I imagine it will start around 5:45 p.m. Dick Bremer will be emcee, Joe Mauer will introduce Morneau. His mother, who had only been in town once in the last year and a half, will also be on hand. So, which Vlad is harder to face? Nathan got his moment of Twins HOF glory back in 2019. "I mean, you think of the teams we put on the field," Morneau said. 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. The first 10,000 fans to enter Saturday's game will receive a Morneau bobblehead. {* backButton *} The man who ran the local batting cage and let Morneau hit for free so he could get enough reps. "You never dreamed for a moment like this," Morneau said Friday. 33 was deemed off-limits. 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. By now, the stories have become part of Canadian folklore. I guess a lot more people are more bored than that.". Morneau now 40 and living on a farm in Medina with wife. At the time, he still thought he was going to be a hockey player. 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. Thats saying a lot from a guy who would pitch in front of thousands on the regular. All rights reserved.Privacy PolicyAd ChoicesTerms of Service. He could never have imagined then that he would one day play for the Twins, much less that he would one day be inducted into the teams hall of fame. 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. And hes looking forward to sharing it all with friends, former teammates and mentors from throughout his life and playing career. I think we all have so much respect for each other. 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 She joined the paper in December 2018 after spending nearly three years in Las Vegas covering sports for the Las Vegas Review-Journal. On the crying or not crying poll, I say he will cry. He was elected to the hall in January 2020, but his planned induction was delayed by COVID-19. That's something that I never really thought would come along, and it did.". The Twins were really, really good for a long time, and he was a big, big part of it.". "It was hard for me to do that when I first came up, because I only thought of myself as a baseball player and not as a role model, not as someone who wanted to be in the spotlight," Morneau said. to colleagues, clients or customers, or inquire about 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. 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). Justin Morneau - Twins Hall of Famer Justin Morneau played 14 seasons in the major leagues, including 11 with the Twins from 2003-13. Confirming what we already knew, that he made a lot Canadians proud, himself included. *Sixteen current Twins Hall of Famers and dozens of former Twins will be at Saturdays game in honor of Justin. Morneau enters the Twins Hall of Fame on Saturday after a career that was highlighted by winning the 2006 American League Most Valuable Player Award. "I figured about half the people would say yes and show up. To see your localized preferences, please enable geolocation services in your browser settings. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. He stayed at the University of Minnesota and, with his time off, he attended a Twins game at the Metrodome, sitting in left field. 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. And then when they see you make it, even if they never make it to the Major Leagues, they take pride in it, too. 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. Minus Torii and Cuddy. FACING VLADDY. / CBS Minnesota. An overwhelming win from Royce Lewis takes us to the Twins 3rd prospect. In an essay for TSN prior to Walker's induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Morneau relayed the story of coming up through the minors and one day getting to his locker to find a present from . But now, I can't see myself anywhere else.". Anyone can read Conversations, but to contribute, you should be a registered Torstar account holder. To be honest, Im pretty impressed with how he does, Nathan said. " Every year, it seemed like, for a long run of time, six divisions and championships in nine years. All net proceeds from this event will benefit the Twins Community Fund. Customize your lineup with your favourite leagues and teams. Former Toronto Blue Jays first baseman John Olerud and 2006 AL MVP Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins headline the four-man class that will be inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame . MINNEAPOLIS -- The first time Justin Morneau saw the Minnesota Twins, he still thought he was going to play hockey. Odds & lines subject to change. That was about as good as it gets for a mid-market franchise. "To be in a Hall of Fame that includes Rod Carew and Bert Blyleven, Harmon Killebrew, Kirby Puckett -- if you go down the list of the greatest Twins in history, to be amongst them is a very special, humbling honor.". Morneau might still long for his playing days, the adrenaline and camaraderie that came with it. Morneau on Saturday will be inducted into the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame David Berding / USA TODAY Sports Justin Morneau came to Minnesota as a teenager 14 or 15 for a hockey tournament. On that day, Justin Morneau will be inducted as the 34th member of the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame in a pre-game ceremony.It was just a matter of time, really, as Morneau had an impressive career . I went from the best job in the world to the second-best job in the world, he said. First 10,000 fans will get a Justin Morneau bobblehead. Morneau is the 34th player to enter the Twins Hall of Fame. Its a pretty special group, he said. So many people that helped you get there.". 