After a successful 2010 Twins Caravan, the entire team (excluding Jose Mijares who was having a visa problem) assembled at the Hilton Minneapolis to honor their own at the Diamond Awards.

Early in the evening, the question that was buzzing through the cocktail crowd was this: Will J.J. Hardy and Jim Thome show up at the dinner to meet their new teammates?  The answer was yes! Jim Thome was being whisked through the crowd when he chose to slow down and shake hands with a few of his new fans. J.J. Hardy immediately reconnected with his buddy Joe Mauer, whom he has known since he was 15. Hardy and Mauer were both chosen to play on several national teams together when they were teenagers. In fact, one team already had a catcher and a short stop, so Joe was asked to play first and Hardy right field. I’ll bet that coach looks back and regrets that he moved two of the game’s best at their positions.

 Hardy and Thome  not only attended the Diamond Awards, but hung around all weekend for Twins Fest and to meet some new fans. They both seemed very sincere as they repeatedly told reporters and fans how happy they are to be on this Twins team. Thome is a gentle giant who has plundered the Twins over the years, hitting 51 home runs against them. He talked about the respect he has for this team, and especially his respect for Joe Mauer.

Meantime, Twins players seemed in awe of their former opponent. Even Gardy said during a radio interview that when he was a third base coach for the Twins, he got to know Thome as he watched him develop into the player that he is today. When an interviewer asked if Thome would ever be used in the field or strictly as a DH, Gardy laughed and said: “I’ll throw him a glove and see if he catches it. That’s the first test.”

Lots of women love baseball players, but J.J. Hardy is what you call a “chick magnet”! The ladies followed him around, and one female fan from Milwaukee said: “We don’t call him J.J. Hardy, we call him J.J. Hottie!”  

But seriously, he’s a nice young man; a very polite and respectful guy who will bring a whole lotta D to the left side of the infield. Hopefully he’ll get his swing back after slumping last year and do some damage at the plate, too. Batting coach Joe Vavra has already been viewing last year’s video of Hardy at the plate, and rumor has it that he will offer J.J. a couple of mechanical adjustments.   

Fans seemed a bit nostalgic at Twins Fest as they wandered the playing field where two World Championships were won. There were the usual fans who were memorabilia collectors and autograph hounds. There were other fans who were ordering tickets and asking questions about Target Field.  Kids were playing wiffleball, and in the background you could hear a few good singers, but mostly off-key crooners, as they auditioned to sing the National Anthem. A couple of the Twins’ greatest fans milling through the crowd were Gordon and Greg Nelson, father and brother  of major league umpire Jeff Nelson.

“How’s Jeff?” I asked them. Jeff beat prostate cancer a couple of years ago. “Jeff’s great!” said his dad. “He’s giving an umpire clinic in Florida.”

“Is he really?” asked Jeff’s brother Greg. 

“Yes,” Gordon replied. They wandered away as Gordon explained the details.

After Twins Fest, Joe Mauer flew to Southern California to help Sony make a new Playstation game. While Joe was doing business there, his brother Billy was opening his new Mauer Chevrolet in Inver Grove Heights. Billy was a pitcher for the Twins in the minors, and brother Jake (who is a manager for the dealership) is also the manager of the Twin’s AA team, the Fort Myers Miracle. Mauer Chevrolet is a real family business, with Bill’s wife and baby daughter on hand supervising, as well as Mom and Dad, who are serving as honorary consultants.  

While the family was selling Chevys on the first day of February, and Joe modeled for Sony in California, Mark Rosen was in Minneapolis prematurely reporting that Joe was about to sign a deal. When I heard the Rosen report, I knew the news wasn’t accurate because surely with this close-knit family, Mom and Dad would have been in the loop. Everyone is speculating what will happen, when outsiders should be backing off and letting things progress naturally. As Joe said: “Things will work themselves out.” I know he wants to be a Twin because of his quote when a writer asked him: “What’s more important, playing at home or winning a championship?” His response was: “Why not both!”

Obviously the Twins wouldn’t want to lose Joe Mauer. Twin’s manager Ron Gardenhire recently said during a radio interview: “I think a contract will come soon. They just have to figure out if they want to give Joe St. Paul or Minneapolis.”

