Pittsburgh Pirates closer and Mars native named to National League All-Star Team

PITTSBURGH — A Pittsburgh Pirate and Mars native will play in this year’s National League All-Star game.

27-year-old David Bednar will join a team for the game in Dodger Stadium on July 19.

Bednar is a closer for the Pirates and has been with the team since January 2021. He will mark the second member of the WPIAL to play in the All-Star game. Dick Groat, from Swissvale High School was the last member to play in the game from the area when he played in the 1962 game.

Bednar was recognized as the National League’s “reliever of the month” in May. That month, he recorded 21 strikeouts in 12 appearances.

According to a news release from the Pittsburgh Pirates, he has also recorded a National League-leading five multi-inning saves this season. That is the third-most in the MLB behind Baltimore’s Jorge Lopez and Kansas City’s Scott Barlow with six a piece.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

Former Pittsburgh Steeler Jerome Bettis talks about graduation, charity and team's status

©2022 Cox Media Group