Results tagged ‘ Target Field ’
Art
Print of original artwork by Mike Welton. Photo by Randy Stern
Sure, there’s baseball. The Arizona Fall League, for starters. There are leagues around the world starting up from the Dominican Republic to Australia. Not to mention any off-season activity is open game on this blog (I mentioned that before, right?).
So, what’s a baseball fan to do when other things are happening elsewhere in his life? Well… there is one baseball/sports-related tidbit to parse out.
This weekend, I stopped by the Northrup King Building in Nordeast Minneapolis for Art Attack! This is the fall opening of the studios inside the old seed warehouse where visual artists of many media throw open their latest (and not so latest) work in time for the holiday shopping season.
One of those artists is Mike Welton, a very good friend of mine known for architectural and signage pieces utilizing truthful textures and shades. One thing I noticed was a new work of his showing the façade at Lambeau Field in Green Bay (Welton being a Wisconsinite – from Madison). It was quite nice. Our discussion turned to that piece as he might sell to a memorabilia merchant. I suggest he find himself a Packers fan that loves art and would like that piece on the wall.
Then, Mike surprised me with a small piece based on Target Field (as seen above). The original was already sold, but he had prints. As I am not an owner of original art, I bought a print. It is now hanging on my wall. It looks pretty darn good.
If you’re reading this and are curious about these pieces, you can contact Mike at mikeweltonart.com for more information.
That’s all for now – until the trophies are handed out. Um…maybe sooner.
Postseason 2010: Not Throwing In The Towel – Yet
Photo by Randy Stern
Sure, I’m disappointed in the Twins. I have not officially thrown in the towel, though.
Wednesday night’s excitement had to be quelled. Honestly, I heard two games that night: The Twins attacking the Yankees and the Yanks taking over the game after exploiting the Twins’ weaknesses. Admittedly, it capped one of the most exciting days of this year – including Roy Halladay’s historic no-hitter.
Unfortunately, I was in class last night. No TV to watch. My phone was “off” because I’m doing a short presentation and there are a lot of key items regarding my Capstone to be discussed. Not only did I miss a chunk of the Twins-Yankees Game 2 to even warrant discussion – I missed the start of the Giants-Braves’ Game 1.
But, that’s OK. I was able to follow the proceedings inside The Trop for Game 2 of the Rays-Rangers series from work. One thing needs to be said: What happened to the Rays?
Every year, we critique the quality of umpiring during the Postseason because of what’s at stake. Each missed call could turn a season over for a team. Joe Maddon was rightfully justified in questioning the quality of judgments made by the umpiring crew during the first two games at St. Pete. Did it do any good? It got Maddon tossed.
That is not a palatable excuse for the Rays heading to the Metroplex on the brink of elimination.
Which brings me to Game 2 of the Twins-Yankees. Something should’ve warned me when Hunter Wendlestedt was announced as part of the umpiring crew working this series. The snotty son of one of the most respected umpires in the game never had good relations with Ron Gardenhire. Think of Joe West and Ozzie Guillen – you get the picture.
On an extended visit to the mound, Gardy ended up chewing at Hunter. That got Gardy tossed. It may have blown the game.
This morning, I read the excerpt from the post-game pressers. All Gardy did was wave off the incident. Fine, but what about the repercussions that incident has on your season and the expectations your fans had on your team? Did you wave those off as well?
The Twins head to the Bronx on the brink of ending their season sooner than expected. Thanks Hunter and Gardy.
Oh, and Lincecum strike out 14 in the opener of the Giants-Braves series. The NL brought out some serious pitching performances so far in the Postseason. Game 2 for both the Giants-Braves and Phillies-Red are tonight.
Battle Ready
Photo by an anonymous Minnesota Twins fan for Randy Stern/The Heirloom
You probably noticed a change in the look of this blog. I have put the “all baseball” angle to the side for the moment. I will be concentrating on one specific ball club – my local one: The Minnesota Twins.