Another funny line was at the Diamond Awards when Twins owner Jim Pohlad announced: “I lost my wallet. If you find it, just give it to Joe Mauer.”       

stories and photos by gordy jones

One of the nicest sports forums I have ever attended was the taping of the “Joe Mauer” edition of ESPN’s “Homecoming.” Friends, family members, childhood teammates, and others in Joe’s life shared memories that were usually quite humorous. But the guy who stole the show was Joe’s grandpa, Jake Senior. He had the crowd roaring with laughter. He was all over the place, and had to be told to return to his spot because the camera couldn’t keep up with him. Jake was just plain excited about telling the world what a great guy his grandson is. The moderator, Rick Reilley laughed and said: “If Conan would’ve had you, he’d still be on the air.” But the crack that got the loudest laugh was when Rick tried to talk about Grandpa Jake’s life and said: “You had a great minor league career, but you never made it to the majors.” Jake replied,”It was tougher then, not as many teams. And two other reasons I didn’t make it: Booze and women…I love them both!”

ESPN has done about 20 of these shows, and they usually attract an audience of around 1500. The Joe Mauer edition drew more than 4000 fans and alumni to Cretin-Derham Hall where the show was taped and where Joe starred in football, basketball, and baseball. The audience was instructed to park at the State Fairgrounds and ride one of the 40 buses the network sprang for to the school because the school’s parking lots were too small. The network also paid around $50,000 to have snow removed from the roof so they could plant their satellites and equipment there.   

People that Joe does business with, including his agent Ron Shapiro, were flown in to partake in the forum. Jeff Idelson from The National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown was there with one of Joe’s record-setting bats. Even his former backup catcher, former Twin Mike Redmond, who recently signed with the Indians, was flown in. Unfortunately, they ran out of time and did not talk to the “Red Dog.”

The only talk of Joe’s contract came when host Rick Reilly asked Joe what’s more important, a championship or playing in your home town. “Why not both!” was Joe’s reply, followed by thunderous applause. He also stated several times that he is only concerned about preparing for 2010 at this time.

“Homecoming” will include some footage that was taped last week, featuring Joe and his dad at their cabin, and also a visit to the house in St. Paul where the Mauer brothers grew up.

While standing behind the family house, Rick Reilly asked the boys if they had ever broken a window while playing backyard ball. Without delay, and in harmony, the three brothers; Jake, Billy, and Joe answered: “Yes!”  Reilly points to a neighbor’s window and again they say: “Yes!” Another window was pointed to and once again “Yes!” was their reply. Joe said that they usually used a squishy ball, the type you’d squeeze for stress relief. Then the host asked Joe if he’d like to take a swing at a rubber ball for the show and Joe agreed to. He paused for a second and said:”I hope I don’t break a window.” a window. Then, with a patented smooth, Joe Mauer swing, he smacked the first pitch out of sight. Next the audience heard a crash, as the ball sailed through a neighbor’s window, like when he was a kid. The only difference is this time, ESPN is paying for the window. Money will not be deducted from the boys’ allowance.

 “Quick Swing,” is an invention Joe’s father came up with 20 years ago, which allowed the boys to train and hit balls during winter. Since then, the product has been advanced, developed, distributed, and marketed nationally. A “Quick Swing” was brought up onto the stage at Cretin during the show. However, the one on stage was Jake’s original, still in its most infant stage. Reilly asked Joe to take a swing, and hit a whiffle ball towards the audience. His dad laughed and cautioned: “He’s going to hurt somebody; he might hit someone in the face.” But Joe has such control, he waited for the ball to drop, and then with his sweet swing, intentionally hit a soft pop-up to the last row of the audience, as everyone cheered with delight.    

It was a long night — nearly three hours — but it went by fast. After the taping, family and close friends enjoyed food and refreshments at Mancini’s Char House, and they listened to more stories from Grandpa Jake. 

The show will air sometime in April.

The Mob Goes After Joe Mauer!

“The fans in New York are crazy!” was Joe’s father’s reply when I asked him about the MVP award banquet in New York City last week.  

Joe has told me that he likes New York because once he gets away from the autograph seekers around a team hotel, he can blend in. Not when you’re a single, handsome MVP. As the players filed into the ballroom at the New York Hilton, they had to walk about 25 feet through hotel space that was not roped off.  It was fine for the other guys; fans cheered them on. But as Joe passed through, he was mobbed. “I was a little worried,” said his dad. “They got closer and closer, and began touching him. We had to walk forward very quickly to get away from them.”

