I’ll always remember the events of 2018’s final Minnesota Twins contest—if mainly because I happened to be moving out of an apartment that day and missed it all live. But when my dust had settled and I watched the highlights, I was as moved by what transpired as any other MN sports fan.
You already know the story: after growing up in St. Paul and attending Cretin-Derham Hall High School, Joe Mauer was drafted by the Twins in 2001 and played his entire HOF career (2004-2018) in Twins Territory. Sadly, concussion issues robbed Mauer of his favorite diamond position post-2014, so putting on the mask and gear for one final bow was likely as emotional for Joe as it was to all of us who watched it:
The newbie: Frankie beats the Rocket!
Thome christens Target Field (2010)
Dozier caps a comeback (2015)
Jacque Jones jolts contraction outta here (2002)
Denard Span’s triple takes the top off (2008)
Francisco Liriano out-duels Roger Clemens (2006)