Normally I would be scouring the entire game for material. Not this time. For seven seasons, I’ve seen this local team get swept away in the ALDS on the few occasions they made it. At its core, this had always been a very good team – one that spawned two AL MVPs and a Cy Young Award winner. It would be a shame if they get sent back to the showers earlier than probable to stew until next winter in Fort Myers.
In these seven seasons, my pride for the Twins have never been stronger. I’m almost at the fervor that i was last year when I immersed myself into purple last NFL season when it looked like Brett Favre and the Vikings (with no help from Brad Childress and Tarvaris Jackson) would rule the world. Of course, we knew what happened last season – and the start of this one.
Seriously, this is a special team. Without Morneau, the Twins evolved into versatile team for the first time in a long while. The pitching never looked stronger – including the relievers. The fielding has held up nicely. And, the bats are capable of serious hurting.
In my last post, I pointed out the flaws. The Twins’ aren’t perfect. Nor are the New York Yankees.
To my fellow MLBloggers, I know this ALDS will be a polarizing one. I know some of you will be watching the Yanks and the Twins closely. I know some of you gave the same fears as a lot of fans around here do giving the Yanks an advantage in the series. However, I am constantly reminded how there are no sure things in this game. The impossible has happened many times in this game during my lifetime.
As a fan, all I want is to beat the Yankees. I want Target Field to shine in the spotlight. I want to see a ALCS in the Warehouse District/North Loop.
A World Series would be nice, too!
I wish the New York Yankees well as we go into battle tomorrow evening.
I also wish the Minnesota Twins my best – and thank the organization for making me welcome in your new ballpark on seven occasions during its first year of operation. You are making this Hennepin County taxpayer proud.
So…to horse! And, on to battle!
Postseason 2010: The Reality of the Worse Case Scenario
Photo by Randy Stern
The Postseason is almost here! Hallelujah! I was wondering if we were going to start this thing later to accommodate the probable scenarios with tiebreakers and such. This year – it wasn’t the case and baseball is alright because of it!
Of course, we in Twins Territory have been knocking on wood because we clinched the division earlier than later – avoiding a third-straight Game 163. However, our biggest headache is coming this Wednesday.
The worse case scenario has occurred. Though the Twins start at Target Field on Wednesday, the Yanks come in as AL Wild Cards with a perpetual ALDS domination over them. Both teams have come off of some rough weeks. The Twins won only two games in the final week of the regular season, while the Yankees won three. There is a lot of shared frustration amongst these two clubs – and this could be manifested in a downright ugly series. Overall, the Twins have improved on the Yanks over last year, yet the Pinstripers have an advantage this year winning five out of seven games. The big improvement has been the Twins ability to beat the Yanks in the Bronx as well as at Target Field.
I could break down the matchups, but why? Everyone knows what each team has to offer – and which players continue to not be available when they’re needed. One thing is certain – a lot of people will be watching this series very carefully.
So, I’ll go ahead and break them down anyway…
These are two strong ball clubs. Some might say that the Yankees have the advantage with top shelf players and deep Postseason experience. The Twins do, too. Sure, the marquee burns brighter in the South Bronx than in the Warehouse District/North Loop, but who’s go say there’s an honest advantage?
The issue with the Yankees has been pitching. C.C. Sabathia won 20 games, but had to take the ace role seriously to get there. The C.C. of old – inconsistent at times – has not reared its head this season. It is the rotation after Sabathia that drew concern. For Yanks’ faithful, it will be interesting to see how A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte will do against this tenacious lineup of the Twins (Keep in mind that the Yankees have not named a starter for Game 2 in Minneapolis – which means, no A.J. until possibly Game 5 of the ALDS or in the middle of the ALCS). Where the Twins need to worry is when Mariano Rivera comes up to close. Yet, in one early game this season, the Twins got to Mo – and that scenario can happen again.
On the Twins’ side, the rotation begins with Francisco Liriano – a story of redemption in itself. One thing Liri needs to do is to mix his pitches and throw smart against the Yanks. Smoke alone with intent to strike out every time will not work against the Bombers. After Liri will be young Brian Duensing and Carl Pavano in the three-man rotation. Don’t take Duensing lightly, because the kid can surprise you with a mix of pitches against tough at-bats. He’s not a big strikeout thrower, but hitting one of his near-bad pitches will not be a smart thing to do.
