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. 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. I think we all can predict a long speech from Justin because he is a guy who cant leave anyone out and needs to give credit where credit is due. " It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share a moment like this in a stadium full of people. The man who ran the local batting cage and let Morneau hit for free so he could get enough reps. He was named to four American League All-Star teams, won two Silver Slugger Awards and won the AL MVP Award in 2006. You never dreamed for a moment like this. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Fellow Canadian Corey Koskie, who put out the welcome mat and showed him the way with Minnesota. They said that I invited more former players and the longest guest list theyve ever had for this thing, Morneau said. 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 networks World Series coverage. And then you get to cap it all off in the end with something like this. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. At least it was until Morneau arrived a decade later. 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 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. Could he have made a career out of that? account. September 21, 2021 / 12:30 PM His dad, who threw him countless hours of batting practice growing up. Guests must supply their own item to be autographed. The 40-year-old spent 14 years in the majors. Gambling problem? "They just want to see you succeed. Is that really true? Contact: Mackenzie Bongard, [emailprotected]. One of the more pointed tributes came when Morneau shouted out Hall of Famer Ferguson Jenkins for paving the way for all Canadians. Hockey is the No. Pregame, on television, begins around 5:30. Twins fans have been reunited with Morneau now that he has seemingly been the top analyst filling the shoes of Bert Blyleven. The 40-year-olds name can be found near the top of almost every major stat involving Canadians. 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. 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. I know I will.. Manager Rocco Baldelli said rookie starter Joe Ryan has left the team to fly back to California to deal with a family-related matter. Enter your email below and we'll send you another email. "Camaraderie with teammates, leaving Spring Training with a goal of winning the World Series, all that stuff, it's hard to replicate," Morneau said. That coat drive has collected over 40,000 coats from generous donors. When it started, I probably wouldn't have said that. Its unfortunate that our thing is happening on the same day, but its also pretty cool.. Do you have questions about the Hall of Fame Breakfast? "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. Oh yeah, Justin Morneau played some baseball, too. Morneau, who was inducted officially into the Twins' Hall of Fame in September, was the American League Most Valuable Player in 2006, a four-time All-Star and a two-time Silver Slugger. 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. The breakfast will include a program honoring Csar Tovar, Ron Gardenhire, and Dan Gladden. , Star Tribune 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 . - YouTube Morneau became the 34th member of the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.. And I think that guy is an unbelievable person, player, everything.". "I think this is the ultimate honor for a player," Morneau said. 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. 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. The Twins drafted Morneau. All 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. He loved both hockey and baseball, but he even skipped a year of baseball when he was 8 years old. Next, select your favourite teams and leagues and well show you their latest news and scores in the My Favourites section of the home page. The New Westminster, B.C., native has also been very active in charitable endeavors. But he attended a Twins game regardless, taking it all in from left field in the Metrodome. He has also helped organize fundraisers for juvenile arthritis to raise awareness about a disease his niece, Maddie, is fighting. A four-time all-star in Minnesota, Morneau won the 2006 MVP and helped the Twins reach the playoffs five times during his tenure. Morneau might still long for his playing days, the adrenaline and camaraderie that came with it. Twenty-five years later, Morneau is about to enter the franchises Hall of Fame after a 14-year big-league career that included 11 seasons with the Twins. 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. It was a close group. Of course he did. This copy is for your personal non-commercial use only. "Not good enough," Morneau said. And he proved plenty good enough at that throughout a 14-year Major League career that he earned the honor of becoming the 34th member of the Twins Hall of Fame, as announced by the club on Friday. 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. The last induction to the Twins Hall of Fame was first baseman Justin Morneau who was elected in 2020 and inducted in 2021. I think we all have so much respect for each other. He asked for permission to use it and Walker happily obliged. It was Justin Morneau Day at Target Field on Saturday, as the four-time all-star was inducted into the Minnesota Twins 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 . 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 stayed at the University of Minnesota and, with his time off, he attended a Twins game at the Metrodome . Two guys from B.C., who both dreamt of playing in the NHL, permanently enshrined by their organizations on the same day. I never would have imagined playing for the Minnesota Twins, Morneau recalled. So many people that helped you get there.". He was an American League MVP (2006), a two-time Silver Slugger Award winner (2006 and 2008) and a four-time All-Star (2007-10). The Minnesota Twins organization is proud to celebrate and thank Twins Territory with Fan Appreciation Weekend presented by Caribou Coffee (Thursday and Friday) and Kids Appreciation Day presented by Target (Sunday). 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. