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The festivities for the All-Star break in San Francisco were quite the experience for the Canadians who received the honour of participating.

Justin Morneau of New Westminster, B.C. and Russell Martin of Chelsea, Québec both participated in their first MLB All-Star Game.  Martin was voted in as a starter for the National League, becoming only the third Canadian to accomplish the feat after Larry Walker and Jason Bay.  For Morneau, he was also able to participate in the Home Run Derby.  The reigning American League MVP hit four long balls before being eliminated in a “swing-off” against Albert Pujols in the first round.

In the game itself, their bats were silent with Morneau going 0-for-2 and Martin going 0-for-3.  But the experience was not lost on these two young stars as they hope to have this experience again in the future.

Speaking of future, the All-Star Futures Game saw three Canadians participate and contribute to their team’s success.

Joey Votto of Toronto, Ontario, Mike Saunders of Victoria, B.C. and James Van Ostrand of Richmond, B.C. helped the World Team rise to victory over Team USA 7-2 in the game that took place on Sunday.

For their part, Votto hit a solo home run to leadoff the sixth inning, Van Ostrand did the same to leadoff the seventh and Saunders drew a walk, stole two bases and scored twice.

Now that the All-Star festivities are over, these young talented players will now rejoin their respective teams as they make their push for the playoffs for their respective leagues when the second half of the season begins on Thursday.