Rooting for a Potential Hero!

Aaron Hicks has had only one great day at the plate so far, but that day he showed how dangerous he can be.

I met 23-year-old Aaron Hicks this year at spring training, and he seemed like a hard-working, happy-go-lucky guy – a little like his friend and childhood baseball hero, Torii Hunter. I saw Hicks train endlessly and confidently through February and March. While playing in the exhibition games at Fort Myers, he had fun and did well — well enough to skip Triple-A and join the “big” club. Although he was confident, he didn’t seem cocky; he just smiled a lot and tended to his business.

Opening week in Minneapolis, I was talking to him, telling him about the many charity events that have been hosted by his colleagues over the past few years. Then I asked him if he’d consider attending any of the events scheduled this year. He looked a bit panicked by that question and said: “Oh no! I’m new up here, and I would never just show up to my teammates’ events without being invited. If they invited me I would consider it. But I’ll wait and see what happens.”

Ryan Pressly is shown heading to the bullpen sporting his Minnie Mouse backpack.

Then he told me he was involved in his own charity program, which may one day turn into a major foundation. He didn’t say that; that is me predicting it. In Sacramento and Rancho Cucamonga, California, Aaron occasionally hosts an event based around basketball. The youngsters not only play basketball and get exercise, but they get to hang out and have a social event. Aaron said a friend of his helps run the event, and then continued: “It’s all about kids coming out to enjoy basketball. Being out there and having fun! Kids these days really need something to do — something to take them away from video games. It’s pretty much just a social thing. I want them to have fun and play, and be around kids their age – and have a little competition, too. It’s really just for fun. They have fun, and for me, I just enjoy everyone being there. I just want to see kids happy. It’s kind of a small thing right now, but if it begins to get larger, I’d consider trying it in Minnesota.”

Joe Mauer playing poker at Justin’s Casino Night.

While Aaron talked about his community youth program, I saw the easy-going smile that he wore at spring training break through for a minute. That’s because the first six weeks of this season, Aaron hasn’t smiled much. He’s struggled at the plate, and you can tell the pressure sometimes gets to him. He hasn’t looked happy at all, in the dugout or at the plate. Then last week he hit two homers and robbed Adam Dunn of a home run, all in the same game. Aaron wore that ear-to-ear grin for the rest of the night. I’m paraphrasing what Gardy said, but it was something like this: “Tomorrow is a new day and a new game. What you did yesterday doesn’t help much today,” meaning Aaron needs to keep it up.

Aaron is a great athlete, a great guy, and, if he hadn’t picked baseball, probably could’ve gone PGA, as he has played golf all of his life, and I’ve heard he’s great at it. The fans are behind Aaron, and so are the Twins. Everyone has shown a lot of patience, and they’ve cheered for him all of the way. I hope this talented kid can get his baseball game going, relax, and have fun. If he does, he will become a fan favorite like Torii and Kirby were. If and when this happens, I’ll bet you anything that Aaron uses his fame to be a positive influence on our youth –maybe through a foundation that bears his name.   

He’s No Elvis, but He’s a Pretty Good Pitcher and Bearer of Treats!

Krista and Just Morneau taken at the 2012 Casino Night.

Every season it’s tradition for the Twins’ bullpen to choose a rookie who must wear a silly backpack as he walks across the field to the bullpen and is in public view. The backpack is filled with midgame snacks for the boys. When Brian Duensing was a rookie, he wore a Tinkerbell backpack filled with gum, licorice, sunflower seeds, and more. Last year it was a kid’s tool box instead of the backpack, and because of the troubled bullpen and all of the demoting and promoting, it was carried by a different guy each week. This year, the lucky rookie is: Ryan Pressly, with his fancy pink polka dot Minnie Mouse special.   

Justin Time for Poker

Morneau hitting one out at the park

There are still tickets available for Justin Morneau’s Casino Night June 2, at International Market Square in Minneapolis. If you have $150 that you can spare for a great cause, the Arthritis Foundation, and specifically targeted towards children with arthritis, you won’t want to miss this event. This is one event that brings you up close to your favorite Twin players and other local celebrities as you use your chips to play various card games. The players randomly walk around to different game tables, pose for photos, and and put down a few libations with their fans. The drinks are offered at a cash bar, but a variety of appetizers are included in the admission price. If you want the opportunity to just “hang out” with Justin and his pals and raise money for some kids who are suffering from arthritis, this is the ticket. For information on purchasing $150 early bird tickets, callLiz Atchison at 651-229-5371 or email latchison@arthritis.org.   Tickets are $175 after May 25.    

Trevor Plouffe went to spring training knowing he had a home at third.