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Additionally, 2021 marks Morneaus third season as an analyst for select Twins television broadcasts on Bally Sports North. Morneau spent 11 seasons with the Twins, hitting .278 with 221 home runs in his career with Minnesota, the fourth-most in team history. 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. "You just dream for one day in the big leagues. Newspapers Limited, 8 Spadina Avenue, 10th Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 0S8. Would you like to create an account so you can see these Favourites on your other devices too? 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. A pure hitter in every form, just like Walker was across 17 seasons for the Montreal Expos, Colorado Rockies and St. Louis Cardinals. He did a good job. 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.. Anyone can read Conversations, but to contribute, you should be a registered Torstar account holder. Morneaus guest list for Saturdays ceremony extends well beyond his teammates to his high school coach, the owner of the batting cage he used to hit at for free and, of course, his parents, neither one of whom he has seen in more than a year. At 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. fans can have their picture taken with Ron Gardenhire, Corey Koskie, Ryan Doumit and Nick Punto. Walker might have helped with inspiration, but hes not the reason Morneau turned into such a success. So, which Vlad is harder to face? And then when they see you make it, even if they never make it to the Major Leagues, they take pride in it, too. Morneau was my second-favorite Twin all time. Don't miss out - sign up for our newsletters! AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, (select parishes), MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY, CA-ONT only.Eligibility restrictions apply. One (1) autograph per inductee per attendee. Customize your Sportsnet lineup for the latest news from your favourite leagues and teams. The Canadian was a homegrown talent who was originally selected in the third round of the 1999 MLB Draft before he debuted with the big league club in 2003. When I learned of fellow inductees, John Olerud, Duane Ward and Jacques Doucet, I was at a loss for words. You can change your selections at any time. 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 . In hindsight, it sure is a good thing that he didn't pick hockey. "I figured about half the people would say yes and show up. You start to learn about all of the great players and the World Series, he said. He hit 221 home runs throughout his 1,278 games for the Twins. The Minnesota Twins announced Friday that former first baseman and MVP Justin Morneau will become the 34th member of the Twins Hall of Fame. Throughout his career, Morneau also consistently answered the call for the Canadian national team. 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. Lots of National Baseball Hall of Famers, so to be in a Hall of Fame with Rod Carew, Bert Blyleven, Harmon Killebrew and Kirby Puckett? The sluggers both grew up in British Columbia: Walker in Maple Ridge, Morneau in nearby New Westminster. Teams around the division get their first glimpse of a roadmap to 2023 success. ST. PAUL -- Justin Morneau and Joe Nathan, members of the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame, are among the group of players who will be considered for the National Baseball Hall of Fame for the first . Back then, the Canadian's dream was to play in the NHL. To be honest, I never thought he would be the guy filling in up here. 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. The Twins drafted Morneau in 1999. By checking this box, I agree to the terms of service and privacy policy of Rogers Media. I figured about half the people would say yes and show up. And hes looking forward to sharing it all with friends, former teammates and mentors from throughout his life and playing career. "The Minnesota Twins are thrilled with the election of Justin Morneau to the Twins Hall of Fame," said Twins president Dave St. Peter in a statement. 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). \n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","type":"rich","width":550},"type":"oembed"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Five division championships, an American League Most Valuable Player Award, four consecutive All-Star selections, two Silver Slugger Awards and a Home Run Derby title later as part of a 14-year playing career spanning four teams, Morneau's personal accolades and contributions to one of the most successful eras of Twins baseball were cemented on Saturday with his induction to the club's Hall of Fame in a pregame ceremony before the Twins' matchup against the Blue Jays, the team Morneau supported as a child.\n\n\"This is a franchise with a long, proud history and great players. 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. And when he recently asked his father, the elder Morneau replied that he always thought Justin would end up becoming a hockey player. 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. Enter your email address to get a new one. Justin Morneau came to Minnesota as a teenager 14 or 15 for a hockey tournament. Saturday, Morneau will be. He will start Saturday night against the Blue Jays. 1 spot, lacrosse is the No. He was the guy that lead by example. And, of course, a special place in the ceremony was reserved for Joe Mauer, the other half of the "M&M Boys," who introduced Morneau to begin the hour-long ceremony, which featured a video of Morneau's Twins highlights, a message from the Canadian ambassador to the United States and even a recorded video from fellow Canadian and Hall of Famer Larry Walker. It all started with Morneau being selected to the Twins Hall of Fame. When I heard the news that I would be enshrined in the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame I was honoured, said Morneau. I went from the best job in the world to the second-best job in the world, he said. As for Morneau himself, he didn't have too far to go to join all those former teammates. ","type":"markdown"},{"__typename":"ExternalEmbed","data":{"__typename":"ExternalEmbedContent","html":", "To the fans: You supported me and you embraced me. Vlad Jr. is 2 for 5 against Pineda with a home run, as well as a walk. Morneau now 40 and living on a farm in Medina with wife Krista, their five children and various animals played with the Twins from 2003-13. "I think it was the right move. 