After that, Joe really appreciated his “Homecoming” in St. Paul.

Early at the Alleys

Not all of the events during January’s sports banquet season happen at night. There is one early-morning event that is quite fun and casual, and it features breakfast food rather than the usual beef and chicken. It is WCCO Radio’s morning icon Dave Lee’s Gutter Bowl. This year alone Dave Lee’s brainchild of a drive-time bowling tournament raised more than $75,000 for the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children’s Hospital. And you’d be surprised how many big shooters rise early to attend this event. Last year I saw Paul Molitor and Tubby Smith hanging around. This year Twins manager Ron Gardenhire was bowling along with his wife and daughter. Governor Tim Pawlenty is always on hand, as is Gopher baseball coach John Anderson.

I asked John if he had any hopes of getting a new ball park. “Maybe someday,” he replied. “But for now we are content playing at the Dome. We always know we’ll be able to get the game in — we’re no longer concerned about Minnesota’s weather.”

The Twins have agreed to terms with designated hitter Jim Thome this afternoon, pending a physical. The contract is said to be worth about 1.5 million with an additional $750,000 in incentives.

 Thome, 39, batted .249 (90-for-362) with 15 doubles, 23 home runs and 77 rbi in 124 games last year with the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers. He currently has 564 lifetime home runs and 1565 RBI’s.

With the acquisition of Thome, Jason Kubel could see more playing time in the outfield, resting Delmon Young, or filling in for right fielder Michael Cuddyer, who may be resting Justin Morneau at first. We don’t know for sure how healthy Morneau will be returning from a slight fracture in the back area, and Michael certainly has proven that he is beyond capable defensively at first base.

Gardy has often said that he doesn’t worry about an excess of players, injuries and unexpected circumstances have a way of working things out.

Jim Thome’s experience will be a nice addition to the club.

stories and photos by gordy jones

The Twins’ season kicked off in high style Monday at the Prom Ballroom, where about 400 baseball fans gathered to celebrate the 2009 season and welcome the 2010 season at the 70^th Annual Old Timers Hot Stove Banquet. All of the usual Minnesota baseball characters assembled, including Twins executives Dave St. Peter, Terry Ryan, Jim Rantz, former Twins manager Tom Kelly, current manager Ron Gardenhire, some current and former players, and the self-proclaimed “old timers” who organize the banquet and help preserve Minnesota’s baseball history.

One member of the Twins’ front office who attended the dinner was Scott O’Connell. When you hear Scott’s deep voice projecting as he greets you, you’ll probably guess that he once worked in radio. Good guess!

Anyone who has ever bought group tickets  for a Twins game in the last 25 years has probably worked with him. He was recently promoted to director of suite and premium seat sales and service.  Scott is a baseball traditionalist who relates to the common guy. You may have gone to see Scott for group tickets at one time, and then started talking baseball, rock and roll, and current events. A half hour later you may have felt so comfortable with his pleasant dimeanor, you probably reserved several additional game dates with him.

But with the demand of Scott’s current position, and with all of the preparations that come with opening a new ballpark, he has little free time for himself. He could’ve easily been at home resting on the couch on this rare night off. But Scott would never miss this event. He was one of the first to arrive to the Prom Ballroom, laughing and schmoozing with old friends, same as he did 20 years ago. Scott O’Connell loves baseball, and he loves visiting with others that feel the same way.

Scott is the perfect example of the type of person that this dinner attracts — but each is from a different walk of life: players and former players from every level, coaches, accountants, beer distributors, Park and Rec. folks, fans, writers, and many others that have baseball in their hearts; baseball is the common denominator.   

One current Twin player who attended was pitcher Pat Neshek - along with his father, Gene. Pat has been out of commission for a couple of years and is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. I asked him how he was feeling and how well he is throwing the ball at this point. “I feel great, but I really don’t know for sure.” He told me. “I think I’m throwing well, but it’s difficult to tell right now because I haven’t been clocked by a radar gun, and of course there is no batter at the plate.” A healthy Pat Neshek could be key element in putting together a fantastic Twin’s bullpen. 