One of my favorite characters on the Minnesota Twins is Trevor Plouffe. He is always fresh and enthusiastic, and you can tell how much fun he has with baseball. I always see Trevor rooting for others, and he’s the first to congratulate his teammates when they make a good play. He is also the guy jumping around the dugout trying to rev up his colleagues. Right before the game, he sometimes runs down in front of the bench high-fiving, giving knuckles, and doing a “jump-bump” with those standing. There have been a couple times when he has kept going, and run over to the photo well to give me knuckles. Once at spring training, he even high-fived me after hitting a home run. Most reporters and photographers must stay neutral, but he knows where my heart is because I write “Twins Talk.”

Trevor can hit for power!

Trevor has played all over the field, but this year he went into spring training knowing he had a home at third base. I asked him how different this was for him. He said, “It’s different, especially at this level, to come in and know I’m going to be at one spot. It helped in my off-season training — being able to work on things. Coming out of last year, I knew there were things I needed to work on. It’s been a really good thing for me so far.”

Last year Trevor grew his hair long, but didn’t tell anyone there was a reason for it. When it was plenty long, he had one of his teammates buzz him in the clubhouse, and donated the hair to Locks of Love — an organization that makes wigs for cancer patients. That’s just one example of what a thoughtful guy he is.

Besides being able to play almost any position well, the man can hit…and hit for power, too. I asked Trevor where he prefers to be in the batting order, and he said, “It doesn’t matter to me. I just want to help the team win. Gardy makes the lineup, I look at it, and I go play.” Even though he prefers playing third, he went on to say: “I wouldn’t mind if I’d have to change positions, either.  I want to play third base, but if need be, I’ll play anywhere.”     

Harmon Killebrew

Trevor appears to be a natural athlete, but continues to work out and train hard, making him the essence of fitness and health. I was curious if it took a special diet to keep so fit. “You’ve got to watch what you put in your body,” he said. “You don’t want to be eating a lot of junk. You’ve got to stay healthy. That’s the biggest thing during a baseball season — keeping yourself healthy. But I don’t stay on one particular diet; I just try to eat healthy.”

Trevor seems quite content with life. He was married in the off-season, and he loves to play golf and fish. “Yes, whenever I get an off day, I like to play golf, and in the off-season, I love to fish. But I love to do most anything you can do outdoors.”  And right now, that is trying to help his team win.

Farewell to a Classic

For many years, a couple of my favorite days of the summer were the John Gordon Touch ‘em All Classic and the Harmon Killebrew Golf Classic. They were both very well-done golf events, which raised thousands of dollars for many great causes. They both brought out the elite from MLB, and also brought other big names of Minnesota sports. I was fortunate enough to be the official photographer for both — it was my way of giving back. In fact, that was the motive of everyone involved. It was hard to believe folks could be doing such a good deed while having so much fun. Baseball people would do anything for John Gordon and the late Harmon Killebrew.

The late and great Harmon Killebrew (center) having fun with fellow Hall of Famers Robin Yount (left) and Paul Molitor at his Golf outing several years ago.

But two years ago, when John Gordon retired, so did the Touch ‘em All Classic. When Harmon Killebrew passed away, there was one more Killebrew Classic — suddenly a memorial golf outing. All of Harmon’s friends showed up, along with his lovely widow Nita, and had a blast as they raised lots of dough for one last time. I had hoped that we could keep this event going forever. But I recently learned that if Harmon had lived, he felt the Classic had done its job, and was going to end it while it was on top. It was a lot of hard work and stress, which Nita then inherited. Although this summer may seem a little melancholy and incomplete to me, I’m thankful I had the good fortune to aid a couple of great friends with their causes, and I relish the wonderful memories from the good times shared with Hall of Famers and just plain, nice people. 

Batboy Dominic Frost always seems happy at the ball park.

When I last interviewed Twins batboy Dominic Frost, it was 2011 and he was a rookie in the Twins’ clubhouse. Former batboy Adam Hanson had just been promoted to clubhouse attendant. I remember asking then-17-year-old Dominic how he landed such a cool job. He explained that the Twins recruited candidates through the Boys and Girls Club, where he was recommended by his baseball coach, interviewed, and was hired. He is a very likable young man; has an infectious smile, is polite, bright, and has a love for baseball. He can often be seen near the infield playing catch with Gardy or one of the coaches.

Batboys do much more than retrieve bats and supply the umpire with balls. A batboy may arrive at Target Field at noon for a 7 p.m. game. He cleans the bathrooms, shines the players’ shoes, helps attendants with laundry, sets the table for team meals, runs errands, help players with computer needs, puts bats and helmets in the dugout before the game, and must be ready and dressed in game uniform to supply the umpire with balls at home plate during the pregame ground-rules meeting. Then he can finally retreat to his chair to watch the game and retrieve bats and foul balls. He also replenishes the home plate umpire’s supply of balls. I was curious if he had a set time when to do this, and Dominic said, “I know the umpire likes to have about six balls at a time. So I just watch, and when it’s time, I run out and give him three, four, five, or whatever he needs. We go through between 100 and 150 balls per game. There are a lot of foul balls, and balls taken out of play.”