The major difference than in years past is the bullpen. Instead of just waiting for Joe Nathan to come out – since he’s been out for the year, the Twins’ created a one-two late innings punch. It starts with Brian Fuentes as set-up and ends with Matt Capps in closing. In the long run, two seems better than one. This is where the Twins have a real advantage – in set-up relief.
There are no secrets as to the Yanks’ lineup. Nick Swisher and Robinson Cano really shined this season. They compliment the core of Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez. Where the Yanks saw a slip was in Mark Teixeira as the “Tex Message” have been off on several occasions. This is where Cano and Swish shined the brightest – taking up the slack for Tex. However, Twins pitchers need to watch for Brett Gardner as the mole on the Bombers’ lineup. If you neutralize The Cap, A-Rod, Tex, Swish and Cano – then you go for Gardner. Throw in Jorge Posada in for good measure as a neutralizer.
My biggest concern would be with the Twins and whether they can stomach a second straight postseason without Justin Morneau. Gardy scratched his slugging first baseman though Morneau showed signs of improvement from his concussion he suffered in the middle of the summer. This seems to be the only major injury that would affect the outcome of the ALDS – and a huge reliable long-ball bat on top of that.
So far, the Twins managed without Morneau. Power comes from Jim Thome, who is available after his stiff back was resolved. Joe Mauer can slug, but hasn’t really showed his long ball that much in Target Field. This is where Delmon Young and Jason Kubel come into play. If Mauer and Thome won’t hurt you – Del and Kube will.
There are two other Twins that would give the Yanks fits: Alexi Casilla and Danny Valencia. Most likely, Valencia will start, which means the Yanks will have to learn how to pitch to him – and vice versa. The kid’s a quick study and can hurt you when you’re least expecting him to. Off the bench, Casilla is a serious clutch contender. Give him a pitch to hit – and you’ll pay dearly. Walk-offs are Casilla’s specialty.
One thing to note about this match-up: The Yankees and the Twins are one-and-two in the lowest number of fielding errors in the season. This is where the series will be won – fielding. Whomever fields best advances into the ALCS.
My outlook is as convoluted as was the determination for the AL East title. A Yankees win at Target Field this week could end this series in four games in the South Bronx. A Twins’ win in the Bronx will push this to five games back in the Warehouse District/North Loop. This could be the year the Twins will solve the Yankees. If not, John Sterling will annoy you on MLB atBat. I only pray for a five-game series with the Twins shocking the Yankees.
It all begins Wednesday evening – right after dinner here. It’s Liriano and Sabathia at Target Field. What did Bette Davis say about “fastening your seatbelts?” Make sure they’re real tight.
Game Review: Minnesota 5 vs. Toronto 4
Brian Fuentes pitching to Lyle Overbay Photo by Randy Stern
Alexi Casilla – remember him? He was the one who hit the walk-off base hit that ended Game 163 last year to propel the Minnesota Twins into the Postseason. He did it again – not as a clinching walk-off – but a very a very important one in terms of preparation for this year’s Postseason.
Before I get deeper into this Saturday matinee at Target Field – my fifth and final game of the season for me – I promised a story regarding this.
Originally, I had planned on going to two games this year. As you noticed, it has turned into five. The first unplanned one was courtesy of my former magazine being with my fellow GLBT folks. The second was courtesy of a friend at the University of North Dakota who had to fly out of there instead of coming down for the game. This one – let’s just say it was the oddest way I ever got tickets to any event.
One day, I came home from work and found an envelope with my name on it. I couldn’t make out the writing as to whom it might be and there was no return address. The postmark was local, which was assuring.
Curious, I opened it up. I should’ve known better because it could contain some explosive or anthrax or…wait, that was 2001…moving right along.
The first thing I noticed was a plain white piece of paper folded twice. Inside the paper were two tickets to the game I’m about to talk about shortly. These weren’t just tickets bought from the box office. They were part of some season tickets of a friend of mine. How did I know? His name appeared on it.
