Nathan got his moment of Twins HOF glory back in 2019. Now forever part of Canadian baseball history. 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.. "Camaraderie with teammates, leaving Spring Training with a goal of winning the World Series, all that stuff, it's hard to replicate," Morneau said. By now, the stories have become part of Canadian folklore. " Obviously, I went from the best job in the world to the second-best job in the world. (approx 1 - 2 per week). Hes earned it the hard way, The Toronto Star and thestar.com, each property of Toronto Star This, for me, is a great thing in my career and in my life, Pineda said. "You just dream for one day in the big leagues. Former Twins first baseman Justin Morneau has been elected to the club's Hall of Fame. While one of those players, Joe Mauer, got his due when his number was retired last summer, it will be Justin Morneau 's time to celebrate when he is inducted into the Twins Hall of Fame on May . An overwhelming win from Royce Lewis takes us to the Twins 3rd prospect. Select additional sports and leagues youre interested in from the list below. The left-handed hitting Canuck began his minor league career as a catcher but was converted into a first baseman in 2000 in Rookie ball. Items will NOT be supplied from the Twins for autographs. Star Newspapers Limited and/or its licensors. As for Morneau himself, he didn't have too far to go to join all those former teammates. There were mixed reviews of him from the start, in my opinion, but I think many people are now quite fond of his analysis. It all started with Morneau being selected to the Twins Hall of Fame. That was about as good as it gets for a mid-market franchise. So, when Justin was in his early teens, he found himself in the Twin Cities for a hockey tournament, sitting in left field at the Metrodome, watching one of those struggling Minnesota teams of the mid-1990s, without a hint of the idea that in a half-decade, he'd be drafted by that very team. Morneau will be the 34th member of the Twins Hall of Fame when he is inducted during an on-field pre-game ceremony at Target Field before the Twins host the Chicago White Sox on May 23. 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. Hopefully well laugh and well cry and well do a little bit of everything. Vlad Sr. finished his career 2 for 3 against Pineda. "It's because of the people and the fans and the friends and the community and everything else. Morneaus childhood field was named after Walker. Odds & lines subject to change. 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. He suited up for part of one more season with the Rockies before playing his final big league campaign with the Chicago White Sox in 2016. account that can be used to sign in here. "They said that I invited more former players and the longest guest list they've ever had for this thing," Morneau remarked. At 4:15 p.m. there will be a plaque unveiling on Target Plaza. He played parts of 11 seasons with the. All Morneau will have plenty of friends and family in attendance when he becomes the 34th person ever to be inducted into the Twins Hall of Fame. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). We all have so much respect for each other. The 40-year-old spent 14 years in the majors. And fast-forward another 25 years, he'd be joining the team's Hall of Fame. #MNTwins Hall of Fame: pic.twitter.com/hXl885Bc9d. 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. The New Westminster, B.C., native has also been very active in charitable endeavors. 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. At the time, he still thought he was going to be a hockey player. Rookie Trevor Larnach has picked Morneau's brain about how to succeed in the majors. Following that season, Morneau signed with the Colorado Rockies and proceeded to bat .319 and win the National League batting title to become just the second Canadian (along with Walker) to accomplish that feat. Great hitter, power hitter," Sano said, recalling how he watched Morneau win the 2008 Home Run Derby. She joined the paper in December 2018 after spending nearly three years in Las Vegas covering sports for the Las Vegas Review-Journal. That's something that I never really thought would come along, and it did.". He was named to four American League All-Star teams, won two Silver Slugger Awards and won the AL MVP Award in 2006. 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. 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. The only exceptions were 2014,. pic.twitter.com/RV8u9LBMWI, Congratulations to the 34th member of the Twins Hall of Fame Justin Morneau! Its a special group.". The breakfast will include a program honoring Csar Tovar, Ron Gardenhire, and Dan Gladden. When submitting content, please abide by our . Lots of numbers retired up on the wall. And he jas attacked this new career with the same hard-working mentality and study he employed as a player. I get to talk about baseball now. 