players were on the roster. However, as a smaller market team hidden away on the west coast, and unable to draw the attention of the eastern media markets, their players were overlooked.

Olson, for his part, is doing his best to make certain that the A’s are well represented during the All Star festivities. On Tuesday, he announced that he would be taking part in the Home Run Derby.

Matt Olson making certain Oakland A’s get plenty of attention

Olson may be only one player, but he is doing his best to make certain that the A’s get plenty of attention during the break. He will at least get one round of air time in the Home Run Derby, and will hopefully get plenty of playing time in the contest.

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This invitation is well deserved. Olson has finished in the top ten in homers in both 2019 and 2020, and currently ranks sixth in the AL. His performance with the bat this season, a .283/.372/.552 batting line in his 339 plate appearances with 20 homers and 18 doubles, is certainly worth his inclusion.

He has not just accumulated homers due to his playing time either. Olson has been one of the better overall home run hitters, belting a homer every 14.5 at bats, the seventh best mark in the AL. Even with his slump at the beginning of the month, Olson has been one of the more productive home run hitters in the game.

Now he will get the opportunity to show what he can do on a larger stage. The eyes of the baseball world will be on him on Monday, as he takes aim at the grandstands in the thin air of Coors Field. It is a chance for Olson to truly put himself on the map.

Next. A's deserved more than one All Star. dark

The Oakland A’s deserved a lot more attention for the All Star festivities. With any luck, Matt Olson will bring the A’s the attention they deserved.