San Diego Padres reliever Jason Adam has achieved a significant milestone in his Major League Baseball career by earning his first All-Star selection. This recognition comes after a stellar first half of the season, where Adam demonstrated exceptional performance coming out of the bullpen. The moment he learned about his selection was both surprising and emotional, as it unfolded during a church service with his wife.

Adam recounted the moment he received the call from Padres manager Mike Shildt. He was attending church with his wife when he felt his phone vibrate. Showing the caller ID to his wife, her initial reaction was one of concern, fearing a trade rather than celebrating an All-Star nod. “Oh my gosh, no way, we’re traded,” she exclaimed, reflecting the uncertainty that often accompanies professional sports careers.

Stepping out to take the call, Adam was relieved to hear the good news about his All-Star selection. Returning to the service, he shared the exciting update with his wife, Kelsey, who was overwhelmed with emotion and burst into tears of joy. The couple’s reaction caused a small scene in the church, highlighting the significance of this achievement for Adam and his family.

Following this emotional moment, Adam reached out to his parents to share the news and express gratitude for their support throughout his career. The journey to this point has been marked by several team changes; San Diego is Adam’s fifth team in eight MLB seasons. His career began with the Kansas City Royals and included stints with the Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, and Tampa Bay Rays before joining the Padres in 2024.

This season, Adam has been a key player for the Padres, boasting a 1.58 ERA in 45 games and achieving 52 strikeouts. His performance last season was equally impressive, with a career-high 81 strikeouts between the Rays and Padres over 74 games. As San Diego holds a 49-43 record this season, Adam will join teammates Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Robert Suarez at the All-Star Game.