Francisco Campos to Start All-Star Game at Nelson Barrera Park

He has 23 seasons in the Mexican League, has thrown a no-hitter, won the Triple Crown in 2005, and has been a champion of the Mexican League, but among all his achievements he had never received one like this: being the starter of the All-Star Game at his home.

Francisco Campos will start the game on Sunday for the South Zone at Nelson Barrera Park in Campeche, the place that has been his home since he joined the LMB in 1993 as a catcher.

"I am very grateful to have this opportunity to participate in an event that will be at home, because the previous occasion that was here I was not selected and I was not here because I was in the United States but baseball gave me a rematch and here I am ready to take the field," explained Francisco, who is enjoying this event like none of the 10 previous times he was here.

"Here in Piratas I have given everything in my career and to have the opportunity to start is something for which I have no words. Many may think that at this point with this experience there is no longer any excitement or nervousness to start the All-Star Game but of course this situation is unique. This is not only a gift, it is a motivation to continue striving to keep playing, this year's game has a cherry on top that I had never had in any edition," he continued.

Campos was included in the roster of the South Zone in a season where he has only made six starts, with a record of 0-3 and an ERA of 3.52, but the legacy he has left in Campeche was what motivated this designation, which is a recognition that is being made to him. And that has left a mark on him as one of the unforgettable moments.

"My first game was in Yucatan and they gave me the opportunity to pitch two innings, and that left a mark on me. And that is one of my greatest memories I have of the All-Star Game," explained the right-hander.

At 44 years of age, he is the most experienced player among those selected, which meant extra work for him to get in shape for the season and to be able to reach June in a high level to show off tonight.

"It was a great effort that I made, the truth is I prepared myself a lot to be at the level that is needed to be on the field and it has paid off to have this call. I feel that I can still contribute," he continued.

Although this Sunday's All-Star Game will not have any value, unlike what it was for several seasons, Campos sees it as a motivation for the Piratas for Campeche to be the venue of this matchup, something that last happened in 2003.

"It is a very tight zone and the second half is going to be very fought, so our minds are set on staying in those four places to move forward. We have good motivation in the locker room and that is going to help us achieve the goal," he concluded.

The game is scheduled for 8 PM but there is a high probability of rain, just as it has been in the last two days in Campeche, so there is a high probability of a change in the schedule or a rain delay.

QUOTES

"Here in Piratas I have given everything in my career and to have the opportunity to start is something for which I have no words"

"The participation of this year has a cherry on top that I had never had in any edition"

"My first game was in Yucatan and they gave me the opportunity to pitch two innings, and that left a mark on me"

Francisco Campos

FOR TODAY

NORTH ZONE VS SOUTH ZONE

Nelson Barrera Stadium

20:00