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One very lucky Reds fan

Joel Thrash should probably consider playing the Ohio Lottery some time soon.

Not too long ago, the former Marietta High/Marietta College baseball player learned that he won a “once-in-a-lifetime trip” to Tuesday’s 86th Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.

“As a longtime Reds fan, I feel very blessed,” said the 35-year-old Thrash. “I was selected as the Reds representative for the ESurance #ASGWorthyFan grand prize trip to the All-Star game.”

ESurance is the official car insurance sponsor of MLB, and National League starting catcher Buster Posey of the San Francisco Giants is in the company’s new commercial, “Sorta Doctor.”

“Joel was initially concerned that it (contest) might be a scam, but has checked it out and determined it to be legit,” said Jim Thrash, Joel’s father and MHS Tigers baseball skipper.

The younger Thrash, currently a resident in the Cincinnati area, was one of 30 grand prize winners (one to represent each team in the American and National leagues) selected from the millions of voters for the All-Star teams.

Thrash’s Midsummer Classic prize includes airfare, lodging, select meals for him and a guest, access to MLB All-Star Week events like Monday’s Home Run Derby and Sunday’s All-Star Futures Game, and of course tickets to the actual game itself.

“It’s an all expense paid trip,” Thrash said. “In following up, I believe we will have on-field access to some of the workout events and get to eat breakfast with hall of farmers.”

Thrash won’t have to concern himself with airfare or Home Run Derby tickets, because he already had them beforehand.

“Joel is very excited to take part in all the All-Star game festivities,” the elder Thrash said. “Now, he is trying to figure out how to include his wife, children, brother and ME.”

Here is the younger Thrash’s scheduled itinerary for the next few days:

Saturday

5 p.m. 6:30 p.m.: #ASGWorthyFan Welcome Dinner

8 p.m. 10 p.m.: All-Star Summer Concert @ Paul Brown Stadium

Sunday

7 p.m. 9 a.m.: FanFest Breakfast and HOF Legend Meet-and-Greet

Duke Energy Convention Center

12 p.m. 2 p.m.: Futures Game Batting Practice Viewing

Great American Ball Park

3 p.m.: Futures Game

Great American Ball Park

6:30 p.m.: Legends and Celebrity Softball Game

Great American Ball Park

8 p.m. 11 p.m.: MLB All-Star Gala

Union Terminal

Monday, July 13

11 a.m. 12 p.m.: Reds Hall of Fame and Museum Tour

Great American Ball Park

5:30 p.m.: Gatorade All-Star Workout Day

Great American Ball Park

8 p.m.: Homerun Derby

Great American Ballpark

Tuesday, July 14

7:30 p.m.: 2015 MLB All-Star Game

Great American Ball Park

“The city (Cincinnati) is abuzz with energy,” Thrash said.

“I will also be part of some online videos and social media productions highlighting the experiences of the grand prize winners.”

Ron Johnston is a Marietta Times sports writer, and can be reached at (740)373-2121, x534, or at rjohnston@mariettatimes.com

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