Twin’s infielder Matt Tolbert talked about the excitement of playing in the tie-breaking game 163 against Detroit. He talked about the thrill of driving in the winning run: “I was thinking that I had to do something as I approached the plate. I had made a couple of mistakes, and I knew Gardy was hatin’ me with his looks.”

That statement caught Gardy’s attention, and he did a double-take. He began to laugh as he shouted in Matt’s direction: “You know I love you Berty.”

The night was filled with positive energy and laughter. The mood carried over to Wednesday night at Mancini’s, as Concordia held its annual baseball awards banquet. Many of the same characters were on hand, along with some additional baseball people. T.K. and Jake Mauer were among the folks who attended both functions.  But many people are loyal to the Mancini’s event and attend that one only. One such person is none other than Twin’s former great, Kent Hrbek — or Kenny, as T.K. calls him. Kent said that the reason he enjoys the Concordia banquet is that his wife Jeannie is always invited to attend and joins him at the head table.  Tom Kelly affirmed that statement, and said that is why he always looks forward to this event: he gets to bring his wife — that and the great baseball program Concordia has to offer. 

The Twins’ Caravan seems to be rolling along quite well this year, too. So far there have been no bad snowstorms or deep freeze to get in its way. But, of course, with every unexpected hurdle you jump during a caravan comes another terrific story to be told at next year’s Hot Stove dinner.

Happy New Year Kid!

As Joe Mauer was on his way to meet Justin Morneau and some other close friends for a quiet New Year’s Eve celebration, he decided to take his companions to Mancini’s for a quick steak. Owner Pat Mancini told Joe that his table would be ready soon, and if Joe thought he might need a private waiting area, it could be arranged. Joe declined the offer; he said that he was just fine in the regular waiting area. Joe then shared small-talk with other patrons as he and his friends joked and waited for their table.  After being seated, Mancini customers respected Joe’s privacy. No one really paid attention to Joe’s group — except for one little boy, who just wanted to observe his hero from a distance. Someone told the little one: “Ask Joe for an autograph. He loves children.”

The boy said: “No! My dad said not to.” Joe heard the child’s response and invited the boy over for a chat and an autograph.  

photos and story by gordy jones

When it was announced that Joe Mauer was the MVP for the American League in 2009, Justin Morneau was speaking from experience when he told his pal that he’ll have a very busy winter trying to keep up with the demands that come with the honor. One of those commitments, and probably the highlight of them all, will be next week in New York City, when Joe and his family attend a special award ceremony hosted by the Baseball Writers Association. It’s there that Joe will be with baseball’s greatest names as he receives his MVP award.  

After New York City, Joe will probably head to his home in Florida before coming back to Minnesota for the Diamond Awards and Twins Fest.

While Joe is traveling about, we all hope that his agent, Ron Shapiro, is finalizing a new contract with the Twins for Joe.

Let the 2010 Season Begin

Monday, January 18, the 2010 baseball season begins. Well…maybe not the games, but the Twins caravan and the many Hot Stove dinners that will be held throughout Twins Territory seem to put baseball fever in the air. Twins players and celebrities will attend the events, while everyone talks Twins and Target Field — you know that the season is near!

Monday night is the 70^th annual Original Baseball Old Timers Hot Stove Banquet, which will be held at the Prom Ballroom in Oakdale. This is one of the best deals of the banquet tour. For 28 bucks, you get a great steak dinner and get to rub elbows with Minnesota baseball dignitaries and future stars. Pat Neshek, Ron Gardenhire, Tom Kelly, and Dave St. Peter are among those who will be seated at the head table. There is a social hour [batting practice aka happy hour] followed by a structured program hosted by Twins TV announcer Dick Bremer, and a video put together by the Twins. For tickets call Rudy at 651-379-2325.

Jake Mauer Goes Out For Chinese

Twins minor league managerial prodigy Jake Mauer, (who is turning out to be a pretty solid coach, I’ve been told), has just returned from Taiwan where he represented Major League Baseball as he conducted a youth clinic.

Folks around the Twins organization are impressed by Jake (who is Joe’s oldest brother), particularly by his coaching skills and his people skills. To be chosen for this assignment shows that others in MLB are just as impressed.  

