"I am always believing in myself"- Padres OF Jurickson Profar reflects on his All-Star game 2024 call up

Jurickson Profar, the outfielder for the San Diego Padres, credited his self-belief as being a major reason for his excellent performance on the field this season. The 31-year-old said that he did not lose faith in his abilities despite enduring numerous setbacks in his major league career.

Although he made his MLB debut more than a decade ago, Jurickson Profar had not been able to deliver his full potential after missing two years of action due to a shoulder injury. However, Profar is enjoying the best season of his career in 2024, hitting .305/394/.476 with 147 OPS+ and is set to make his maiden appearance at an All-Star Game this week.

The players and coaches selected for the Midsummer Classic gathered at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on Monday and were interviewed by media personnel a day ahead of the game. Talking to reporters at the venue, Jurickson Profar took the opportunity to describe the struggles that he had gone through on his long journey to finally becoming an All-Star.

"I am always believing in myself. Obviously, I had a lot of ups and downs with the injury," Profar said.

"It's not easy to lose two major league seasons. I don't know anyone who can do all that and still be playing and becoming an All-Star. It's not easy physically, and most of all, mentally," he added.

Aside from Jurickson Profar, the San Diego Padres will also be represented by Luis Arraez, Jackson Merill, Robert Suarez, and Fernando Tatis Jr.

"I just kept working everyday and this is being rewarded": Jurickson Profar

Jurickson Profar will make his All-Star Game debut at Globe Life Field, Arlington on Tuesday evening (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

Jurickson Profar said that he never imagined himself to be a major league player when he was a youngster in his home country of Curaçao. Being recognized as an All-Star therefore gives him a lot of satisfaction, as he considers it to be a reward for all the hard work that he puts in each day.

"It means the world. I fell in love with baseball at six years old. In Curaçao, I never thought of being a major league player. I was just playing for the love of the game. When I signed at 16, I reached the major leagues early, and there were a lot of injuries. But I kept on working every day, and this is being rewarded," a beaming Profar said while speaking to former All-Star Chris Young on MLB TV.

Profar also discussed the factors that have contributed to his stellar production with the bat this season and have made him a fixture in the Padres lineup.

"I came in with a mission. I came in feeling good. I had played in the Caribbean Series; I played winter-ball. So, I felt like I was ready to take on this job. And I just kept being consistent—one thing I wasn't during my whole career. But this year, mentally, I really put it together," he said.

Meanwhile, Jurickson Profar admitted that making his All-Star Game debut at Globe Life Field makes the occasion even more special to him. Pofar made his MLB debut for the Texas Rangers in 2012 and played five seasons for the franchise.