But mostly he appreciates the caliber of players he shared the field with, including Joe Mauer, Torii Hunter, Johan Santana and Joe Nathan. You welcomed me as one of your own and I will be forever grateful. "I was just thankful that I got drafted by the Minnesota Twins and that I was able to grow up in this organization, because I spent some time in other organizations, and I always say that I'm thankful that I was a Minnesota Twin," Morneau said. By now, the stories have become part of Canadian folklore. Is that really true? The familiar faces from Twins history that arrived en masse to officially usher in Morneau as the 34th member of the club's Hall of Fame were, of course, led by longtime skipper Ron Gardenhire and a who's who of that late Metrodome era of Minnesota baseball, including Johan Santana, Joe Nathan, Michael Cuddyer, Torii Hunter and Nick Punto, all of whom Morneau thanked by name. Its a pretty special group, he said. The Twins will be placing him on the family medical/bereavement list, which he must stay on for a minimum of three days. (Darren Calabrese/CP). Its a once in a lifetime opportunity to share a moment like this in a stadium full of people. It starts with little things like that and then it kind of all adds up, and you realize that it gets passed along.". \"To be in a Hall of Fame that includes Rod Carew and Bert Blyleven, Harmon Killebrew, Kirby Puckett -- if you go down the list of the greatest Twins in history, to be amongst them is a very special, humbling honor.\"\n\nIn addition to earning the 2006 AL MVP Award for which he edged out Derek Jeter and David Ortiz, Morneau owns the third-most home runs in club history (221) and ranks ninth in games played for the Twins (1,278). MINNEAPOLIS -- The first time Justin Morneau ever visited Minneapolis, he was a 14- or 15-year-old kid about to play in a hockey tournament. And then when they see you make it, even if they never make it to the Major Leagues, they take pride in it, too. I think we all have so much respect for each other. An error has occurred while trying to update your details. The first baseman became a fan favorite not only for his production and partnership with longtime teammate Joe Mauer as the core of five division championship teams, but also for how quickly he established himself as a leading figure in his adopted Minnesota community. The 71-member committee annually considers player personnel for induction into the Twins Hall of Fame; however, with Morneaus planned induction date of May 23, 2020 postponed to September 2021 due to COVID-19, there was not an election process this past offseason. In the end, most of them did, enough that he lost count of how many would be in attendance. Fellow Canadian Corey Koskie, who put out the welcome mat and showed him the way with Minnesota. 2000-2020 Rogers Media. I took some batting practice in the Metrodome. Monday Morning Minnesota: Further Spring Jokes Edition, Twins open Spring Training by splitting a pair of, well, split-squad games. Nov. 22Justin Morneau and Joe Nathan, members of the Twins Hall of Fame, are among the group of players who will be considered for the National Baseball Hall of Fame for the first time this winter. You can go years without seeing each other, but its like we saw each other yesterday. In fact, the Twins success drafting and developing players allowed them to surround Morneau with plenty of other all-stars, overcome their small-market status and contend year-in and year-out. By checking this box, I agree to the terms of service and privacy policy of Rogers Media. He hit 221 home runs throughout his 1,278 games for the Twins. Morneau wouldn't play for Pittsburgh again instead, he'd win a batting title in Colorado, taking over Hall of Famer and SpongeBob enthusiast Larry Walker as the resident owner of #33.. After being drafted as a catcher in the third round of the 1999 MLB Draft, Morneau converted to first base and anchored the position for 11 seasons in Minnesota, appearing in the second-most games there in club history behind only Kent Hrbek.\n\nAs is always the case for these Hall of Fame inductions, Morneau and the Twins put out a call, far and wide, for those of personal and professional significance to Morneau throughout his baseball journey, from high school coaches to the man who owned the batting cage where Morneau used to take swings, letting the future slugger hit for free. After suiting up for the Junior National Team in 1999, he competed for the senior squad at the IBAF Baseball World Cup in 2001, at an Olympic Qualifier in 2003 and in all four World Baseball Classics. They said that I invited more former players and the longest guest list theyve ever had for this thing, Morneau said. Sign up to receive our daily Morning Lineup to stay in the know about the latest trending topics around Major League Baseball. We didn't recognize that password reset code. He was honored for his longtime service to the Twin Cities on Thursday, when he earned the Kirby Puckett Alumni Community Service Award at the club's annual Diamond Awards benefit show. He loved both hockey and baseball, but he even skipped a year of baseball when he was 8 years old. I get to talk about baseball now, so thats something that I never really thought would come along and did. Back then, the Canadian's dream was to play in the NHL. The Twins will induct the former first baseman Saturday before their game against Toronto at Target Field. I sent him a congratulations and he sent one back. Were such a close group, and we can go years without seeing each other but its like we saw each other yesterday. Justin Morneau played 14 seasons in the major