By P.J. Harmer

Staff Writer

BROOKLYN — Will Rhymes said he couldn’t think of a better way to spend a day off.

Rhymes joined Oneonta Tigers teammates Michael Hollimon, Justin Justice and Cory Middleton in the inaugural New York-Penn League All-Star Game at KeySpan Park on Tuesday.

"It’s no big deal," said Rhymes, who got the start at second base for the American League affiliates. "We had a day off yesterday. We’re here to have fun, so it’s not a bad way to spend your off day."

[an error occurred while processing this directive]The four return to Oneonta today for a 5 p.m. double-header against the visiting Tri-City ValleyCats. Oneonta (35-23), which is seeking its third Stedler Division title in four years, is 1½ games ahead of the Lowell Spinners (34-25) with 17 games left in the regular season.

Tri-City, which plays at Oneonta on Thursday as well, could become a serious contender for the division title with a series sweep this week as the third-place ValleyCats (30-29) sit 5½ games back.

"It’s good for us," Justice said of Oneonta’s All-Star selections. "We’re meeting new people. This only happens to a few people.

"We have a solid team (in Oneonta)," he continued. "On the bus here today, I said to Rhymes, ’We have to win it.’ We’re all staying positive and want to come out as winners."

All four were wide-eyed as they took batting practice before Tuesday’s game, joking with some of their regular-season foes while taking in the surroundings.

"It’s pretty sweet," Rhymes said. "I feel honored to be here and I’m having a blast. I can’t describe this whole experience. I really appreciate them for putting this on for us."

Hollimon got the start at shortstop for the AL, playing next to second baseman Rhymes as Oneonta controlled the middle infield.

"I’m really humbled by (starting) and it’s something I’ll remember forever," Hollimon said. "(Starting next to Rhymes) makes it that much more special and a little easier because I know him. That will help the butterflies."

Rhymes led off the All-Star Game with a flyout to center. Hollimon, who batted second, then struck out swinging. Playing at KeySpan Park, which has a capacity of 8,000 and a view of Coney Island over the 315-foot wall in left field, may have had something to do with the shaky start.

"As far as dimensions, I think Damaschke is a little bigger," Hollimon said. "Damaschke has a lot of tradition and it’s old school and I love that. Coming here, it’s more modern. The whole feeling here is special."

NOTES: Hollimon represented Oneonta in the pre-game home run derby. He was one of five NY-Penn All-Stars to hit a first-round-best two out of KeySpan. Hollimon hit two more in the second round but was eliminated as Hudson Valley’s Garrett Groce and Auburn’s Ryan Patterson finished with five apiece. Groce won the derby with four in the final round. Patterson had one homer in his last at-bats.