So, I e-mailed said friend – left voice mail. I thanked him, but was curious as to why he sent the tickets. I did get a response: They were supposed to be a “anonymous random act of kindness.” I think he didn’t realize he had his name emblazoned on these tickets, but the thought was indeed welcomed.
With the memory of Thursday evening’s debacle still fresh on my mind, I took the tickets and went back to Target Field for one more regular season game.
In hopes of turning around another losing slide midway through the four-game regular season-ending set with the Toronto Blue Jays, it didn’t began well for the home side. Edwin Encarnacion hit his third home run between the two games I attended this weekend – this one scoring another run on top of his jack. I felt somewhat doomed by the middle oif the game.
Then, it turned around. In the bottom of the fifth, Casilla slapped a Shaun Marcum pitch into left field scoring Jason Kubel and Jose Morales. It was at that point when the Twins began to tighten up against the Blue Jays. You can see it in the defense – despite some scary moments along the way. You can see it in the late relief by Brian Fuentes and Matt Capps. This was my first time watching Capps as a Twin – and he’s definitely my homie! Ron Dibble was right all along!
Then, we get to the bottom of the ninth, and I was ready to bolt when it was over. I’m glad I didn’t. Kevin Gregg was supposed to the Jays’ closer – and he blew it. Ben Revere comes in to pinch run for Delmon Young as speed insurance. Young began the inning with a hit that said: “It ain’t over, folks! Stay in the ballpark, please!” Kubel came on due to a walk by Gregg, which Jason Repko took over for base duty. The crowning moment was when Gregg ended up walking Morales.
Then, it was Casilla’s turn. Every time I see Alexi, he always found a way to make me cheer like no one else in the park. OK, I lied – there were others that were crazier than I on this cold afternoon. All Casilla needed to do was to repeat his fifth inning at-bat.
So he did. And, we lived happier ever after.
As I close my live baseball adventures for 2010, I walked away from Target Field with a 4-1 record in its first year of business. My personal Twins’ record against Toronto (with a game inside the Metrodome and another at Rogers Centre) is 2-2.
Lastly, I wanted to thank the season ticket holder who sent his two seats anonymously as a random act of kindness. I won’t name who he is, but thanks to him and your other half for the breath taking seats from the edge of the terrace level above the Metropolitan Club!
The only thing left is the Postseason. And, maybe, a tribute to Bobby Cox.
Game Review: Toronto 13 at Minnesota 2
All Photos by Randy Stern
With the AL Central long been clinched, what can the Twins do in this final home series to build up the team’s readiness for the Postseason?
Going to press, we already know that the Twins will be joined by the Texas Rangers, winners of the AL West, the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays in the Postseason. On the National League side, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Cincinnati Reds are in with the NL West and Wild Card still to be decided. How the match-ups fare will be determined by the end of the weekend.
One thing is certain: the Twins have a lot at stake this weekend. Home field is certain for the ALDS, but in terms of seeding and who will be their next opponent depends upon the outcome of the AL East race.
A lot of fans will tell you, despite equal fears in facing both the Yankees and the Rays, they rather not face the Yanks.
However, there are other concerns here in Twins Territory. Earlier this week, Ron Gardenhire expressed his frustration with the team’s “lack of focus” since the AL Central clincher. Several examples are cited – such as the ball that ended up smacking Gardy’s ear in Detroit. Mainly, it comes down to bats and fielding not supporting good pitching efforts from Brain Duensing and Scott Baker. If that’s not enough, several Twins’ were in pain – Joe Mauer and Jim Thome amongst the walking wounded. The results aren’t pretty: A sweep by Detroit on the road, then the shocking loss on Monday in Kansas City due to shoddy pitching by Kevin Slowey and Jeff Manship.
If Gardy said “the party’s over,” it is!
Well, I thought it was after the Twins comeback win in Kansas City before arriving home for the final four games of the regular season against Toronto.