leagues, including 11 with the Twins from 2003-13. Morneau joked that the Twins gave him a hard time for inviting more guests than anyone ever had before. "They said that I invited more former players and the longest guest list they've ever had for this thing," Morneau remarked. "To be in a Hall of Fame that includes Rod Carew and Bert Blyleven, Harmon Killebrew, Kirby Puckett -- if you go down the list of the greatest Twins in history, to be amongst them is a very special, humbling honor.". He was a teenager growing up in Canada. Tickets for all four Twins-Blue Jays games September 23-26 are available and can be purchased at twinsbaseball.com**, by using the MLB Ballpark app, by calling 612-33-TWINS or 800-33-TWINS, or in-person at the Target Field Ticket Office. Youll hear that a quicker pace will help defenders stay engaged and perform better. He loved both hockey and baseball, but he even skipped a year of baseball when he was 8 years old. Well give you the latest news when it becomes available, or feel free to add some more selections to your settings. "Justins brilliant career -- defined by an American League Most Valuable Player Award as well as his leadership role on the field and in the community -- makes him one of the greatest players of his generation. Bremer said Morneau brings that insider look to broadcasts, translating his deep knowledge of the game to viewers and sharing with them parts they wouldn't otherwise see. At 4:15 p.m. there will be a plaque unveiling on Target Plaza. The 40-year-old spent 14 years in the majors. Lots of numbers retired up on the wall. And, of course, a special place in the ceremony was reserved for Joe Mauer, the other half of the "M&M Boys," who introduced Morneau to begin the hour-long ceremony, which featured a video of Morneau's Twins highlights, a message from the Canadian ambassador to the United States and even a recorded video from fellow Canadian and Hall of Famer Larry Walker. Morneau on Saturday will be inducted into the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame David Berding / USA TODAY Sports. After all, hed grown up a Blue Jays fan. Contact: Mackenzie Bongard, [emailprotected]. September 24, 2021 - 10:04 PM. What to know for Saturday; Justin Morneau Twins HOF induction. "You just dream for one day in the big leagues. Autograph restrictions subject to change. At the time, he still thought he was going to be a hockey player. "This is a franchise with a long, proud history and great players. Baldelli said its possible Kepler might not start on Saturday, either, as the Twins give him time to recuperate. Morneau was elected in January 2020 by a 71-member committee consisting of local and national media, club officials, fans and past elected members, using rules similar to those necessary for election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. At 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. fans can have their picture taken with Ron Gardenhire, Corey Koskie, Ryan Doumit and Nick Punto. We use cookies to improve your experience. Justins ceremony will be right before the 6:10 p.m. first pitch. Lots of National Baseball Hall of Famers, so to be in a Hall of Fame with Rod Carew, Bert Blyleven, Harmon Killebrew and Kirby Puckett? The breakfast will include a program honoring Csar Tovar, Ron Gardenhire, and Dan Gladden. / CBS Minnesota. Morneau now 40 and living on a farm in Medina with wife Krista, their five children and various animals played with the Twins from 2003-13. Manager Rocco Baldelli said rookie starter Joe Ryan has left the team to fly back to California to deal with a family-related matter. 2 sport, and all my friends who played lacrosse made fun of me for playing baseball. Little did he know that just seven or so years later, he'd be on the field in a Twins uniform. The three will officially be inaugurated during separate on-field pregame ceremonies at Target field on Aug. 20 and 21, when the Twins play the Texas Rangers. Former Toronto Blue Jays first baseman John Olerud and 2006 AL MVP Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins headline the four-man class that will be inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame . That coat drive has collected over 40,000 coats from generous donors. Five division championships, an American League Most Valuable Player Award, four consecutive All-Star selections, two Silver Slugger Awards and a Home Run Derby title later as part of a 14-year playing career spanning four teams, Morneau's personal accolades and contributions to one of the most successful eras of Twins baseball were cemented on Saturday with his induction to the club's Hall of Fame in a pregame ceremony before the Twins' matchup against the Blue Jays, the team Morneau supported as a child. more of the story, Buxton homers, Ober turns in strong outing as Twins beat Toronto 3-1, Reusse: Blue Jays Berrios might still be the Twins pitcher of the year, Toronto's Jose Berrios faces former Twins teammates at Target Field, As Thielbar grows older, Twins lefthander gets better, Reusse: Following Plouffe's journey into sports podcasting, Kirilloff 'close' to resuming normal baseball schedule after wrist surgery, Something new for Gray and Twins: pitcher calling his pitches, Souhan: Gardenhire, Watkins families felt wrath of Hurricane Ian. Morneau was my second-favorite Twin all time. Justin Morneau is honored for all that he has done on and off the field for the Minnesota Twins as he is inducted into the Twins' Hall of Fame in front of the franchise's legends More From This Game Minnesota Twins Justin Morneau Hall of Fame Induction milestone account. His dad, who threw him countless hours