To understand how rare of a talent the Cubs have in Starlin Castro, consider this: Almost 40 years passed since the organization had a shortstop appear in consecutive All-Star games.

Castro holds the title as the youngest player in franchise history to be named to the All-Star team, set last year, and with his repeat honor this season the 22-year-old became the first Cubs shortstop to make back-to-back All-Star games since Don Kessinger (1968 through ’72).

If Castro has his way, the Midsummer Classic will be a routine destination for years to come.