"Even Paul Konerko was amazed he received 8.4 million online votes between Sunday and Thursday to win the American League's Final Vote berth for Tuesday's All-Star Game.

"There were definitely some multiple voters. My mom was probably a million of them," Konerko said with a laugh.

"But we're Chicago, and I know it's kind of a split town with the Cubs and all that," he said. "I don't know how that (North) side views it: 'Hey, let's get a Chicago person in there' or 'Vote for the other person because we don't want a White Sox in there.'

"But we're a big market. We should show up for these kind of things. We shouldn't settle for second-best. It doesn't surprise me. I'm actually flattered by it."

Konerko, who lives in the Phoenix area where the game will be played, joins teammate Carlos Quentin on the team.

He will donate his $15,000 contract bonus to White Sox Charities to be donated to needy groups in Phoenix and Chicago.

This is Konerko's fifth All-Star selection. He went last year after losing the Final Vote by replacing injured Twins player Justin Morneau.

"I'm happy. I think you always want to go to the game if you can," Konerko said."