Frankie Boyd, the hardworking bat boy and clubhouse assistant for the Detroit Tigers, is headed to the 2025 MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta. Boyd earned his spot on the American League All-Star Ball Crew by winning the fan vote, capping off an incredible week that took him from relative anonymity to national baseball fame.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch expressed immense pride in Boyd’s achievement. “We really wanted Frankie to make it, first and foremost for him. In our clubhouse, when someone misses out on something they’re up for, the guys definitely let them know,” Hinch said.
When the news broke, the clubhouse exploded with cheers.
“But this is great for him and for us. It’s a lot of fun,” Hinch added. “\[The players] gave him a huge ovation and tried to embarrass him as much as possible. I’m not sure he knows how to handle all the attention, but the guys are excited to have him with us in Atlanta.”
For Hinch, Boyd’s All-Star nod means much more than a ceremonial role—it’s a tribute to the countless hours Boyd dedicates to keeping the Tigers running smoothly.
“He’s been here throughout my entire tenure in various capacities,” Hinch said. “We’ve seen him grow up. We love having him at the ballpark every day. He’s truly part of our daily team fabric.”
Boyd’s Path to the Tigers Dugout
Frankie Boyd’s journey with the Tigers began several seasons ago when he joined the ballpark staff under the mentorship of longtime clubhouse manager Dan Ross. He quickly earned a reputation for his boundless energy and eagerness to help with anything the team needed, whether it was setting up equipment or fetching towels for the umpires. Boyd became known as someone who worked just as hard as the players themselves.
“I’m serious, he might be the hardest-working bat boy I’ve ever seen,” said Tigers catcher Jake Rogers.
Over time, Boyd grew into an indispensable figure behind the scenes. Players frequently praise his attention to detail, noting how he remembers everyone’s preferences—where their bats are stored, how their gloves are arranged, and even how they like their energy drinks lined up. During one game, Boyd tracked nearly 4 ½ miles on his step counter, highlighting just how physically demanding his role can be. His selection to the All-Star Game proves that in baseball, no role is too small to make a difference.
Other Tigers Bat Boys in All-Star History?
Frankie Boyd’s achievement holds special historical meaning for Detroit. While MLB has occasionally included ball crew members in All-Star festivities, the Tigers had never before sent a bat boy or clubhouse assistant to an All-Star Game until Boyd’s selection. Other teams, like the Phillies, have honored ball crew members in the past, but Detroit is breaking new ground.
“There were so many others they could have picked,” Boyd said. “So the fact that I’m in the mix is incredible.”
Boyd’s recognition shines a spotlight on a group often overlooked by the wider baseball world. It also reflects the unique culture within the Tigers’ clubhouse, where even the “behind-the-scenes” staff are acknowledged and valued. Manager A.J. Hinch has fostered an environment that celebrates every contribution, no matter the title, and Boyd has become the embodiment of that philosophy.
Historically, MLB’s inclusion of bat boys, bat girls, and ball attendants in All-Star events was limited and often confined to local staff from the host ballpark, whose names rarely reached the public. That shifted in 2023 when MLB introduced a fan vote for the All-Star Ball Crew, giving fans the power to select standout bat and ball attendants from across the league to take part in marquee events like the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game itself.
A Tigers Team Well Represented in Atlanta
This year’s All-Star Game will showcase a strong Detroit contingent, and Frankie Boyd won’t be making the trip alone. Three Tigers—Riley Greene, Javier Báez, and Gleyber Torres—secured starting spots thanks to fan voting. Additionally, ace Tarik Skubal earned a place on the American League pitching staff after an impressive first half of the season. Recently, Zach McKinstry was added to the roster as a replacement for Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña, bringing Detroit’s total number of All-Stars to five.
The Tigers shared the news with McKinstry during a meeting with Hinch, coaches, and fellow All-Stars but held off on a public announcement until the Astros confirmed Peña’s status.
“It was a pretty cool moment to have those guys in there with me,” McKinstry said. “A.J. just said all the players here are All-Stars. That was pretty cool.”
This marks one of Detroit’s deepest All-Star groups in recent memory. For a team currently leading the American League standings, the selections feel like validation that the franchise is heading in the right direction. Boyd’s inclusion highlights the depth of talent and commitment throughout the entire Tigers organization.
“He’s the best bat boy in the league,” catcher Dillon Dingler said. “A lot of the umpires say it, too.”
Earlier in the week, Skubal expressed some frustration, feeling Detroit deserved even more All-Star recognition. The left-hander, now one of the game’s top pitchers, told reporters:
“I’m a little disappointed with only the four guys we got. We’ve got the best record in the American League. I would like to think that we’d be more represented there.”
In an interesting twist, Skubal’s words proved prophetic—since he spoke out, two additional Tigers have been added to the All-Star roster.