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. What to know for Saturday; Justin Morneau Twins HOF induction The mission of the Twins Community Fund is to enrich local and regional communities by providing resources for the healthy development of children and families through an association with baseball, softball, and the Minnesota Twins. The playing career would obviously have been sweeter with a championship, but to be fair, Morneau was part of the last Twins team to win a playoff game -- all the way back in 2004 -- and he noted that he just felt lucky to play alongside a Cy Young Award winner, Silver Slugger Award winners, Gold Glovers and All-Stars as he carved out his own piece of club history and represented an area that he still calls home. rights reserved. Justin Morneau joins Twins Hall of Fame after a career beyond his dreams Could he have made a career out of that? His 11-year career with the Twins encompassed 221 home runs, 860 RBIs and 289 doubles among 1,318 hits. One (1) autograph per inductee per attendee. Tickets for all four Twins-Blue Jays games September 23-26 are available and can be purchased at twinsbaseball.com**, by using the MLB Ballpark app, by calling 612-33-TWINS or 800-33-TWINS, or in-person at the Target Field Ticket Office. We invite you to a special breakfast celebrating the induction of Ron Gardenhire, Dan Gladden, and Csar Tovar into the Twins Hall of Fame. "But once that's gone, I think what I'm left with is relationships and those guys. Sign up to receive our daily Morning Lineup to stay in the know about the latest trending topics around Major League Baseball. "I think it was the right move. Twins Hall of Fame Breakfast presented by Coordinated Business Systems is happening on Saturday, August 20! Hall of Fame Breakfast | Twins Community Fund | Minnesota Twins - MLB.com ** 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. Lots of numbers retired up on the wall, lots of National Baseball Hall of Famers," Morneau said. Fittingly, just as the ceremony was about to wrap up, Walker appeared on the video board with a message referencing the bat he gave Morneau. Morneau has also supported the United Heroes League, an organization that provides sports equipment and registration fees for children in military families. The Twins drafted Morneau in 1999. In fact, Morneau began his stint with the Twins a year after they made it to the ALCS against the Angels. The only exceptions were 2014,. Morneaus childhood field was named after Walker. His name was added to Baseball Canadas Wall of Excellence in 2010. What to know for Saturday; Justin Morneau Twins HOF induction. 2 sport, and all my friends who played lacrosse made fun of me for playing baseball. Justin Morneau Twins Hall of Fame - MLB.com password. Live On-Air While early playoff exits have too often been the norm in Minnesota, Morneau played with some talented teammates -- many of whom will be there Saturday to celebrate his induction. It brings out nerves and an uncomfortable feeling that you have never felt for sure, Joe Nathan said about the speech he had to give, and Justin will give Saturday. Vlad Sr. finished his career 2 for 3 against Pineda. Now forever part of Canadian baseball history. Over the course of his career, Morneau was also named the winner of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fames Tip ONeill Award, as top Canadian player, three times (2006, 2008, 2014). A 2010 concussion and other subsequent injuries derailed his career a bit, but he went on to play for Pittsburgh, Colorado and the White Sox before retiring in 2016. account that can be used to sign in here. In fact, the Twins success drafting and developing players allowed them to surround Morneau with plenty of other all-stars, overcome their small-market status and contend year-in and year-out. "This is a franchise with a long, proud history and great players. But in some ways, he does still show up on the field. It's almost surreal. If you do not yet have a Torstar account, you can create one now (it is free), Copyright owned or licensed by Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. Justin Morneau: one of the best to ever wear the Minnesota Twins I enjoy the moment.. There are a few memories that stood out for Justin Morneau during the portions of two seasons he played for the . Justin Morneau is the lone 2020 inductee for the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame. Justin