I asked Dominic if he knew what he was getting himself into when he accepted this job. Most of the

Dominic meets the Home plate umpire minutes before the game begins to supply him with balls.

batboy’s work is not visible to the average fan. He laughed and said, “I came to the ball park thinking I’d pick up the bats, chase a few balls, and help out a little. When I got here, I was surprised at all of our duties. At first it took me too long to get everything done. But then I worked hard, and got used to it, and now I’m faster and can do a pretty good job.” Actually, two years after he made that statement, I frequently hear players and coaches rave about Dominic and the fine job that he does.

The batboys usually work all of the home games, and sometimes one road trip per season. The Twins supply a batboy and attendant to the visitors’ clubhouse and dugout, as do the hosting teams for the Twins when they are on the road.

I asked Dominic if it was difficult juggling his outside activities and being a batboy. He just smiled coolly and said, “I get it done.”

Dominic has a great relationship with the players. He is shown joking with shortstop Pedro Florimon.

Since his rookie year, Dominic has graduated from high school, moved into his own apartment, studied a semester at St. Paul College, and been accepted at Georgia Perimeter College, near where his mother now lives. While in school, he plans to play basketball and football.

I told him it sounds as though he’s been pretty busy. He said: “Yeah, and lately I have been doing some music stuff. I have a group called A Cooler Unit, or ACU. We have three rappers, and I’m the lead singer for the group. Then we have a couple guys who make beats for us. Yeah, it’s real nice. We shot a video a few weeks ago!”

Dominic has many fans at Target Field and is frequently asked for autographs.

I asked him if school will affect his job with the Twins, or vice versa. “No, I’ve arranged to start after the season. My mom moved down there two weeks ago. I’ll want to get down there and make sure that she’s all right. For many years she made sure I was all right, and never made it seem like it was a struggle. She’s a strong woman!”

The conversation turned back to his job. I asked him how long he stays at the park after the game, and he said: “A couple of hours. I have to clean out the dugout, then clean and restock the coolers. But the most important part of my job starts when I arrive here and begin cleaning their cleats. I feel if I do my part and make these guys look their best, they’ll have a better chance to play their best.”

Snow is cleared from the seating areas with hot water and steam.

Photos and Stories by Gordy Jones

The Miami Marlins were in town to experience a blizzard-postponed game, followed by a makeup day/night doubleheader. The night of the blizzard, I drove home after 11 p.m. and was barely able to see 10 feet in front of me. It was hard to keep my car on the snow-buried road. I remember thinking, “No way will the Twins be able to play at 1 p.m. tomorrow. Then I remembered that I was to meet Marlins’ manager and former Twin, Mike Redmond, in roughly 12 hours. I thought the roads would still be nearly impassable.

Head groundskeeper Larry Devito grooms the base paths.

Much to my surprise, I was greeted the following morning with a bright sunshiny day. I remembered how I froze at Target Field the previous week, and although it looked bright out, I took no chances. I dressed in layers, covered by a heavy winter jacket and hat. By the time I hit the road, the freeways and the many morning accidents had been cleared. Soon I was entering Target Field not knowing what to expect. As I walked onto the field, the sun beat down on the beautiful and pristine baseball diamond to radiate the perfect green grass. Not a blade of grass was out of place, and the grass seemed a brighter shade of green than ever before. As you looked at the infield under the bright sun, you could see steam rising from the heated field. There was not one flake of snow remaining, either on the field or in the seats. The magical, hands-on groundskeeper Larry Devito was taking a few final sweeps with his rake around the base paths — smoothing, tapering, and getting ready for the chalk lines to be laid down. It was a miracle! I never thought this park could’ve been ready so soon. Larry and his crew told me they had been there the night before, but simply went home to sleep at 10:30 p.m. because it was snowing too hard. The boys arrived back at the yard around 2:30 a.m. and had been working until the time of my arrival.

Target Field eight hours after a nasty blizzard.

Shortly after I arrived, Mike Redmond emerged from the visitors’ clubhouse. It seemed funny to see him in a Marlins practice jersey. I asked him how it felt to be the man in charge. “Oh man! I love it, it’s what I love! It’s what I always wanted to do when I retired — manage. I got a great opportunity to manage a team that I came up with through the minor leagues, and played for in the big leagues, and won a World Series with. It definitely has been a challenge, but I’m not afraid of it and I’m excited to lead this team.” Over the past few years, the Marlins have lost good players, and there are rumors that this has created some turmoil amongst the remaining players. But if anyone can fix the problems, it is Mike Redmond — or as his pals call him, “Red Dog.”

