New York, NY – Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton, who tied a major league record with four home runs in a game last month, is leading all players in voting for the All-Star Game.
Hamilton had 2,587,991 votes in the first ballot update released Tuesday and is trying to become the first outfielder since Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki in 2010 to make his fifth fan-elected start in the game.
He was one of four Rangers who led their position in voting.
Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp, despite going on the disabled list again last week, received 1,952,910 votes to lead all National League players.
Curtis Granderson of the New York Yankees and Hamilton's Texas teammate Nelson Cruz were second and third in voting for AL outfielders.
Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter was second in AL voting with 1,698,777 while Detroit Tigers first baseman Prince Fielder, Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler, Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre, Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz and Rangers catcher Mike Napoli each led their positions.
Carlos Beltran of the St. Louis Cardinals and reigning NL MVP Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers joined Kemp as the top three vote-getting outfielders in their league.
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto was second in NL voting at 1,314,516 while Atlanta Braves second baseman Dan Uggla, New York Mets third baseman David Wright, Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina led their positions.
The All-Star Game will be played July 10 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.
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