Food for Thought

The Twin’s front office is busy working on the food experience of Target Field. Twins president Dave St. Peter had this to say: “The variety and quality of the concessions at Target Field will provide our fans with the very best in ballpark dining. The food at Target Field will be a huge part of the outdoor baseball experience by celebrating the region’s culture and baseball heritage, including some favorite Twins players over the years.”

Complete menus are still being finalized, but highlights include:

Mill City Grill - featuring the signature Murray’s Steak Sandwich and walleye fingers.

Hennepin Grille - burgers, hot dogs, fries, chicken tenders.

Frankie V’s Italian - a variety of pizza, calzones, and an Italian chopped salad.

North Shore Creamery - soft-serve sundaes, Twins helmet sundaes.

Halsey’s Sausage Haus - Italian and Polish sausage and jumbo hot dogs.

Señor Smoke’s - from Juan Berenguer’s home country of Panama featuring empanadas and other regional favorites such as nachos, burritos and tacos.

Taste of Twins Territory - beer-steamed brats, jumbo hot dogs and pretzels.

State Fair Classics - walleye-on-a-stick, pork-chop on-a-stick and cheese curds.

Twins Brews - craft and premium selections from Minnesota breweries.

photos and story by gordy jones With Mauer and Morneau in the Twin’s line-up, Jason Kubel sometimes goes unnoticed. He seems to blend into the woodwork–but he’ll surprise you. When you’re least expecting it, Jason will step up to the plate and whack in some runs. He might even hit a grand slam. He’s already hit four of them in his fairly young major league career. On many teams he’d make a good everyday outfielder. But his role on the 2009 Twins was as utility outfielder and alternate DH. He’d like to play every day, but accepts his role; he is a team player.

“I want to be part of the game any way that I can. I really like playing the outfield, but DH’ing is fine. It’s still playing the game and is actually more relaxing for me now. Last year I got a little more comfortable doing it. It gave me a new confidence level. I’m looking forward to putting up some big numbers.”

I think he will. He’s a solid ballplayer. He’s quick, has power, and is a pretty decent left fielder. With Jason being the fifth outfielder last year, no one contemplated the defensive talent he had to offer. He really is a capable fielder, and may have more opportunities to prove it in 2010 because the Twins have traded Gomez.

Like Joe Mauer, Jason looks calm when he’s in a pressure situation. And again like Joe, he quite often comes through.

Jason Kubel has always loved this game. He played baseball whenever he could while he was growing up in Palmdale, California. Being a competitor, he dabbled in other sports such as football, but baseball was his passion.  Living in California he could play all year. Even when he played video games with his buddies, he preferred baseball games.

During the winter Jason relaxes, rides his mountain bike, works out, and enjoys his family. But he told me that he always enjoys braving the cold in Minnesota for Twins Fest. He likes catching up with his teammates. He knows that spring and the start of a new season is not far off.

When Jason was 16 he met his sweetheart Blake, whom he married five years ago. Together they have a son named Owen, who is two-years-old. He laughs and says he’s still getting used to being a dad. He and Blake love dining out, but now they find themselves eating at home more often, which is all right with Jason. He has a large movie library, and he loves his wife’s cooking. “I love when we stay home and she makes dinner. Ahhh, pork chops, roast chicken. Anything she makes is great. I’m getting hungry now!”  

Jason loves playing for the Twins; “Nice people in Minnesota! The fans are awesome! They are always supportive. You don’t go to many places where you see people on the street wearing team clothing. In my home of Palmdale, California, you don’t see any people wearing Dodger clothes. But in Minnesota it’s pretty cool; everyone wears Twins stuff.”  

He has some words for the young readers:”Stay focused on sports, whether it is baseball or another sport. At the very least, it will keep you out of trouble. Focus on your school work, too. Don’t give up; you’ve got to keep on going. That’s what I did, and today I play for the Minnesota Twins.” 

I was talking to him last season before a game, and I noticed the pride as he grabbed his bat and walked towards the plate for batting practice. There he stood and blended in with the other Twins huddled around the net. As I watched him I saw something that stood out, that I hadn’t noticed before. He has such a content smile. He is a very happy guy.

photos and story by gordy jones

Baseball is a business where egos can grow bigger than an inflatable dome. But that’s not an issue with the Minnesota Twins. As they move to Target Field, there is nothing inflated within the Twins’ clubhouse or the front office. From the players to the executives, to the busy employees scurrying around the office; you can tell by talking to them that they are happy and down-to-earth people.

