Joe Mauer Says Tearful Goodbye During Retirement News Conference
Thanks for the memories #7.
I've been a die-hard Twins fan my whole life. I just love to read anything and everything I can about this team, and you'll always hear the same things said about Joe Mauer:
- He was quiet.
- He's a class act
- And he always goes about his business "the right way."
But the one thing that always helped me cheer him on even more, is that he was "one of us". He was born and raised in Minnesota, and grew up playing for the same franchise he cheered for a kid. That's pretty damn cool if you think about it.
Joe Mauer, who spent his entire major league career with the Minnesota Twins, announced his retirement back on Friday. Today, he got to say thank you in person at a news conference at Target Field in front of the same media who covered his illustrious career growing up:
Did I mention he's a class act?
Joe was the first overall pick in the 2001 draft out of Cretin-Derham Hall High School. In his 15 major league seasons, Mauer has appeared in six All-Star Games, won three Gold Gloves, three batting titles and racked up 2,123 career hits, all with his hometown Twins. Oh yeah, he also won the 2009 American League MVP.
What's crazy, is he had a scholarship waiting for him to play quarterback at Florida State so there was a chance he never would have suited up for our team. It's true, look it up!
Behind Kirby Puckett, Joe will always be one of my favorite Minnesota Twins. But unlike Kirby, I got to enjoy much of my adult life seeing Joe play, especially in person too, and for that I'm thankful because we won't see another player like him come around anytime soon.
Enjoy retirement, Joe. No doubt your number will be enshrined with all the other Twins greats soon!