masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgHe did get to take part in his first Major League All-Star game, even if his appearance was brief.

Ty Wigginton of the Orioles entered the game at third base, but never got to bat for the American League on Tuesday night at Anaheim.

That did not diminish his experience at all, he said.

“It was fun. It’s a hectic couple days, but I tried to enjoy it as much as I possibly could. It’s definitely a cool honor, a unique experience and I’ll treasure it forever.

“The game was actually the…He did get to take part in his first Major League All-Star game, even if his appearance was brief.

Ty Wigginton of the Orioles entered the game at third base, but never got to bat for the American League on Tuesday night at Anaheim.

That did not diminish his experience at all, he said.

“It was fun. It’s a hectic couple days, but I tried to enjoy it as much as I possibly could. It’s definitely a cool honor, a unique experience and I’ll treasure it forever.

“The game was actually the coolest part, getting to play with those guys for one day was pretty special.”

It would have been nice to get a chance to swing for the AL Stars, but he got pinch hit for by Nick Swisher.

“I wanted to bat for sure, there is no doubt. I was definitely hoping to get an AB in there. He told me before the game that I was his re-entry guy, that had something to do with it, that he could use me again.

“No, I mean, I don’t think A-Rod would be disappointed and he didn’t play.”

Of course he was on an AL team that lost to the National League for the first time since 1996.

“Yeah, anytime you play you want to win. Whether I’m playing a friendly game of cards, I want to win. I think everyone wanted to win, being competitive.”

According to STATS, Wigginton became the fifth player since 1993 to make the All-Star team after being released and non-tendered in his career joining Kent Bottenfield (1999), John Burkett (2001), Mike Williams (2002 and 2003) and Ronnie Belliard (2004).

Wigginton is the only player in the major leagues to homer while playing three different infield positions this year (11 as 2B, two as 3B and one as 1B). He is tied for the O’s team lead with 14 homers, but has hit just one over his last 42 games and 153 at bats.