J.T. Realmuto’s first MLB All-Star experience

J.T. Realmuto was the lone representative for the Marlins at the 2018 MLB All-Star Game, but he had plenty of company over the course of two eventful days in Washington, D.C. Reporters, family members and former teammates all wanted a piece of the National League’s top catcher.

There’s Realmuto during Monday’s media availability prior to the Home Run Derby:

EvTV’s Daniel Álvarez Montes got him to reflect on the Marlins’ first half of the season:

With contract extension negotiations on the horizon, who better to consult with than Zack Greinke? The Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander has nearly $120 million coming his way over the next three-and-a-half seasons.

Realmuto dressed practically for Tuesday’s All-Star Red Carpet under Washington’s hot and humid conditions. (Same can’t be said for everybody.) He was accompanied by his wife, Lexi, and newborn daughter, Gracie Laine.

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True to form, Realmuto gave the fans at Nationals Park a modest salute during All-Star Game introductions.

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No need to belabor the point, but the fans got it wrong when voting for starting position players. Willson Contreras of the Cubs was awarded the NL catcher’s job (and to his credit, Contreras got the team on the scoreboard for the first time with a solo home run in the third inning).

NL manager Dave Roberts made the switch in the top of the sixth.

Realmuto formed a battery with Jeremy Jeffress, Felipe Vázquez, apparent racist Josh Hader, Brad Hand and Ross Stripling. He also had the opportunity to pick the brain of the best pitcher alive.

Finally, Realmuto got a chance to demonstrate the offensive prowess that made him such a slam-dunk All-Star selection (set to the soundtrack of “Just Gettin’ Started,” because why not):

He drew a 10-pitch walk against Charlie Morton in the seventh. It took only five pitches for him to get on base the same way in the bottom of the ninth, setting up Scooter Gennett’s game-tying homer.

The American League sealed the victory the following inning, 8-6. However, Realmuto should leave town with no regrets.