This has got to be a reflection of their boss, Twins President Dave St Peter. Dave recognizes talented people, places them in positions where they can help the club, and allows them to do their thing. He treats them with respect and gives them resources.

Whenever Dave receives a compliment for an accomplishment, he humbly redirects the credit. Quite often he’ll say it was a group effort, such as with the Twins Community Fund and the impact it has made in the community. As for Target Field, he credits Jerry Bell and his group. He always credits the Pohlad family for their continued support, and then passes on the applause. When I asked Dave about his managerial skills and his talent for hiring and delegating, he explained that this is a trait of empowering entrepreneurialism handed down from the Pohlads. He embeds this into the organization.  ”I think we’ve got a very talented, skilled, veteran staff that I’m very proud of. We try, frankly, to stay out of their way, and let them do what they were hired to do. And that is to provide the region’s best venue for affordable family entertainment.”

His good buddy and Vice President of Operations Matt Hoy had this to say: “Nobody has worked harder than Dave St. Peter has for this organization. He’s dedicated, he’s loyal, he’s a forward thinker, he understands communications, he understands marketing, he understands operations and finance. He knows every aspect of the business. He has a pretty good grasp on the baseball side, too. Add that with his ability to see what is necessary and appropriate for the ball club to be doing on a short-term and a long-term basis, and you couldn’t ask for a better president.”

Dave is a lifelong Twins fan from North Dakota. He watched the Twins play every chance he could. He played baseball, too. Dave said that he learned at a very early age that if he was going to make it to the majors, it wasn’t going to be from his skills on the field.

In 1989, Dave St. Peter took an internship with the Minnesota North Stars. In 1990, he began looking for a career. Instead he was offered another internship, this time with the Twins. Wanting to get his foot in the door, he grasped the opportunity. Soon he was working full time. He learned every corner of the business and moved up the ladder rapidly. He was named President in 2002.

Dave is progressive, but respects tradition. As he was moving up through the ranks, he found it odd that ties with Twins alumni were thin. Dave knew that they could be an asset to the community, and to the Twins. He worked hard to build relationships with them. Many are now coaches at spring training, announcers, or ambassadors - including Killebrew, Blyleven, Gladden, Oliva, Molitor and Carew.

Dave is highly respected by players, umpires, writers, Hall of Famers, and Major League Baseball executives in New York. The testimonials to his talents are too numerous to print-all of them demonstrating that his leadership has definitely increased the quality of life for Twins players, employees, and fans.

When the Twins open up the 2010 season in April, Dave will have reached step one of his two part goal. The first part of course was to get an outdoor ball park, that has been exclusively designed for the Twin’s needs. The second part is to win a world championship at Target Field. That is something he hopes will happen in autumn.

Dave’s biggest challenge in life now is balancing his time between his career and the other team that he loves, his family; his wife Joanie; and  their sons Eric and Benjamin (11 year old twins), and Jack (12). They play soccer, are in band …and, yes, they play ball. In fact during the summer, Dave coaches his sons’ Little League team. The twins-and the Twins-are in good hands.

 story and photos by gordy jones

As a child, Twins fan Adam Hanson and his father would take an annual journey from their home in Woodbury, Minnesota to Fort Myers, Florida. There they would watch their team prepare for the season.

Like typical Minnesotans, they would “talk Twins” with other fans, especially fans with Minnesota ties. They often chatted with a Minnesota transplant who was working as a Twins usher. This usher just happened to have a friend in the Twins’ clubhouse. One day when Adam was 13, he arrived at the ball park early. The usher was happy to see his smiling face. The Twins needed a bat boy for that game, and the usher wanted to know if the young Hanson boy could answer the call. “YES!” was his reply.

Well, he must have done a bang-up job, because he was substitute bat boy for the next two springs.

In September of 2003, Adam’s dad got a call from the Twins. They were inquiring about Adam’s school work and lifestyle. After some favorable responses, the Twins popped the question: Would Adam like to be the regular-season bat boy? He accepted the position and has been their bat boy ever since. He is now 21 and a student at Hamline University, and is one of the happiest guys in the clubhouse. 