Morneau to be inducted into Twins Hall of Fame I guess a lot more people are bored than I thought, Morneau said. When I heard the news that I would be enshrined in the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame I was honoured, said Morneau. In the corresponding move, the Twins plan to activate John Gant (abdominal strain) from the injured list on Saturday. And fast-forward another 25 years, he'd be joining the team's Hall of Fame. You can change your selections at any time. He was a dominant lefty who you couldnt not like. But here he is, at age 40, about to experience just that. To order The Twins elected Morneau to the Hall of Fame in January 2020 but postponed his May induction that year because of COVID-19. Morneau ranks second in Twins history in games played at first base (1,124) and ranks third in home runs, sixth in RBIs and eighth in hits and walks. Fan Appreciation Weekend presented by Caribou Coffee (Thursday-Friday, Sept. 23-24) and, Kids Appreciation Day presented by Target (Sunday, Sept. 26). "High school coaches are here, and the guy who owned the batting cage I used to go to, let me hit for free," Morneau said, adding the Twins told him his guest list was the longest they'd ever had. MINNEAPOLISLarry Walker helped inspire an entire generation of baseball players from Canada, so it seems fitting that on the same day his number was retired by the Colorado Rockies one of the guys who grew up idolizing him was having a ceremony of his own. Back then, the Canadian's dream was to play in the NHL. I dont know how he held it together, but he was really good, Morneau said of Walkers speech. Former Twins Justin Morneau, Joe Nathan among those on Hall of Fame ballot According to Stubhub tickets start at $6. Though Ive never really been a fan of team HOFs, I will say this pick is well-deserved. Baldelli said its possible Kepler might not start on Saturday, either, as the Twins give him time to recuperate. 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. "Great first baseman when he played. Over parts of five minor league campaigns, he developed into a top prospect, earning invitations to two MLB Futures Games (2002, 2004) before he was called up to make his major league debut with the Twins on June 10, 2003. For most pitchers, Pineda included, both are a challenge. Do you have questions about the Hall of Fame Breakfast? Newspapers Limited, 8 Spadina Avenue, 10th Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 0S8. Former Twins first baseman Justin Morneau has been elected to the club's Hall of Fame. The 40-year-olds name can be found near the top of almost every major stat involving Canadians. ", Justin Morneau is in good company. 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. He was elected to the hall in January 2020, but his planned induction was delayed by COVID-19. His impact on the Twins organization and Twins Territory in general is significant.". Hes excited for his five kids, especially the younger ones who dont remember his playing days, to have a chance to see him on the field again. Twins starting pitcher Michael Pineda is one of just 32 pitchers who can boast that they faced both Vladimir Guerrero and his son, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Its a fact that says more about a pitchers longevity than anything. The New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada native was drafted by the Twins in the third round of the 1999 First-Year Player Draft and ranks second on the Twins all-time list in games played at first base (1,124), third in home runs, sixth in RBI, and eighth in hits and walks. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. He hit 221 home runs throughout his 1,278 games for the Twins. The Twins inducted a little-known maple syrup farmer into their team Hall of Fame on Saturday night. Morneau will officially be inducted into the Twins Hall of Fame in an on-field ceremony prior to the Twins' home game against the White Sox on May 23. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Wow should I wear my Doumit shirt? You never dreamed for a moment like this. Its a once in a lifetime opportunity to share a moment like this in a stadium full of people. Full speech: Justin Morneau inducted into Twins Hall of Fame "I wasn't good enough to make the section team, let alone the provincial team or the national team," Morneau said. He also spent time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Colorado Rockies and Chicago White Sox. Morneau will officially be inducted into the Twins Hall of Fame in an on-field ceremony prior to the Twins' home game against the White Sox on May 23. Things we lost in the pandemic (Pt. I've tried to find new challenges, tried to find new things. It all started with Morneau being selected to the Twins Hall of Fame. I get to talk about baseball now. Guerrero retired after the 2011 season and has since been inducted into the Hall of Fame and Guerrero Jr., the Blue Jays star, debuted in 2019 and is an American League Most Valuable Player candidate. Hope to see you at the game!