Mike has always been a student of the game, as well as a leader and motivator. I told him that’s how I’ve always seen him, and he said: “I was a backup catcher, so I sat and watched a lot of games. I learned – I sat there and I learned. I learned things from every manager – good things and bad things, of course. But Gardy was great! He showed a lot of faith in his players. I learned a lot from Gardy. I loved my five years that I played here. We had great teams, I learned a lot about the game, and it was a good time.”

Mike Redmond always enjoys himself at the ballpark!

I asked him what he thought of the weather and the scheduling. “The weather hasn’t been great, but as long as we get to play! You never know. A couple of years ago it was 70 degrees here. It’s just one of those years where it’s still cold and snowy. That’s all part of baseball. But the good thing is, I don’t have to play in the bad weather anymore.” Then he laughed.

Later, when he returned in his game uniform, he walked up to the top step of the visitors’ dugout, and peered over to the Twins’ dugout. At the very same moment the man he backed up, Joe Mauer, walked up the steps from the Twins’ clubhouse and did the very same thing. Their eyes caught each other’s, and looking almost as it had been rehearsed, they smiled at each other and tipped their hats.

Soon the game was starting, my jacket was off, and I actually took my hat off and tipped it to head groundskeeper Larry Devito, who sat next to me in the photo well. I shook his hand and congratulated him for an amazing job. I should have put my hat back on, though; by the end of the game, my dome was burnt at Target Field. Only in Minnesota!

Brian Dozier hitting a home run at spring training.

 Photos and Stories by Gordy Jones

Brian Dozier has been playing a stellar second base — diving and showing good range, making some great plays in the field. This is how he played in Florida – and it has carried over from spring training.

Dozier glides around third after hitting one out.

I asked Brian: If he were to write the lineup, where he would put himself? In the last couple of years, he has been all over the board: bottom, middle, and recently leadoff. He confidently told me, “I’d put myself at either one or two. When Gardy puts me at one, I feel really comfortable – I led off the majority of the time in the minor leagues. Yeah, one or two – I feel that’s the kind of hitter I am. With the lineup that we have, and the middle of our lineup, as good as those guys are – to get on base for them is really a good thing.” I wondered if he has a different mental approach at the plate when he is batting at various spots in the lineup. “Wherever you’re at, you always want to try and put together a quality at-bat; that’s the number-one thing. But yes, it does change a little bit. As a leadoff hitter, you try and see as many pitches as you can — especially at the start of the game — and try to get deep into the count to get to their bullpen. And as a leadoff hitter, you get more at-bats – and I like to hit more. You can steal more bases, too. Leadoff comes with a lot of different things that I really like.”

Brian Dozier has been making plays in the field.

Brian appears to be in his best physical condition since I’ve known him. I asked him if he had a chance to take any time off over the winter. First he said, “No, no,” then qualified his answer with: “I took a few weeks off to rest the body. You have to — mentally and physically. But at the same time, in the off-season nowadays you have to make sure you’re in shape and you get ready for spring training, rather than getting in shape at spring training. You have to get after it! Yes, I did that; I did a lot of that in the off-season.”

I asked him what he ate to reach this pinnacle of health. He laughed and said, “I eat too much, sometimes. Well, that’s what my mom says. But I burn so many calories that it’s good.”

Joe Mauer turned 30 on April 19. Happy Birthday Joe!

Another thing he does after the season is hunt. “Yeah, I’m a big hunter and it works out well. Off-season is hunting season. Right after the season I spend a lot of time planting fields and food plots, as we like to say in the South. I like to get everything ready for the hunting season.”

We were discussing his winter activities when he reminded me that he is an avid golfer, and spends a lot of his off-time on the links. “Yes, I’m a big golfer, too. If I have any chance to get out on the course, I will.” Then he laughed and said, “I guess I have a lot of hobbies. I’m a big music guy, too; I really enjoy playing the piano.” I was surprised and asked him how long he has played. “I began playing my freshman year of college,” he said. “That’s when I picked up the guitar, too.” He was wearing a happy and proud grin as he continued, “Music is a big thing for me when I get away from the field.”

Brian advises young people to play many sports, and to be involved in a wide variety of activities: “Get out and do it all! Learn all that you can!”

Justin and Joe taping a PSA for the people in Boston

Brian teaches this by example. He is a nice guy, humble but confident, and he’s a lot of fun to be around. He attends many charity events, and although each player’s personality is completely different, he fits the classic Twins’ mold when it comes to being a good guy, the kind of teammate any ballplayer would want to have.

Standing Tall!

Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau volunteered to film a Public Service Announcement that will be shown in the Boston area. In the 30-second video, they say something to the effect that the people of Minnesota and the Minnesota Twins stand tall for the people of Boston after the senseless tragedy at the Boston Marathon.

The fans were allowed to get close and personal at practice.

Everyone makes mistakes. When a professional ballplayer goofs, millions of people might witness the blunder. The same holds true for a team’s corporate communications department, known in the old days as a P.R. department. Their job is to break news from within the organization, and to send announcements to various media outlets for broadcast and publication.

That’s why, the other day, when a release was sent inadvertently, announcing a new early-entry program where every day, 60 fans could enter Target Field 45 minutes early to watch the Twins take batting practice for 15 bucks a head, it created quite a stir. Within minutes, radio talk show hosts had a new “hot topic” of the day. Many fans filled the airwaves with protests and whining.

Most fans misunderstood, and thought that something available for free would in the future have a fee. But that was wrong; this would have been an added opportunity for fans to see a portion of the Twins’ game preparation, that isn’t available to the public. The Twins’ batting practice is currently finished when the gates open at 5 p.m. for a 7:10 game. The home team usually goes first, so when the gates open, the opposing team is midway through their BP.

During batting practice, there can be a lot of activity, including: infield practice, stretching, base running and more. Terry Steinbach is shown here hitting infield practice.

I thought this would have been a nice opportunity for a big baseball fan, who might have come from out-of-town to take in a game, to complete his or her “Target Field experience.”

Some fans and radio hosts seemed almost offended by this announcement, while others, like AM-1500’s Patrick Reusse, were completely rational, wondering “What’s the big deal?” The only negative thought I had: It seemed like an awful lot of work to institute this program for the measly $900 daily revenue it would generate.

The executives must have thought that, too. A few hours after the original announcement of the early-entry program was sent, a sincere apology from the Twins retracting the announcement was dispatched. It went on to say: “The early entry program outlined in the release was not fully vetted across the Twins organization.” It then apologized again, for the Twins’ lack of communication.

I hope this has blown over in the Twins’ front office, because their staff is hardworking, honest, and sincere group of people — and some of the nicest people you’d ever want to meet. Probably the only thing keeping the story alive are stories like the one you’re reading. Sorry, guys!

Johan Santana

Minnesota fans can be the best in the country, but they can also be the most over-reactive spectators. While East Coast fans can be brutal and verbally abusive to the player’s face, Minnesota fans are ready to denounce an idea without knowing all of the facts, but only around the water cooler or on the radio, where they can’t be seen. They are prompt to even criticize a team and their pitching staff because at the beginning of the season they’re not familiar with the names. We have had a couple of bad seasons, but the same thing happened in the early 2000’s when Johan Santana was on the team. Fans didn’t know who he was and said the Twins had no pitching. Soon Johan’s talents blossomed and he was a fan-favorite. Folks didn’t get mad again until 2007 when the Twins didn’t re-sign him, and once again fans were negative towards the Twins. But not re-signing him turned out to be a smart move in the long run, because soon Santana would be injury-plagued.

Tom Kelly greets a couple fans who he invited in to watch the team practice.

Don’t get me wrong. I think the fans in Minnesota are some of the best in the world! It’s just that when you’re close to a situation, you not only see both sides of the story, but you also witness the human emotions, too. I only wish the general public would be a little more understanding, and find out the whole story before they criticize an organization, or even a player. Nobody’s perfect. Except maybe…Tom Kelly.

I like the way Tom Kelly handles practice during spring training. When the bus leaves with Gardy and that day’s starting lineup to play another team in some neighboring town in Florida, T.K. is in charge. He has been known to open the floodgates. If he sees random fans watching from behind a faraway fence and craning their necks to see, he’ll tell security to unlock the gates and let them all in. He might address the crowd, explain what drill they’re working on, and even sometimes call a player over to meet them. He’ll answer questions and sign an autograph or two if time allows. Once I heard him say: “The game belongs to the fans. Without them, there’d be no baseball.”

Joe Mauer loves catching and playing for hometown fans!

Photo’s and Stories by Gordy Jones

It’s no accident that many Minnesotans who have made it to professional baseball opt to play in front of their hometown fans. Joe Mauer is one; he grew up in St. Paul and has never played for another major league team. A few other players have grown up here, then played in other states, and, more than midway into their careers, have come home to play for the Twins. Three of them grew up less than two miles from each other, and also played for the Toronto Blue Jays. They are Dave Winfield, Paul Molitor, and Jack Morris. Dave and Paul even got their 3,000th hits as Twins, playing in the Dome.

Another Minnesota ballplayer who came home to play for the Twins in the midst of an all-star career is Terry Steinbach, who has again returned to the Twins, this time as their bench coach.