The official title of the job is “bat boy,” and it’s a paid position. But it isn’t all fun and glamour. “I work at least 10 hours a day per game,” Adam says, “getting here five hours before the game and finishing two hours after.”

I asked him what his duties were. “Everything from laundry, shining shoes, cleaning the bathrooms, getting the food ready, making sure that the players have all of the equipment they need, including shirts, uniforms, bats, the whole bit. And then there are personal errands for the players, if they need something from a store, or something from their car. They treat me good! They’re a good bunch of guys. I’ve been pretty fortunate working for the Twins. Ninety-nine percent of the time the clubhouse kids are treated pretty good.” What about the other one percent?

“I’m not saying there are any bad guys…NO! But they are under a lot of pressure, and everyone has a bad day.”

During the game Adam sits in full uniform near the on-deck circle, retrieving bats and foul balls. While he’s busy with the game, his girlfriend, Kelly Carroll, has been working six feet above his game chair. She’s was employed by the Dome’s catering service, Center Plate, as a dugout server, serving food to fans in premium seats just above the field. In 2010 she will make the move to Target Field, but Center Plate will not. It is unclear at this time what her new position will be, but surely she’ll be smiling down at Adam as he works on the field. You might have seen a few pregame waves and winks between the two sweethearts at the Dome, but during the game they were all business.

During the game, the other clubhouse attendant, the ball boy, sits in the bullpen shagging outfield foul balls and protecting the players from grounders and line shots hit their way. Adam explained to me that before and after the game, the ball boy, who is a young man named Ryan Henk, shares all of Adam’s responsibilities. “The only difference is, while I’m getting the pregame food ready, he’s out shagging balls (at batting practice).”     

Adam gets to travel on one road trip each year.  Otherwise the home team is responsible for supplying attendants for the visitors. This includes the Twins, who employ additional staff to fill the visitors’ needs.

Adam’s father was on the Board of Directors for the Twins Community Fund. Shortly after Adam became bat boy, his father passed away. After having a close baseball relationship with my own father, I know that Adam thinks of his every game.

I asked Adam what lies ahead for him. After college he’d like work for the Twins in upper management.

And then he surprised me: “I’ll eventually run for office. I’ll run locally first.” He said this very confidently. From the positive comments I hear around the ball park, I think Adam will get the players’ votes.

photos and story by gordy jones

During the off-season, it would be easy for our MVP batting champ, Joe Mauer, to put his phone on “ignore” and fly off to the jet-set hotspots of the world. He could easily be an international Joe Cool, making the scene. But that’s not our guy’s style. No! The Joe Mauer that we know and love is moving about doing kind deeds for others, helping out charities, doing a little business, and — whenever he has the opportunity — cocooning. 

Many of Joe’s good deeds go unnoticed. He often helps friends, family members, and coworkers incognito. One such deed happened right after the season ended. An old-time clubhouse attendant for the Twins talked about the approach of his 50^th high school reunion. He wasn’t sure if he could afford to attend. Joe secretly made sure that he could afford to attend. All arrangements were made.

Many times Joe just does things that make folks smile.  He was able to take in a little hunting this year with his father, Jake, who is a very passionate hunter. Although they both had a good time, I know what it meant to Jake; it really made Jake happy to spend some time in the field with his son.

Joe made sure he’d be in town for his close friend Tony Leseman’s Highland Friendship Club Bowling Fundraiser, which benefits physically and mentally challenged young people in St. Paul. Joe doesn’t just make an appearance. He makes a day of it. He arrives in the morning and poses for a photo with each participant. He gives plenty of one-on-one time to the young people, and to the sponsors. He gives about a half dozen interviews to members of the media, and this year Marney Gellner was there taping a feature on the tournament for Fox Sports North. It is that kind of attention, which Joe routinely attracts, that can make such events hugely successful. At the tournament, Joe ate pizza with the participants — and yes, he actually bowled. Joe bowls just as he does everything else - expertly… although; this may not have been his best day for kegling. I don’t know what his score was, but every time I walked by his lane, he seemed to be attempting to convert a split - albeit with perfect form. Even a batting champ can be a little heavy on the head pin at times. 

