Swisher wins close vote to become an All-Star

SEATTLE - Nick Swisher's campaigning paid off.

Swisher, in what was reported to be the closest vote in the history of the event, edged Boston's Kevin Youkilis in the American League's All-Star Game Final Vote.

His victory gives the Yankees eight bids in Tuesday's All-Star game in Anaheim, though Mariano Rivera, because of injuries, and CC Sabathia, who pitches here Sunday, won't play.

The results were announced Thursday afternoon on MLB.com.

Swisher, along with Youkilis, engaged in a fierce on-line campaign all week, mobilizing the respective teams' passionate fan base and each corralling their share of celebrity endorsers.

Former Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry, also a longtime Massachusetts senator, sent out a statement promoting Youkilis to his supporters; New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg responded on behalf of Swisher, as well as Ivanka Trump and Jessica Alba.

Seemingly everyone in the Yankees universe was involved somehow in pushing, and voting, for Swisher - from teammates to manager Joe Girardi to general manager Brian Cashman.

"Every time he comes in the dugout after he gets a hit we're going 'send him, send him,' " one voter, A.J. Burnett, said after picking up Wednesday night's victory.

Swisher collected three hits, including a home run, in Wednesday night's victory in Oakland, finishing a triple short of the cycle. It was emphatic final impression to leave on voters.

"Obviously if this would happen, it would mean the world to me," Swisher said after the game.

Later he said: "I'm going to be there anyway so It would be a thrill for me, no doubt. To be able to have my father there. He has his All-Star ring and he flashes that around every now and then to me. So I have a World Series ring on him and I'd like to get my first All-Star ring."