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 . Two guys from B.C., who both dreamt of playing in the NHL, permanently enshrined by their organizations on the same day. Minus Torii and Cuddy. After all, hed grown up a Blue Jays fan. Customize your Sportsnet lineup for the latest news from your favourite leagues and teams. Morneau was my second-favorite Twin all time. Contact: Mackenzie Bongard, [emailprotected]. {* backButton *} FACING VLADDY. September 24, 2021 - 10:04 PM. MINNEAPOLIS -- Growing up on the western coast of Canada, Justin Morneau was, of course, coaxed towards the national winter sport of hockey. To be honest, Im pretty impressed with how he does, Nathan said. Current first baseman Miguel Sano recalls many moments with Morneau in Fort Myers, Fla., for spring training since Sano signed with the Twins in 2009. Morneau would spend the next decade with the Twins and evolve into one of the American Leagues most feared sluggers. 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 I know I will.. I guess a lot more people are bored than I thought, Morneau said. Between 2003 and 2013, he was a four-time all-star (2007 to 2010), won two Silver Slugger awards (2006, 2008), had four 100-RBI seasons including tying Larry Walkers single-season Canadian record with 130 RBIs in 2006 and in that same season, he became the first and still only Canadian to be named American League MVP. One (1) autograph per inductee per attendee. He ranks third in hits (1,603), fourth in home runs (247) and seventh in RBIs (985) with a lifetime .281 batting average and .348 on-base percentage. He was a four-time MLB All-Star with the Twins and we cannot forget his MVP year in 2006, his first year wearing #33. Live On-Air Republication or distribution of this content is By He let his bat do the talking, former Twin Joe Nathan said. 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. The first 10,000 fans to enter Saturday's game will receive a Morneau bobblehead. Not exactly a baseball hotbed, Morneau said of his hometown during the speech. He loved both hockey and baseball, but he even skipped a year of baseball when he was 8 years old. 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. Justin Morneau, who won American League MVP with the team in 2006, will be inducted at a ceremony before Saturday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. I imagine it will start around 5:45 p.m. Dick Bremer will be emcee, Joe Mauer will introduce Morneau. 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.. I never would have imagined playing for the Minnesota Twins, Morneau recalled. He followed a similar career trajectory, initially preferring to play hockey before reaching high school and deciding that baseball was the safer bet. But he attended a Twins game regardless, taking it all in from left field in the Metrodome. Its a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share a moment like this in a stadium full of people with so many people that helped you get there., One chance to say thank you to the people who helped. Twins Hall of Fame Breakfast presented by Coordinated Business Systems is happening on Saturday, August 20! 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. On the crying or not crying poll, I say he will cry. Justin Morneau is the lone 2020 inductee for the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame. "But once that's gone, I think what I'm left with is relationships and those guys. Walker might have helped with inspiration, but hes not the reason Morneau turned into such a success. He was the guy who pretty much kept his mouth shut and just let his bat do the talking, Nathan said. In all, Morneau played in parts of 14 big league seasons and he ranks in the top five among Canadian major leaguers in many all-time offensive statistical categories, including third in RBIs (985), third in hits (1,603), doubles (349) and total bases (2,739) and fourth in home runs (247). "Not good enough," Morneau said. Justin Morneau Twins Hall of Fame Induction (Saturday, Sept. 25; presented by Sheboygan Sausage Company). Justin Morneau ready for Twins Hall of Fame induction Sunlight falls on former Minnesota Twins' Justin Morneau as he arrives at Target Field to announce his retirement as a Twins player. Justin Morneau played 14 seasons in the major leagues, including 11 with the Twins from 2003-13. His mother, who had only been in town once in the last year and a half, will also be on hand. Longtime Twins managers Tom Kelly and Ron Gardenhire were instrumental in turning Morneau from the raw catching prospect Minnesota drafted into the defensively sound first baseman who won two Silver Sluggers and a batting title. 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. Born in New Westminster, B.C., in 1981, Justin Morneau honed his skills with the North Delta Blue Jays of the B.C. 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. 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. But Morneau is looking forward to celebrating everyone who helped him to this point, especially the ones most fans don't know. Obviously, I went from the best job in the world to the second-best job in the world.". Throughout his career, Morneau also consistently answered the call for the Canadian national team. Saturday, Morneau will be. Sorry we could not verify that email address. Justin Morneau is the newest member of the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame, as he was inducted before Saturday night's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Speaking before Fridays game behind home plate at Target Field, Morneau expressed gratitude for the opportunities earned and relationships developed over the course of the two-plus decades hes been linked to the Twins franchise. "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. 