Then there are guys from other places who have fallen in love with the area and have come to call it home. Justin Morneau is from Canada and has a winter home in Arizona, but no matter where his career leads him, he plans to always have a home here.

The late great Kirby Puckett was from Illinois and died at his winter home in Arizona, but he considered himself a true Minnesotan.

Doug Mientkiewicz flashed a sign as he coaches a minor league game at training camp.

Next, we have guys from all over the world who were at one time Twins, who have returned later in life to work in the organization. This wasn’t always the case. It was a rookie team president more than a decade ago who realized how talented and knowledgeable many members of the Twins’ alumni are, and wondered why, at the time, the Twins had no relationship with them. That’s when Dave St. Peter began inviting players back for reunions, and tapping into their heads at spring training. The Twins have had the most experienced and decorated spring training staff in the majors. The late Harmon Killebrew, Rod Carew, Paul Molitor, Tony Oliva, Tom Kelly, and Terry Steinbach have all been on staff. New this year are Doug Mientkiewicz and Tom Brunansky. Doug is the new manager of the Fort Myers Miracle, and Tom is now the Twins’ hitting coach.

Dave Winfield and Paul Molitor grew up within a mile of each other, had the same coach as kids (Billy Peterson), played for the U of M, played for several major league teams including Toronto and the Twins, and were inducted to the Hall of Fame.

It’s smart baseball to tap into such great resources as these fellows, who, besides being quite knowledgeable about baseball and the Twins’ style of play, are also great guys. But it also says something for the Twins organization as a whole that these men, who are highly respected throughout the game, want to return.

I caught up with Tom Brunansky to talk about his return, and he said: “It’s like a kid who has gone off to school, coming back home and feeling so welcome.” I asked Tom what were his fondest memories as a ballplayer,

and I thought for sure he’d just say the World Series, but he said, “Just learning to be a ballplayer while wearing a Twins uniform — of course the World Series — but there were a lot of things that went on before that. A lot of tough defeats, a lot of learning, a lot of growing pains; and to be able come here to share those experiences with these guys. I still feel I’m part of Minnesota, and to come and work with these guys, and share what I’ve learned, I feel we can build off of that.”

Tom Brunansky, the new hitting coach, is shown demonstrating his stance.

There is something about the Twins that lures these guys back. Tom said that he was the one who contacted the Twins about a job. “Yeah, after coaching high school for a few years, I decided that’s what I wanted to do. I called Jim Rantz, and fortunately something opened up.” Then he thought for a moment and said, “This game’s tough, and I know it can be hard to hit — especially at this level, where everything is magnified. There is a lot of failure in baseball. I learned because I’ve walked that fine line where I’ve nearly fallen off the bridge quite a few times. So I try to be as positive and as helpful as I can. I’m going to take care of my hitters; I’m going to do my

homework on the opposing pitchers, just as if I were going to face that pitcher. I’m going to be careful with information I hand out to certain players; some can handle it, and some cannot. The veterans are locked up, they know how to prepare — but some of the young guys, I can help with their approach for that night. I’ll try to make it fun.”

Tom is serious about winning, but about fun as well. Just as when he was a player, you see the guys around him laughing and smiling. Welcome home, Bruno!

Photos and Story by Gordy Jones

Thirty years ago, spring training was a time when players would begin getting into shape and preparing for the season. Now the players come to camp in tip-top shape, and they use this time to fine-tune their skills, conduct drills for certain game situations, and — for many — try to make the team. With more than 50 bodies from all over the world at the beginning of camp, the early days are filled with the coaches and teammates learning names, and nervous newbies trying to show what they can do. As you get deeper into camp, some guys are shipped off to minors; others even get the heartbreak of being sent home, learning that their dream might never become reality. As the team gets closer to their limit of 25 members, you can sometimes see personalities emerging, a chemistry forming, and a special bond beginning to gel.

Aaron Hicks

One player I kept my eye on this year was Aaron Hicks, who was the favorite to win the center field starting position. Hicks was the Twin’s first-round draft choice in 2008. He is fast as lightning, can hit for power, and is just a young (23) natural athlete.

In talking to Aaron, you can tell he has a good head on his shoulders. He has a true passion for golf, and played it regularly from ages 4 to 14. That is when his love for baseball took over. He is probably tied with Darin Mastroianni as the fastest Twin. I asked if he had ever run track. He looked at me proudly and said, “No. But my dad was a track star, so some of those genes must have carried over to me.” At that moment Mastroianni ran by and Hicks commented, “Darin’s really fast. You can tell by the way he runs as he racks up the stolen bases.” Aaron appears to be in such fine shape, I asked him if he had a special diet, and he said, “Yes, I always try to eat right. Sometimes it’s hard when you’re on the road. But I definitely try to keep a good diet; I feel better, I’m ready to go! That’s what you have to do to be able to play this game.”

