"There is signage hanging in a section of right field at Chase Field that pays homage to the Diamondbacks' Justin Upton.

And when Major League Baseball's 82nd All-Star Game rolls into Phoenix this summer, the right fielder has a firm expectation to play in the game under the giant sign that bears his name.

"My goal is to be in right field in front of that 'Uptown' sign and in front of our fans," said Upton, who made the All-Star Game two years ago. "Any time you can make that team at any position, it's an honor. But my goal is to be in right field, in your home ballpark, in your comfort zone and be able to perform well for our fans."

Major League Baseball officially kicked off the start of All-Star balloting for this year's game, which will be played here July 12, and Upton was part of the pregame ceremony at Chase Field.

Several other dignitaries were on hand for the balloting launch at home plate, including Tim Brosnan, baseball's executive vice president of business, Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon; Diamondbacks Managing General Partner Ken Kendrick; and former Diamondbacks star Luis Gonzalez.

"The festivities are going to be endless out here," said Gonzalez, a five-time All-Star and MLB's All-Star "Summer Ambassador." "This is a time for our state to really shine."

Last year, more than 21.1 million ballots were cast for the All-Star Game in Anaheim. More than 20 million ballots will be distributed at all 30 major-league ballparks, each of which will have 23 home dates for voting. Ballots also will be available at more than 100 minor-league ballparks.

Fans around the world also can cast their vote for starters up to 25 times exclusively at MLB.com and at all 30 club websites via online or mobile devices.

"The launch of All-Star balloting today continues a special tradition for baseball fans around the world," Commissioner Bud Selig said in a statement."