More Americans probably are going to watch fireworks, have a hotdog, watch a game or attend a parade today because that’s what most of us do on Independence Day. There’s even a possibility that we’ll indulge in multiple activities. Unlike the other national holidays, Independence Day is inconveniently celebrated on the 4th of July, regardless of the day of the week. I actually prefer the break in the action, rather than the contrived, Monday celebrations.

Bringing things back to baseball, most full-season leagues have All-Star games within the next week. Second halves in the minor leagues have already begun and teams and players are hoping for fresh starts. While 110% of baseball fans are concerned with the MLB ASG (next Tuesday), two of the independent leagues are holding theirs this week.

The Frontier League has been advertising their game (and festivities) in the Daily Herald because it’s a suburban-first publication. Objectively speaking, there aren’t any notable players slated to play in the game. However, the slightly more established, American Association is holding their ASG in Frankin, Wisconsin and there are a few notable all-stars.

Without criticizing or describing the level of play in the AA, the players are a step closer to getting a second look from ML organizations. Regardless of the independent league, I appreciate the players’ perseverance when all the odds are stacked against them reaching the big leagues.

Kevin McGovern, the most decorated pitcher in league history will be playing in the game. He holds the record for most career victories in the league and with barely a sniff from organized ball.

Chris Herrmann is not a household name, but those who follow the Twins and Miami Hurricanes baseball might recall the left-handed hitting catcher. Herrmann was a junior at Miami when Yasmani Grandal was a sophomore in 2009. He was drafted later that year by the Twins and over the last 13 years has spent parts of 8 seasons in MLB with the Twins, Arizona, Seattle and Oakland. In 887 career at-bats, he hit 25 homers and 103 RBI. During his 12 partial seasons in the minors, he fared a little better, batting .258 in 2480 at-bats. 2023 is the first year he’s played in indy ball.

The other slightly recognizable name is Darnell Sweeney, a 32-year-old, switch-hitting shortstop and former Dodger prospect. Taken in the 2012 draft by the Dodgers, he made his ML debut with the Phillies in 2015 (.176 avg and 3 homers and 11 RBI in 85 at-bats. His only other ML action came in 2018 in a 2-game, 2-at-bat run with the Blue Jays. Since then he’s bounced around affiliated ball and independent league ball with a little more production and success.

Darnell Sweeney in 2020 with Fargo.

It’s obviously easier and more fun to recognize and celebrate the All-Stars at the ML level, but it’s worth recognizing the guys still plugging away and achieving a certain level of success.