The speedy Hicks takes off for first.

He works out near his home in Huntington Beach, California, all winter, and he said he’s always trying to get stronger and faster. “I try to incorporate my weightlifting with baseball.” I asked if playing outfield on a major league team has always been his dream. He said, “Of course it’s been a dream of mine, and as we get closer to opening day, it’s even more exciting. But then again, until I get the word that I’m starting center fielder, I’m going to keep grinding.” Then he thought for a second and said, “Whether I get it or not, I’m going to keep it up. This game is all about competing, not only for starting center on opening day, but for starting throughout the season, and to help your team to get some wins. I love this organization; it’s a class act! But they’re not going to give you an opportunity if you’re not ready. You’ve got to go out there and prove it. That’s what I love about it. “

Having a life consumed with baseball, does Aaron have time for any outside interests? With no hesitation and a passion in his eyes he said: “Golf! For me, it’s a way of relaxation.” Then he laughed and said,”Many people think of it as quite the opposite, especially if they’re not that good. But for me it’s definitely a stress-reliever.”

Bert Blyleven is greeted by Aaron Hicks.

Another guy I kept my eye on was infielder Ray Olmeda — not for his ability on the field, because he was usually on the bench, but it was for his big heart, his huge smile, and the support he shows to his teammates. Oh, yes…his entertaining personality, as well. He can be seen dancing often; one day he was acting like he was throwing the guys out of the dugout as they ran onto the field. Kicking and throwing his finger toward the field, he shouted, “Go on, get outta here, all of ya!” Then he laughed at his own joke and took the bench.

Ray will be 33 years old, and has been with more than a dozen teams in the majors and the minors in as many years. Ray has been in 218 major league games, but has nearly 5,000 minor league at-bats.

Ray Olmeda has his spot on the bench during a spring training game.

Ray told me how baseball is his life. “I started playing when I was 4 years old. I’ve always appreciated my mom, because she always took care of me. She took me to the baseball field, and also she would throw BP (batting practice) when we were young. I played a lot of sports, but I focused mostly on baseball because that is the most pronounced sport in Venezuela. I see so many players like Omar, Davey Concepcion, all those guys, they are my heroes. I want to make the team. We try. I think I am doing a pretty good job in spring training now, but it’s not anything I can control. We’ll see what happens. Whatever happens, I’m going to feel really excited because I feel like I do a good job.”

You can tell he loves life, especially around baseball. I told him I love his smile and positive demeanor, and he said, “That’s my personality, I will always be happy. I like to joke with everybody, and have energy, and relax for the game. That’s the most important thing. I’ve been on many different teams, but it’s all just baseball.”

I asked Ray if he had a special diet, and he said: “No. I eat everything. At home (Venezuela) I eat arepas (corn cakes). Many American guys, when they go there to play, they love to eat them, too. But here I love pizza. Sometimes when I’m really hungry, the first thing on my mind, what I really want…is PIZZA!”

I hope I’m wrong, but Ray probably won’t see much major league action this year. But do you know what? Baseball could use more Ray Olmedos. Actually, the world could, as well.

Joe Mauer

I asked Joe Mauer if he might have a moment to chat for “Twins Talk.” He smiled and said, “Sure, Gordy. Immediately after batting practice.”

As soon as he finished, as he walked toward me, he was intercepted by another reporter. He glanced at me, signaling he’d be there soon, and talked to the other guy. After accommodating the other reporter, he invited me to sit with him in the dugout. As we entered the dugout, a dozen or more pre-game young fans shouted his name and held out balls and photos to be signed. He glanced up, and gave a smile, an acknowledgment that he knew they were there. We shook hands, and then sat down as I put my thoughts together.

Joe Mauer played well at the World Baseball Classic (WBC) and arrived back at camp with a full head of steam: going two for three, throwing out a runner attempting to steal, and catching a wide throw at the plate and diving back to the plate to tag a runner before he could score. I asked Joe what the WBC experience was like. “It’s a great event,” he said. “It’s a chance to represent your country, and to represent it in baseball. It was a wonderful event. It was a little weird playing against Justin Morneau — it was fun — but I’m glad we won that game or I’d never hear the end of it. It was fun to get out there and have ‘Perk’ (Glen Perkins) on the mound and Justin at the plate.” I asked Joe if it was difficult coming together as a national unit when there is so little time to prepare. “Yes, it’s different. You have two exhibition games before it starts, and the fact you’re trying to get ready for the season. It’s a little tough, but it is something I’d definitely do again if I had the chance.”

Joe Mauer

He looked great — relaxed and in shape. I thought he’d be ready to go if the season began tomorrow, but he said, “I still have a little work to do. You know there’s still more than a week until we start the season. It will be nice to use those days to get back into a routine. The last couple of weeks, I felt like I’ve lived out of a suitcase. It’s nice to have a little more time to get ready for the year.”

