The weight was off Ryan McMahon’s shoulders.

Colorado’s third baseman represented the Rockies in the 2024 All-Star Game and shared a bigger smile than usual walking to, and standing at the plate when he faced Seth Lugo. The National League lost 5-3 to the American League but the veteran’s first time in the Midsummer Classic was memorable.

He hit the red carpet beforehand with his wife and recently welcomed daughter and took an extra moment during pregame introductions to soak in the moment.

McMahon is the first Rockies’ third baseman to represent the club in the All-Star festivities since Nolan Arenado had his run. Almost fittingly, the former came into Tuesday’s game as a second baseman to replace Ketel Marte, the same position he moved to when his third-base spot was taken by a future Hall of Fame inductee.

Luke’s reaction: Shohei Ohtani made history in the loss, but McMahon represents the best parts of the All-Star break.

He plays for the second-worst franchise in the league and may also deal with a second consecutive 100-plus-loss season because of it. Before the game, he told reporters that he didn’t want to be traded from the Rockies, and his perseverance paid off in front of a national audience Tuesday.

McMahon stepped to the plate against Lugo, took two borderline pitches, and swung through a high-and-outside heater soon after. He kept a smile even as he walked away from his lone at-bat of the game — if he had hit a home run, it would’ve given the NL a one-run lead and possibly given Colorado a second consecutive All-Star MVP after three decades without one.

Ohtani’s earlier home run with two runners on helped him become the first player to hit a home run in an All-Star Game and win another on the mound, as he did in 2021 at Coors Field.

That same ballpark is where McMahon has seen a roller-coaster career unfold. He spent years in the shadow of a franchise icon before elevating into a leadership role himself. Multiple Gold Glove finalist finishes have had him joking that he’s “always the bridesmaid, never the bride.”

McMahon was the bride for Colorado on Sunday and it was a dream come true. It lasted one at-bat but gave fans a familiar face to root for, and one they’ve seen battle through some of the league’s toughest challenges.

That’s what the All-Star Game is all about, even if headline names will take over the postgame storylines.