Hot Stove Events Are Plenty Next Month

Twins fans will be able to get their baseball fix in January.  The fun begins with the Old-Timers Annual Hot Stove Dinner at the Prom Ballroom in Oakdale. For 25 bucks you get to mingle with nearly everyone associated with pro and amateur baseball in the Twin Cities. The Minnesota Twins have made this an official stop of the winter caravan. Joe Mauer has been in attendance the last three years, along with many other current and former Twins. The evening comes complete with a program full of laughs, and a steak dinner to boot.

The caravan then travels all over the five-state area. The players and coaching staff make appearances in rural areas, including VFW dinners, schools, town halls, and more. The caravan ends in the nick of time so the Diamond Awards can be held January 28 at the Hilton Minneapolis. At $150 the Diamond Awards is more of a formal event. But it supports a good cause: the University of Minnesota’s research and patient care in ataxia, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. At the Diamond Awards, all Twins players are in attendance, and it’s there that they receive their team awards.

January 29, 30, and 31 is Twins Fest at the Dome. At Twins Fest, fans can buy autographs signed in person by their favorite Twins, buy merchandise, audition to sing the National Anthem at a Twins game, eat baseball food, and even play in a game of wiffleball. If you want an autograph from a Twins player, expect to wait in line. If you want one from a star, get there early, or you will be disappointed, as they sell a limited amount of autograph tickets.  All proceeds go to the Twins Community Fund.

Here is a tip for you: The best deal at Twins Fest is the minor league corner where you can get free autographs from tomorrow’s stars. Minor leaguers who have signed there in past years include Mauer, Morneau, and Cuddyer.   

To get more information on any of these events go to www.twinsbaseball.com.

story and photos by gordy jones

With Carl Pavano accepting arbitration and staying with the Twins, and Boof Bonser traded to the Red Sox, we are starting to see the Twins’ pitching staff shape up for 2010.

Four of the starters will most likely be Scott Baker, Nick Blackburn, Carl Pavano, and Kevin Slowey.  But according to the Pioneer Press, Twins general manager Billy Smith has hinted that one more pitcher might still be added to the staff.

 Stillwater native Glenn Perkins, who made some turbulence last year rippling the Twin’s smooth-sailing system, will probably be traded. Francisco Liriano will have to regain his confidence and get his good slider back to earn a spot. Brian Duensing is an impressive young man who has proved he belongs in the majors; he, too, will be trying to earn a spot in the rotation. We also have Jeff Manship, who will most likely be in the pen with Jon Rauch, Jose Mijares, Anthony Swarczak, Jesse Crain and Joe Nathan.

            I haven’t even mentioned the return of the side-armed reliever Pat Neshek. On Pat’s blog, he has been saying how great he feels and how well he is throwing the ball. I’m happy that he feels that way, but so far this has not been documented and it’s only his opinion - an opinion is easy to have without a slugger holding a big stick 60 feet from you ready to clobber the ball. But I hope Pat’s right!

But what I’m trying to say is this: It’s not even Christmas, and the Twins look pretty solid all around.

Everyone will miss catcher Mike Redmond, especially for his enthusiasm, experience, wisdom, and leadership. But we will be just fine behind the plate with Joe Mauer, Jose Morales, and Drew Butera as backstops. And we’ll save some money — which we’ll need, to give Joe a new contract.

We are very tight in the outfield, and our infield needs only a solid third baseman, and then I believe we can compete for a championship.

Big Guy’s on the Roster

I noticed that the Twins website’s 40-man roster now lists pitcher Loek Van Mil. Loek is a 25-year-old right-handed pitcher from the Netherlands who signed with the Twins four years ago. Loek stands above the other minor league pitchers, quite literally. That’s because Loek is seven-feet-one-inch tall.

I have watched Loek at spring training every year, and he has improved with experience. I remember watching him field bunts at practice a couple of years ago and being surprised how quick he was getting off the mound, and his agility as he picked up the ball and whipped it to first, all in one motion. He appeared to be very light on his feet, and standing on the mound, even though he weighs only 230 pounds, he can look quite intimidating to a batter. 

 It will be fun if Loek Van Mil is ever called up to the majors! But after Bert Blylevin, can Twins fans handle another native Dutchman?