I told Joe I thought the Twins’ lineup looks great, but I asked him if he thought the pitching will ever come together. “I hope so,” he said. “I hope everything comes together. The guys are getting after it down here at camp. It’s exciting to see the team begin to form, and we still have more than a week to figure things out, so I think we should be fine.”

I congratulated Joe on the fact that he and his wife, Maddie, who is humble, sweet, and down to earth like Joe, are expecting twins. “Thanks, we couldn’t be happier. It will be a lot of fun!”

Joe Mauer

Before he went back to his workout, I asked Joe who was going to win the NCAA basketball tournament this year. “I have no idea,” he said with a laugh, “You’re asking the wrong guy. I haven’t had time to follow basketball. All I know is the Big Ten looked pretty tough this year, so I’d probably take one of those teams.”

As we finished our talk, a woman from ESPN asked Joe for a few minutes of his time, and although I know he was panicking in his mind about it being too close to game time, he accommodated her with a smile. A short time later, I looked into the dugout to see them finish up. A couple of Joe’s teammates ran up the tunnel, and he said that he’d be right behind them; he had to take care of something. He walked up to the top step of the dugout to see if the kids were still there. They were, and he signed autographs for every one of them, as he conversed like he knew them well, and looked them each in the eye and smiled as he returned their freshly autographed items. Joe loves children, and he’s going to be a great father.

Justin Morneau

It was great to see Justin Morneau back in camp this week after playing for Canada in the World Baseball Classic. I asked Justin about his experience and he said, “It (the WBC) is a good experience for anybody who has been through it, and I’ve been lucky enough to have done it three times now. Obviously we haven’t had the success that we’d like to have, but it was good. It’s a pretty tight-knit group of Canadian baseball guys; we all know each other pretty well, and we’ve played with each other various times over the years. We seem to come together pretty quick, because it can be tough in that short of a situation.” I asked him about playing against Joe Mauer. “Yeah, I faced Perk (Glen Perkins) with Joe behind the plate. That was a different experience. I talked to Joe a couple times walking up to the plate, and I saw him before-hand, and that was definitely different, but it was good.”

Justin said that a lot of hard work and practice comes with playing in the WBC, but there is a little time for fun. “We have a little bit of fun and try to get together.

Justin Morneau

Whenever you can spend time with your teammates it can make a difference; away from the field you get to learn a little more, you get to see the personalities because you’re not busy doing your work. We practice for a couple of days, play a couple exhibition games, and then get right into it. There is not a lot of free time or time to get to know each other, but you learn a lot about your teammates when you’re competing.”

Justin winters in Arizona, and that’s where he was competing. He laughed and said, “I got to sleep in my own bed, which was nice. I got to see the kids out there and they got to represent their Canadian sides. They’re half-and-half, so they got to wear their Canadian gear and cheer for Daddy! That was fun and good to see, and I had my parents out there, too. It’s a long way from Vancouver to Florida, so this was an easier trip for them. They got to see me a little more than usual out there. It’s always nice when you get to see your parents, and they get to see you play.”

Speed in the Outfield!

Justin Morneau

Last year the Twins’ two fastest players were Ben Revere and Darin Mastroianni. With Ben gone it looks like this year’s speed will come from Mastroianni and from Aaron Hicks. Both players are currently trying to secure an everyday outfield position, and both would make great centerfielders. Hicks is leading at the moment because of his bat, although Darin is doing well and should surely make the team.

I know a guy named Mark Berkowitz who was a St. Paul Highland track star in the 70’s, and who measures an outfielder’s ability mostly by his speed. Ever since last season, when Mastroianni showed his amazing bursts of speed and base stealing capabilities, Berkowitz has been constantly curious about Darin’s running background. He must have said this fifty times: “That Mastroianni guy (and he butchers the name everytime) must have run track in high school.”

The other day I was hanging out with Darin at the park, so I asked him if he had ever been on a track team. He looked at me and began laughing as he explained: “I was a senior in high school, Foxboro High School in Bedford Mountain, New York. One day the baseball team was outside conditioning; we were at the track and

Darin Mastroianni

next to us was the track team. The track team was about to run 100 yards. I lined up and ran with them; blew them all away! The track coach, who was my math teacher, tried to recruit me. He said I could come out and run some meets with them whenever I was available. But my baseball coach said I was to have no part of that. There was no way he was going to let me run track. He didn’t want me pulling my hamstring.”

The day he told me this story he was just coming back from a baseball related hamstring injury.

But the answer to the Berkowitz question: Yes! Darin Mastroianni did run track; for one day, and he has never lost a race.