of batting practice growing up. Lots of numbers retired up on the wall, lots of National Baseball Hall of Famers," Morneau said. In recent years, Morneau has served as a part-time analyst on Twins' broadcasts for Fox Sports North and as an analyst on the Sportsnet Central panel for the . Morneau has also supported the United Heroes League, an organization that provides sports equipment and registration fees for children in military families. "High school coaches are here, and the guy who owned the batting cage I used to go to, let me hit for free," Morneau said, adding the Twins told him his guest list was the longest they'd ever had. To see your localized preferences, please enable geolocation services in your browser settings. The New Westminster, B.C., native has also been very active in charitable endeavors. She is originally from the Chicago area and is a graduate of the University of Minnesota. Minus Torii and Cuddy. At the time, the New Westminster, B.C., native hoped to play in the NHL -- and had even taken a year off from his second-favourite sport, baseball, in the hopes of making his hockey dreams a reality. His rankings on the #MNTwins all-time list: 1,278 games (9th)1,318 hits (8th) 221 home runs (3rd) 860 RBI (6th)289 doubles (6th) pic.twitter.com/JUjfZ6yH3B. It was a close group. Please contact us. He also has been a special assistant to baseball operations for the team since 2018. In the hours leading up to Morneaus speech at Target Field, he just hoped it would go as well as Walkers did last month in Cooperstown. There are a few memories that stood out for Justin Morneau during the portions of two seasons he played for the . But its hard to say that theres anything at this point that ever would compare to the privilege of wearing a major-league baseball uniform every night.. Republication or distribution of this content is Justin Morneau, who won an American League MVP award for the Twins in 2006 and almost won another two years later, is the newest member of the team's Hall of Fame. He let his bat do the talking, former Twin Joe Nathan said. Nor did Morneau fully grasp the history of the Twins, two-time World Series winners in 1987 and 1991. Betsy Helfand covers the Minnesota Twins for the Pioneer Press. MINNEAPOLIS -- The first time Justin Morneau saw the Minnesota Twins, he still thought he was going to play hockey. Guerrero retired after the 2011 season and has since been inducted into the Hall of Fame and Guerrero Jr., the Blue Jays star, debuted in 2019 and is an American League Most Valuable Player candidate. And when he recently asked his father, the elder Morneau replied that he always thought Justin would end up becoming a hockey player. MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, MN The Minnesota Twins today announced details for this weekends four-game home series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Target Field, which includes Fan Appreciation Weekend presented by Caribou Coffee on September 23 and 24, Kids Appreciation Day presented by Target on September 26 and the long-awaited Justin Morneau Twins Hall of Fame induction on September 25 in a game presented by Sheboygan Sausage Company. I had fields to play on, I had safe schools to go, I had opportunities and I had friends Im so proud to say Im from New Westminster.. Morneau still makes his home in the Twin Cities and remains a visible figure in the organization as a special assistant to baseball operations and a color analyst for the club's television broadcasts on FOX Sports North, a role in which he should take a more prominent position this season. He was a teenager growing up in Canada. "I played one game of junior hockey as a 16-year-old.". - YouTube Morneau became the 34th member of the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.. Morneau grew up playing hockey and even took time away from baseball to commit to hockey as a teenager. He joins Kent Hrbek as the only first basemen to earn the honor, as voted on by 71 members of local and national media, club officials, fans and previously elected members. He actually hadnt seen his dad since December of 2019 because of Canadas strict COVID-19 travel restrictions, so with his parents being in town finally, this makes it even more special. Gambling problem? In fact, Morneau began his stint with the Twins a year after they made it to the ALCS against the Angels. Of course he did. He was named to four American League All-Star teams, won two Silver Slugger Awards and won the AL MVP Award in 2006. "It was hard for me to do that when I first came up, because I only thought of myself as a baseball player and not as a role model, not as someone who wanted to be in the spotlight," Morneau said. In an essay for TSN prior to Walker's induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Morneau relayed the story of coming up through the minors and one day getting to his locker to find a present from . Date: Saturday, August 20Time: 9:00-11:00 a.m. CTLocation: Delta SKY360 Club, Target FieldPrice: $125 (Sold Out), Buffet breakfastQ&A session with Ron Gardenhire, Dan Gladden, and other Twins HOFsAutographs by Ron Gardenhire and Dan Gladden. Anyone can read Conversations, but to contribute, you should be a registered Torstar account holder. (Chris Young/CP). Morneaus guest list for Saturdays ceremony extends well beyond his teammates to his high school coach, the owner of the batting cage he used to hit at for free and, of course, his parents, neither one of whom he has seen in more than a year. And then you get to cap it all off in the end with something like this? He was a dominant lefty who you couldnt not like. Now, the 40-year-old works Twins broadcasts for Bally Sports North and has also contributed as an analyst on Sportsnet -- a challenge he enjoys even if its completely different than the one he navigated as a player with the Twins, Rockies, Pirates and White Sox. The Twins were really, really good for a long time, and he was a big, big part of it.". Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. If you do not yet have a Torstar account, you can create one now (it is free), Copyright owned or licensed by Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. Confirming what we already knew, that he made a lot Canadians proud, himself included. I think we all can predict a long speech from Justin because he is a guy who cant leave anyone out and needs to give credit where credit is due. ", Justin Morneau is in good company. Amazing. Perhaps it was best for everyone involved, then -- and certainly for the state of Minnesota -- that Morneau fully turned his attention towards baseball. The 2006 American League Most Valuable Player hit 30-or-more home runs three times for the Twins and recorded 100-or-more RBI in four seasons. Over parts of five minor league campaigns, he developed into a top prospect, earning invitations to two MLB Futures Games (2002, 2004) before he was called up to make his major league debut with the Twins on June 10, 2003. Now forever part of Canadian baseball history. All net proceeds from this event will benefit the Twins Community Fund. The Twins drafted Morneau. We've sent an email with instructions to create a new password. You look at Torii (Hunter) and (Joe) Mauer and Johan Santana and one of the best closers in the history of the game in Joe Nathan and you think about the teams we put on the field, Im just lucky I came along at the right time, Morneau said. So, I hope it doesnt sound like Im just copying what he said two weeks ago. "The Minnesota Twins are thrilled with the election of Justin Morneau . expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Toronto I am looking forward to being in St. Marys this summer to celebrate with my fellow inductees in person. Max Kepler was out of the starting lineup with a non-COVID-related illness after being removed early from Thursday nights game for the same reason. A four-time all-star in Minnesota, Morneau won the 2006 MVP and helped the Twins reach the playoffs five times during his tenure. So, which Vlad is harder to face? Could he have made a career out of that? 1 spot, lacrosse is the No. Sixteen members of the Twins Hall of Fame, along with dozens of Morneaus former teammates and coaches, are scheduled to be in attendance to celebrate the 2006 American League Most Valuable Player. The man who ran the local batting cage and let Morneau hit for free so he could get enough reps. And then you get to cap it all off in the end with something like this. Sorry we could not verify that email address. Next, select your favourite teams and leagues and well show you their latest news and scores in the My Favourites section of the home page. He stayed at the University of Minnesota and, with his time off, he attended a Twins game at the Metrodome . Morneau is the 34th player to enter the Twins Hall of Fame. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Forgot your Don't miss out - sign up for our newsletters! He's a person who taught me how to play first base, and we've been having a good relationship. "But then I realized that I could make a visit to the children's hospital and put a smile on a kid's face when they're going through a tough time. Dont get me wrong, I loved them anyway. Now Morneau has cemented his legacy with the Twins, alongside the likes of Kirby Puckett, Rod Carew and Harmon Killebrew. There were mixed reviews of him from the start, in my opinion, but I think many people are now quite fond of his analysis. He also spent time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Colorado Rockies and Chicago White Sox. Morneau will officially be inducted into the Twins Hall of Fame in an on-field ceremony prior to the Twins' home game against the White Sox on May 23. pic.twitter.com/RV8u9LBMWI, Congratulations to the 34th member of the Twins Hall of Fame Justin Morneau! MINNEAPOLIS -- Growing up on the western coast of Canada, Justin Morneau was, of course, coaxed towards the national winter sport of hockey. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. While his career ended without a coveted World Series ring, Morneau still has plenty of good memories to cherish, even joking the Twins "did win a playoff game" in his tenure. So many people that helped you get there.". Rookie Trevor Larnach has picked Morneau's brain about how to succeed in the majors. For his efforts, Morneau was named the Twins team MVP twice (2006, 2008). In addition to earning the 2006 AL MVP Award for which he edged out Derek Jeter and David Ortiz, Morneau owns the third-most home runs in club history (221) and ranks ninth in games played for the Twins (1,278). Its a great moment when facing Vladdy Junior, with the numbers he has this season. MINNEAPOLISLarry Walker helped inspire an entire generation of baseball players from Canada, so it seems fitting that on the same day his number was retired by the Colorado Rockies one of the guys who grew up idolizing him was having a ceremony of his own. You start to learn about all of the great players and the World Series, he said. The Twins inducted a little-known maple syrup farmer into their team Hall of Fame on Saturday night. He finished his Twins career hitting .278 (1,318-for-4,749) with 289 doubles, 16 triples, 221 home runs, 860 RBI, 669 runs scored and 501 walks in 1,278 games.