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Washington and New York have a lot in common.

Where D.C. is the center of governmental power, New York is the hub of the financial world. The District, The Big Apple. Defending champions of the National League East, defending champions of the American League East.

So it’s only fitting for us to partner together for a common cause — to get our deserving candidates to the 2013 All-Star Game, which will, of course, be played in New York. Pooling our collective energy, we hope to land both Ian Desmond and David Robertson into the Midsummer Classic.

We’ve already detailed for you the many reasons why Desmond should once again be an All-Star. Just as Desmond’s accomplishments have been at times overshadowed by his fellow teammates on the left side of the defense — Bryce Harper and Ryan Zimmerman — so have Robertson’s. After all, it’s hard to be a relief pitcher in pinstripes not named Mariano Rivera.

But Robertson is 4–1 with a 2.23 ERA in 39 appearances this season. In 36.1 innings, he has allowed just 23 hits and three home runs while walking 12 and striking out 46.

And for everything these two do on the field, they are both some of the most active off the field in helping their communities as well. Though Desmond doesn’t advertise his charity work, he does, in fact, sit on the board of the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, and is one of the strongest forces behind turning the dream of the Academy into a reality. The Academy is set to open its doors for academic programming in the fall, with full baseball clinics beginning next spring.

But what’s the meaning behind Robertson’s #HighSocksForVotes? Well, High Socks For Hope, a 501©(3) Nonprofit Corporation, was founded by Robertson and his wife Erin after tornadoes ravaged David’s hometown of Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 2011. High Socks For Hope’s mission is to lend support to charities and organizations helping those affected by tragedies and to provide humanitarian services for individuals in need.

Of course, D.C. and New York have their differences, too, but those only make them stronger when united. The Nationals fan base is the youngest and one of the fastest-growing in baseball. The Yankees fan base is arguably the largest in the game, with the sport’s longest legacy of winning. Hopefully, by joining forces, we can get two great players — and great men — into the Midsummer Classic.

Vote #DesiIn13 at nationals.com/vote. And while you’re at it, make sure to mark your ballot #HighSocksForVotes too. You can also text N1 and A3 to 89269 to vote for Desmond and Robertson, respectively. Unlimited voting ends July 11 at 4PM ET.