1 spot, lacrosse is the No. ", Justin Morneau is in good company. Enter your email address to get a new one. Send this article to anyone, no subscription is necessary to view it, Anyone can read, no subscription required, See "I think it was the right move. Hope to see you at the game! In fact, Morneau began his stint with the Twins a year after they made it to the ALCS against the Angels. It's almost surreal.". Sep. 25Justin Morneau came to Minnesota as a teenager 14 or 15 for a hockey tournament. One of the more pointed tributes came when Morneau shouted out Hall of Famer Ferguson Jenkins for paving the way for all Canadians. The Twins will be placing him on the family medical/bereavement list, which he must stay on for a minimum of three days. "Great first baseman when he played. As a member of the Twins, he was named to four-straight AL All-Star teams (2007-10) and earned two Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Awards (2006 & 08). He's a person who taught me how to play first base, and we've been having a good relationship. He was elected to the hall in January 2020, but his planned induction was delayed by COVID-19. "There's so many people that have your best interest," Morneau said. He figured no more than half would choose to show up. Thats saying a lot from a guy who would pitch in front of thousands on the regular. An error has occurred while trying to update your details. He hit 221 home runs throughout his 1,278 games for the Twins. , Star Tribune Its a pretty special group, he said. 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. Of course he did. It's almost surreal. It was a close group. Premier Baseball League and the Canadian Junior National Team before being selected by the Minnesota Twins in the third round of the 1999 MLB draft. Pregame, on television, begins around 5:30. He loved both hockey and baseball, but he even skipped a year of baseball when he was 8 years old. 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. To think that I would be joining these distinguished members that had such a lasting impact on baseball in Canada is truly humbling. After Saturdays ceremony in Denver, itll never be used again. 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. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. He also spent time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Colorado Rockies and Chicago White Sox. The ceremony will be held ahead of Saturday nights game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Target Field after COVID-19 postponed it for more than a year. "This is a franchise with a long, proud history and great players. Sign up to receive our daily Morning Lineup to stay in the know about the latest trending topics around Major League Baseball. Morneau will be inducted during a pre-game ceremony at . Toronto Star articles, please go to: www.TorontoStarReprints.com, Conversations are opinions of our readers and are subject to the, Why Blue Jay Alek Manoah deserves some love in AL rookie of the year discussion, Josh Donaldson picks his MVP, plus the Rays Kevin Cash and Chris Robinson, The Blue Jays third-base job is Santiago Espinals to lose. He's still a part of the Twins organization, serving as a special assistant to baseball operations and an analyst on Bally Sports North for some games. It hasnt been worn again since. ** First pitch is set for 6:40 p.m. on Thursday, September 23; 7:10 p.m. on Friday, September 24; 6:10 p.m. on Saturday, September 25 and 1:10 p.m. on Sunday, September 26. For that, the former junior national team member had a long list of names to go through. His name was added to Baseball Canadas Wall of Excellence in 2010. He thanked Baseball Canada for the opportunities while growing up and said it was an honour every time he represented the country on the national stage, something he did at the World Cup and four World Baseball Classics. Marys, ON N4X 1C2519-284-1838baseball@baseballhalloffame.ca, Registered Charitable Organization 106843477RR0001. Confirming what we already knew, that he made a lot Canadians proud, himself included. ","type":"markdown"},{"__typename":"ExternalEmbed","data":{"__typename":"ExternalEmbedContent","html":", "To the fans: You supported me and you embraced me. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Colorado Rockies, and Chicago White Sox. I've tried to find new challenges, tried to find new things. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. You can change your selection at any time. And I think that guy is an unbelievable person, player, everything.". It also features a special Q&A session with Ron Gardenhire, Dan Gladden, and other members of the Twins Hall of Fame. As 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. Guests must supply their own item to be autographed. Now Morneau has cemented his legacy with the Twins, alongside the likes of Kirby Puckett, Rod Carew and Harmon Killebrew. Minnesota Twins News / Twinkie. You never dream for a moment like this, Morneau told the assembled media. He went on to become the 2006 American League MVP, a two-time silver slugger winner, the 2014 National League batting champion and winner of the 2008 home run derby, something no Canada had ever done before, and no one has since. 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. Twenty-five years later, Morneau is about to enter the franchise's Hall of Fame after a 14-year big-league career that included 11 seasons with the Twins.