" Arthur Rhodes has endured the death of a child, Tommy John elbow surgery and almost 20 years in the majors.

Rhodes thus was visibly moved Sunday at news of his first All-Star Game selection, at age 40, along with fellow Reds Scott Rolen (sixth selection) and Brandon Phillips (first selection).

First baseman Joey Votto was left out, but can still make the team if he wins the NL Final Fan voting. Reds fans can vote for Votto at reds.com or at MLB.com through 4 p.m. Thursday. There is no limit to the number of online votes. There's also mobile voting for Sprint, Nextel and Boost subscribers. To vote for a specific player, text message your choice to 1122.

Rhodes, a left-handed reliever, has a 3-2 record and 1.09 ERA.

Rhodes dedicated his All-Star selection to his late son, Jordan, who was just 5 years old when he died of an illness two years ago.

"I did it for my little boy," Rhodes said quietly. "He's up in heaven. I'm emotional right now."

Rhodes is known for his sometimes gruff exterior, but also is known as a great baseball teammate. Reds players were thrilled for Rhodes.

"He deserves it more than anybody," Phillips said. "The man was in tears. I didn't think the angry man could cry."

Rhodes is in his 18th MLB season of service, but first came up in 1991 with Baltimore. Rhodes thought about retiring a couple of years ago, but wanted to persevere in memory of his son.

"It's an exciting day," Rhodes said. "I've put a lot of work into this game. I've busted my tail."

Rhodes this year had a 30-inning scoreless streak, longest in the majors by a reliever this year.

Reds manager Dusty Baker said he was especially happy for Rhodes, and of course for Phillips and Rolen.

"I'm extremely happy for Arthur Rhodes," Baker said. "After all those years, that's perseverance right there."

Phillips, 29, wondered if his day would ever come.

"It's all about politics," he said. "I've had the 30-30, the Gold Glove. I really thought I'd never make the All-Star team. It's a beautiful thing."

Phillips is batting .308, and entered Sunday as the only player in the majors this year with at least 100 hits, 20 doubles, 10 homers, 60 runs scored and 10 steals.

Rolen, 35, wondered if he would make another All-Star team after two shoulder surgeries. Rolen last made the All-Stars in 2006 for St. Louis, and saw his power numbers decline until this year's resurgence. "