OAKLAND, CALIF. – For most of his decade-plus in the big leagues, Grant Balfour has thought about what it would be like to be an All-Star. At 35, in the midst of his best season, he's finally made it.
And what a long journey it has been for Balfour, the Australian righthander who had stops in Minnesota, Milwaukee and Tampa Bay before signing a free-agent contract with Oakland in 2011 and eventually becoming the team's closer.
With 25 saves in 25 chances and a 1.63 ERA, Balfour has been a major factor in the A's getting to the All-Star break 17 games over .500 at 56-39, two games ahead of the Texas Rangers in the AL West.
"I like the fact that he really competes and isn't scared," one American League scout said of Balfour, a late addition to the All-Star squad because teammate Bartolo Colon was unavailable after pitching Sunday.
The A's don't have an intimidating roster, which is perhaps why they have only two players on the All-Star team, but they do have a fight-to-the-end attitude that is a reflection of their closer.
Before settling on baseball, Balfour participated in rugby, soccer, swimming and track and field.
"I fell in love with the game," he said. "I like being out there with the game on the line."
Said another American League scout: "He's fearless. He seizes the moment and appears to have controlled rage, which develops a tremendous environment for the A's."