Just five short years ago David Wright was selected and played in the Baseball Factory Pre-season All American Showcase at Dodgertown. Now in his second full season with the New York Mets, Wright has made his presence felt at the big league level. Not only did he lead his team in batting average, runs, runs batted in, doubles and on-base percentage in 2005, but this year he has been chosen as a starter in the All-Star Game for the National League. Even Peter Gammons has taken notice, naming David as his National League Most Valuable Player. Wright is having a phenomenal 2006 campaign for the Mets. He is batting .320, with 18 home runs, 61 RBI’s, and a slugging percentage of .571. David is currently leading the Mets in four offensive categories including: runs batted in, batting average, doubles, and total bases. This will be David’s first All-Star Game all though he should feel pretty comfortable in the field with three other Mets making the All-Star starting lineup. Wright also has the chance to warm up to the All-Star Game when he competes in the Century 21 Home Run Derby against perennial All-Stars Troy Glaus and David Ortiz. David also participated in the Baseball Factory’s Rookie Program and B.A.T.S Program in 1998 and 1999 respectively. Wright also participated in the Team One National and Team One East events in 2000 and 1999 respectively.

Brian McCann of the Atlanta Braves was selected as a reserve player for the National League for the 2006 All-Star Game. Brian will take over for starting catcher Paul Lo Duca. Brian McCann was selected not only is he playing well defensively, but also since he is batting an incredible .351. At only 22, Brian will be attending his first ever All-Star Game. Brian participated in the Team One National Showcase in 2001.

Roy Halladay from the Toronto Blue Jays was selected as a pitcher for the American League in the 2006 All-Star Game. Roy is no stranger to the All-Star Game, appearing in the mid season classic in 2002, 2003, and 2005. He attended the Team One National Showcase in 1994 and entered the league only four years later. Roy has a very impressive 11-2 record with a 3.02 ERA. Roy will be joined by four other teammates from the Blue Jays during this All-Star break.

There are two players that are currently on the “American League Final Man Candidates” list that have been a part of Team One/Baseball Factory. Both candidates are in contention for the final fan selected spot on this year’s All-Star roster. A.J. Piersynski of the World Champion Chicago White Sox and Justin Verlander, a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, have their All-Star hopes riding on the votes of the fans. They are currently sitting in second and fifth respectively. A.J. appeared in the 2002 All-Star Game and attended the Team One National Showcase in 1993. If selected, Verlander would be attending his first All-Star game. In only his second MLB season Justin is 10-4 with a 3.01 ERA. Justin attended the Team One National Showcase in 1999.