As I mentioned last week, this is one of two games I’ll be attending to wrap up the regular season. This one was planned – three seats in the upper deck overlooking the field. I was joined by my close friends Scott and Michael – though we had to come from separate locations as they had other things going on prior to the game. This is also my first test of working mid-week in downtown Minneapolis and going to the game at Target Field.
I’ll say this again: I prefer weekend games.
Regardless, the game was a mess. The Twins were simply slaughtered by the Blue Jays. Edwin Encarnacion slammed two early – including one into that blasted overhang in right field. Then, Jose Bautista slammed two of his own – now at 54 for the season. One went high up in left field.
Were there any highlights on the Twins’ side? There were – but they were overshadowed by the Jays’ domination of Thursday evening.
Scott and Michael had to leave early – due to work and travel schedules on Friday. I ended up leaving early. Not because I had to work the next morning – I was simply sickened of what I saw. On my way out, the usher at the gate I left out of gave a proper excuse after apologizing for the loss on behalf of the Twins’ organization: “We’re on a bit of a vacation.”
I’ll stick with Gardy’s response: “The party’s over!”
Saturday will be my fifth and final home game at Target Field. Let’s hope for a win to make me forget about this loss.
Prologue to a Mid-Week Game
Photo by Randy Stern
Having a ballpark within walking distance of the office is a charming thing indeed. In some cities, you have to either drive or take the subway (light rail, “L”, bus – you name it!) for a bit to get there. In Minneapolis, I take a bus from the house to the doorstep of work, and then traverse the skyway system until I get to Target Field.
I’m not alone. Every time the Twins are in town, downtown Minneapolis is invaded with fans ready for an evening amid the Kasota Stone. At work, I noticed others ready for the game in their Joe Mauer t-shirts or Justin Morneau jerseys – hopelessly in violation of some office dress code.
In some companies, you can wear your Twins t-shirt or jersey if permitted. In my position, I am not permitted. Then again, I’m the one who stays within the lines.
Instead, I packed my Twins jersey, an undershirt, a pair of jeans, my newer running shoes, the Twins’ cap and three seasons of Homer Hankies into an REI bag. I also brought my camera bag as well. Can’t go to a game without it! The plan is to change at the end of my workday from my work clothes to my Twins’ gear. Restrooms are the only place to do it – sad, but true. But, sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do…
It was strange getting on the bus with this bag. I’m certain they’re used to it. I’ve seen potluck goodies carted for the 20-30 minute ride into downtown. I’ve also seen luggage being carted in the morning – along with screaming kids, strollers and God knows what else. Still, it was mellow commute with the bag full of clothes and goodies for tonight’s game.
Normally, I do not attend mid-week games. I try to get tickets for weekend games before even looking at anything else on the calendar. The main reason was the scenario I discussed above – the inconvience factor in lugging additional stuff on public transport and finding way to secure anything needed to be left at the office. Not to mention coordinating others in my party as to their work schedules or other plans they may have the following day – as in the case of my companions this evening.
Next year, there is an exception – the Twins and Los Angeles Dodgers meet in a mid-week series. Probably have to schedule time-off for that…
Still, I am excited to attend my fourth game at Target Field this season with the Toronto Blue Jays in town. It’s been too long between games – the last being the end of July. Taking a tour of the ballpark certainly cemented my appreciation for what was achieved in the Warehouse District/North Loop. Being back in the seats watching the game I love – with two of my closest friends – is a good thing, indeed.
Then, there’s the matter of Saturday. As I said earlier (or, maybe I didn’t), there is a story behind getting these tickets. I’ll hold off on telling it until sometime after the game.
Here we go – the final weekend of the season is upon us! I cannot wait until I get out of this business casual costume!
Going Deep(er) – Touring Behind the Scenes of Target Field
All photos by Randy Stern
The stupor of the AL Central Championship is still waning off around The Cities. There’s the matter of the next ten games ahead in order to sort out the Postseason roster. Still, the buzz is still high on the Twins here and elsewhere. Not to mention, it’s Homer Hanky time.
