Aside from winning an MVP, Cy Young award, or setting some record, being called an All-Star is one of the only tangible accolades to distinguish one’s season’s excellence. It is still very much considered part of a player’s career resume despite the rather biased nature in its voting. Such can be said for many members of the St. Louis Cardinals throughout history.
A different kind of controversy can play an even bigger part in reserve election, despite not actually having fan influence. There are quite a few issues that can come into play with who deserves what, particularly with injuries.