Brown soaking in All-Star Game experience

Domonic Brown entered the All-Star break with 23 home runs, third-most in the National League.

If Domonic Brown seemed a little in awe Monday, it was for good reason. That reason being that he definitely was.

The Phillies’ outfielder will play in his first All-Star Game Tuesday night in New York. One of his first chores was to round up as many autographs as he could from baseball’s best and brightest.

“I’m definitely a fan of the game,” Brown said. “I’m a fan of a lot of these players, as well. I’m sending over jerseys and bats for autographs. I’m definitely a big fan of the game.”

Brown, who wasn’t invited to participate in last night’s Home Run Derby despite having the third-most dingers in the NL (23), seemed content to sit there and take it all in.

“It’s been amazing,” Brown said of the experience. “The biggest thing has been being around all the players. That’s the most fun, for sure. I’m just taking it all in, having a lot of fun.”

Of course, the question on everyone’s mind is what the Phillies intend to do at the trade deadline. The team has to decide whether to be buyers or sellers. After a slow start, the Phils are very much in the thick of the playoff races.

“I don’t want to see us break up. That’s really about it,” he said. “We have to win games, win series and keep moving forward. Hopefully, we can get off to a great start in those 10 days before the deadline to secure this team.”