I took the opportunity to take a day off from work (and practically everything else) and do a guided tour of Target Field. I purchased my ticket in advance (as I suggested earlier on this blog) and planned on everything being on time.
For one, I never took a tour of any ballpark before. There were opportunities, but I never fulfilled that chance. In this ballpark, I’ve already taken plenty of construction, pre-opening and Opening day photos. I did attend the free Open House event with almost unfettered access to the place. Then, there were three games I attended – all Twins’ victories.
So, why do I need a tour of the place?
There are still some places I have never been to. Not just at Target Field, but at any ballpark. This is my chance to finally see things I’ve always seen on television – a fulfillment of an honest baseball fan.
Instead of describing everything I saw – especially places I have yet to see at Target Field, I better show you…
When you get into the Season Ticket, Suite and private areas of the ballpark, fans are treated a lot of art dedicated to the history of the Twins. This way, the stadium becomes a living museum.
I’ve never visited a bullpen before. Then again, isn’t this the current trend on Major League bullpen design? I like it…
Due to MLBPA rules, we were unable to visit the Twins’ clubhouse. There are personal items players leave behind and security is utmost at Target Field. Instead, we get the visitor’s clubhouse – which is the first time I’ve been in a clubhouse, period!
The dugouts, too! I’m talking a real deep tour of the ballpark! Including the most exclusive location in the ballpark – The Champions Club, located behind home plate on the field level. So exclusive that the club’s lighting hindered my photos inside this lounge. Oh, and you get to see the two World Series trophies inside the Champions Club.
…and you may never know who you might run into on the tour!
The tour does not culminate my time with this ballpark. For the final home series of the regular season, I am attending two of the four games against the Toronto Blue Jays. On Thursday, I am bringing my close friends Scott and Michael to experience some pretty good seats. However, on Saturday…and there’s a story behind these tickets…I’m looking for another person to come with. It looks like I’m way out above the right field foul pole in the upper deck. If you’re interested in sitting in the extra seat – let me know!
Oh, and BTW, who wants a Homer Hanky?
Random Acts of Wha’?
With three more weeks left in the regular season, there are a few things worth catching up on – or, at least I should’ve said something when it happened…
Eh, here’s to randomness on this blog!
NYJER MORGAN: In case you’ve under a rock or have been handwashing your Brett Favre jersey daily, let me introduce to you the hottest head in baseball. The Washington Nationals’ outfielder was last seen on the highlight queue in a fracas with the Florida Marlins’ Chris Volstad at Sun Life Stadium over a pitch thrown behind Morgan’s back. Today, Morgan is appealing his suspension over the altercation. What’s working against were a couple of other incidents involving Morgan. The night before, he ran into Marlins’ catcher Brett Hayes on a play at home. Hayes left the game with an injury to his shoulder as a result of the collision. Then, in Philadelphia a week or ago before the big brawl, Morgan threw a ball at a fan. Why is he a hot head? Look at the highlight from September 1 and tell me that his post-brawl reaction wasn’t a telling sign of his boorishness. You don’t just act like some hardcore hip-hop star from the 1990s after you induced a bench-clearing brawl! We have already seen some really crappy behavior from the likes of Milton Bradley, Carlos Zambrano, Manny Ramirez, Francisco Rodriguez, and Brandon Phillips – among many others this season. Morgan? I think we had enough.
SPEAKING OF K-ROD: When is it OK to have an altercation in the Family Room outside of a team’s clubhouse? Don’t answer that Francisco – I’ll do that for you. No. Next?
SIMPLE MINNESOTA LOGIC: The equation is simple: Brett Favre skipped training camp and it showed last night in the Vikings’ loss inside the Superdome. Meanwhile, the Twins’ are six games up on the Chicago White Sox going into this weekend’s tilt in Cleveland. Did you know that there are fans in the Twin Cities that have forgotten that the Twins own the third best record in the Majors? Just because we love our favorite Redneck-sans-mullet Jared Allen so much, we forget that Joe Mauer is batting .325 in fourth place amongst his peers. Francisco Liriano has struck out 182 batters so far this season – a tremendous comeback by a once-protégé of Johan Santana. Carl Pavano has 16 wins, Matt Capps has a total of 37 total saves, including the 26 he had with the Nats, and Delmon Young has 97 RBIs. And, as icing on the cake, I keep reading that Justin Morneau may return from his concussion by the end of the regular season. What do you have to say to that my purple-clad, horned-helmet fans?
