Former Runnin’ Bulldog Mason Miller Earns Second MLB All-Star Selection

San Diego Padres Closer Continues Remarkable Rise from Gardner-Webb to Baseball’s Brightest Stage

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Former Gardner-Webb standout and 2021 alumnus Mason Miller has been selected to the 2026 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, earning the second All-Star selection of his outstanding professional career. The 2026 MLB All-Star Game is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pa. First pitch is set for 8 p.m. ET, and the game will be televised on FOX.

Now playing for the San Diego Padres, Miller has been one of Major League Baseball’s most dominant relief pitchers during the first half of the 2026 season. Entering the All-Star break, the hard-throwing right-hander owns a 2-1 record with 22 saves, a 0.98 ERA, 67 strikeouts in 36.2 innings pitched, and a 0.82 WHIP, cementing himself as one of the premier closers in baseball.

Miller’s selection comes after another remarkable season highlighted by his overpowering fastball, elite strikeout ability and consistency in high-leverage situations. His performance has helped anchor the Padres’ bullpen while earning recognition among the National League’s best pitchers.

Since beginning his professional career, Miller has emerged as one of the game’s elite relievers. His second All-Star selection is a testament to the work ethic, perseverance and determination that have defined his journey from Gardner-Webb to Major League Baseball.

The Major League Baseball All-Star Game annually showcases the sport’s top players and serves as one of baseball’s premier events. Miller’s selection adds another chapter to one of the greatest professional success stories in Gardner-Webb baseball history and continues the Runnin’ Bulldogs’ tradition of producing talent capable of competing on baseball’s biggest stage.

Read more about Miller’s background:

Early MLB Success

First All-Star Selection

Retirement of GWU Jersey

For updates and more news on the Runnin’ Bulldogs, visit gwusports.com, or follow @gwusports on Instagram, X and Facebook.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at gardner-webb.edu.