KANSAS CITY (WTAQ) - For the first time, Ryan Braun said Monday he felt vindicated after a 50 game drug suspension last fall that was reversed on appeal.

The Milwaukee Brewers’ slugger said other players have been, “incredibly supportive” – especially fellow All-Stars who know what he went through last winter.

Braun told reporters at the All-Star Game in Kansas City that his first-half performance vindicated him, and his goal is to have constant success over the next 10 to 15 years.

Critics hinted that Braun must have had inflated numbers last year, after he tested positive for synthetic testosterone. But he came back with a stellar first half this season with a .306 batting average, a National League-leading 24 home runs, and 61 RBI’s with a high on-base-plus-slugging percentage of .990.

Braun said he played as well this season as he has in any half during his 6 years in the big leagues – and he says he has maintained a high level of consistency in his performance.

Braun will bat 3rd for the National League in Tuesday night’s All-Star Game at Kauffman Stadium. He’s the Brewers’ only representative this season, after the team had at least 3 players for the last several years.