Tim Anderson: Frank Thomas is ‘like a big brother'

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DENVER – White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson took his seat on the Promenade outside of Coors Field a little later than the rest of his teammates. But it had taken far longer for him to be added to this year’s All-Star game.

“To be in the mix with all these guys is huge,” Anderson said Monday, as reporters gathered around his podium the day before the All-Star game. “It’s the best of the best. … I’m definitely excited. I’m happy to be here, for sure.”

Anderson was selected as a replacement player via player ballot after Astros shortstop Carlos Correa opted out to be with his pregnant wife over the All-Star break. Anderson is making his first All-Star appearance.

White Sox third base coach Joe McEwing broke the news to Anderson in the clubhouse over the weekend. Anderson’s teammates, led by reigning AL MVP José Abreu, swarmed him. They jumped and cheered.

“Those guys know what I’ve been through,” Anderson said. “Those guys see me put the work in. They’ve seen my game grow each and every year. For Abreu, he’s been there since I got there, so he knows. He knows. He sees it. It was great just to get that much love from my teammates and the coaching staff.”

Before Anderson joined the All-Star squad, Hall of Famer and NBC Sports Chicago analyst Frank Thomas made an impassioned case for Anderson’s appointment. Thomas’ endorsement, Anderson said, meant a lot to him.

“He’s been there as well,” Anderson said. “He’s been a mentor to me and gave me some great words of encouragement. He’s like a big brother. He shows as much love to me as possible and pushes me to keep going and most of all keep doing me.”

Anderson, who won the batting title in 2019, entered this All-Star break hitting .309. He joins White Sox pitchers Lance Lynn, Carlos Rodón and Liam Hendriks on the AL All-Star team.

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