Sorry, Brett, your pants are on the ground. You may want to pick them up before you trip over them…
A MINORS’ UPDATE: I believed I predicted correctly that the Florida State League finals would be a rematch between the Tampa Yankees and the (Port) Charlotte Stone Crabs. That should be another good one as it was last year. Kyle Drabek did not live up to his billing in the Eastern League’s North playoffs between New Hampshire and Trenton. The home Thunder simply stole – you know – from Doug’s son. The next evening at New Jersey’s state capitol, the Fisher Cats had to contend with a rehabbing Andy Pettitte on the mound. Needless to say, the Yank was comfortable in his own skin that night (rimshot). This series heads to Manchester this weekend. And, how about the Tacoma Rainiers! In the PCL Pacific playoffs, the Mariners’ Triple-A club embarrassed their hosts, the Sacramento River Cats in their first two games against them. The series switches to Cheney Stadium for a possible end to the River Cats’ season. Looks like the old ballpark in West Tacoma will not be closing shop for a while.
LAST, BUT NOT LEAST: Did you know that the second hottest ticket in the Twin Cities, next to attending Twins games at Target Field, are tours of Target Field? Normally, tours of ballparks are usually sold the day of the tour – unless you have a group together. Some are sold in advanced, and I’m certain there are ballparks where tours fill quickly more than others. Today, I figured I’d get in a tour tomorrow morning. Nope. Both tours scheduled for tomorrow are sold out. My next potential date for a tour is in two weeks. Since I have the day off to prepare for a flashmob as part of my residency with a local choral music organization, I might as well get a tour in so I can see some things that I missed during the Open House back in March.
Just a note: If anyone is visiting the Twin Cities and the team is not playing – get in a tour. But, get your tickets in advance!
Game Review: Minnesota 4 vs. Seattle 0
All Photos by Randy Stern
I needed some serious cheering up. This ballgame did it for me.
There’s no explanation needed except I had a tough week – despite my posts earlier this week. Today began on a good footing, though, as exhibited by my last post on Matt Capps. It ended with a Minnesota Twins shutout victory over the Seattle Mariners.
Honestly, I didn’t plan on going to this game. However, a friend who attends the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks announced that he had a quandary. Without going into detail, the result was I ended up with his two seats as he had an early flight out of Grand Forks connecting onward to Raleigh-Durham. Then, I had my own quandary – my closest friends, Scott and Michael, just moved back to Minneapolis this month. We originally planned on going later in September, but I figured: Housewarming Gift!
Yet, in the end, Michael decided that Scott and I should go. And we did. So, here we are – an University of Iowa alumnus and a grad student at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota – among what appeared to be a few thousand green-clad University of North Dakota denizens. They were friendly folk, these Fighting Sioux.
There was a game however. Scott and I strolled in to miss the entire first inning – a first for me in eons. We did miss the three-run first by the Twins, but that was OK – this was Scott’s first trip inside Target Field.
I was impressed with Kevin Slowey – pitching eight full innings throwing just over 100 pitches. Delmon Young made some serious contributions in the field and at bat. Joe Mauer’s double down the line in the bottom of the eighth was quite impressive, which enabled him to score the final run of the game.
My only issue was some of the outfield play, thanks to a persistent sun over the third base stands. That created a few miscues by Denard Span in communication on some fly balls. One, as Scott remarked, was the shallowest double we’ve ever seen.
Jose Mijares was not bad as the closer for this evening. Not bad, being a relative term to what I’ve seen from Twins’ relief in my last game I attended a couple weeks back.
Still, the shutout was earned and the Twins go 2-0 on the Mariners for tomorrow’s finale. As for me – I’m 3-0 in the new ballpark!
Randy Stern
Recent Comments