Anderson moved Foster into the clean-up spot in his batting order during a 17-game hitting streak in June when Foster's batting average peaked at .343. With 17 home runs and 71 RBI at the All-Star break, he was elected to start his first All-Star game. He turned in an MVP performance with a two-run home run and third RBI to pace his team to a 7–1 victory over the American League All-Stars. He ended the season batting .306 with 29 home runs and a major league-leading 121 RBIs to finish second behind teammate Joe Morgan in National League MVP balloting. Rose and Griffey also finished within the top ten.