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. Republication or distribution of this content is The Twins Hall of Fame was created in 2000. Well give you the latest news when it becomes available, or feel free to add some more selections to your settings. Select additional sports and leagues youre interested in from the list below. Youll hear that a quicker pace will help defenders stay engaged and perform better. Justin Morneau remembered the first time he came to Minnesota at about 15 years old for a hockey tournament at the University of Minnesota. Justin Morneau, who won an American League MVP award for the Twins in 2006 and almost won another two years later, is the newest member of the team's Hall of Fame. "This is a franchise with a long, proud history and great players. Morneau still makes his home in the Twin Cities and remains a visible figure in the organization as a special assistant to baseball operations and a color analyst for the club's television broadcasts on FOX Sports North, a role in which he should take a more prominent position this season. Items will NOT be supplied from the Twins for autographs. 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. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Former Twins pitcher LaTroy Hawkins is on the mic with Dick Bremer while Justin lets it all sink in on his big weekend. 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. 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. 33 was deemed off-limits. As part of his efforts for that cause, he hosted an annual casino night that raised over a $1 million for the arthritis foundation and helped send kids to Camp Cambria, a camp for kids with arthritis. Betsy Helfand covers the Minnesota Twins for the Pioneer Press. Odds & lines subject to change. September 24, 2021 - 10:04 PM. On the crying or not crying poll, I say he will cry. She is originally from the Chicago area and is a graduate of the University of Minnesota. 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. But Morneau is looking forward to celebrating everyone who helped him to this point, especially the ones most fans don't know. Its a special group.". Now, he'll forever be immortalized as part of that franchise's history -- not that his time as a Twin is close to being over. Select as many teams as you like from the leagues below. Use another His impact on the Twins organization and Twins Territory in general is significant.". Its a once in a lifetime opportunity to share a moment like this in a stadium full of people. 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. But mostly he appreciates the caliber of players he shared the field with, including Joe Mauer, Torii Hunter, Johan Santana and Joe Nathan. And fast-forward another 25 years, he'd be joining the team's Hall of Fame. 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And he jas attacked this new career with the same hard-working mentality and study he employed as a player. 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. 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. pic.twitter.com/RV8u9LBMWI, Congratulations to the 34th member of the Twins Hall of Fame Justin Morneau! Twins broadcaster Dick Bremer said Morneau will forever embody that era. What to know for Saturday; Justin Morneau Twins HOF induction. 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). The three will officially be inaugurated during separate on-field pregame ceremonies at Target field on Aug. 20 and 21, when the Twins play the Texas Rangers. Things we lost in the pandemic (Pt. ". At 4:15 p.m. there will be a plaque unveiling on Target Plaza. Hopefully well laugh and well cry and well do a little bit of everything. Send this article to anyone, no subscription is necessary to view it, Anyone can read, no subscription required, See To see your localized preferences, please enable geolocation services in your browser settings. Morneau will be inducted during a pre-game ceremony at . And that's why they're carving out a permanent home for him at Target Field alongside their other legends. There are a few memories that stood out for Justin Morneau during the portions of two seasons he played for the . It also features a special Q&A session with Ron Gardenhire, Dan Gladden, and other members of the Twins Hall of Fame. Justin Morneau came to Minnesota as a teenager 14 or 15 for a hockey tournament. Former Twins first baseman Justin Morneau has been elected to the club's Hall of Fame. Its a pretty special group, he said. Twins Hall of Fame Breakfast presented by Coordinated Business Systems is happening on Saturday, August 20! MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Minnesota Twins fan favorite will be inducted into the team's Hall of Fame this weekend. "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.". Autograph restrictions subject to change. Baldelli said its possible Kepler might not start on Saturday, either, as the Twins give him time to recuperate. And then you get to cap it all off in the end with something like this? Each year in Minneapolis, he spearheads a winter coat drive for the Salvation Army. Morneau will be enjoying the company of his family (five kids,) friends, coaches and mentors Saturday, along with all of Twins territory. There isnt enough recent news in your lineup. Little did he know that just seven or so years later, he'd be on the field in a Twins uniform. 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. A four-time all-star in Minnesota,. " Obviously, I went from the best job in the world to the second-best job in the world. In an essay for TSN prior to Walkers 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 one of his idols: a signed bat from Walker with the inscription To Justin, make Canada proud.. The team has a day of events planned to celebrate the four-time All-Star, starting with a sold-out breakfast featuring a Q&A and autographed items. I really didnt know a whole lot about it, but I got down (to spring training in Fort Myers) and start to learn the history. Justin Morneau came to Minnesota as a teenager 14 or 15 for a hockey tournament . Not exactly a baseball hotbed, Morneau said of his hometown during the speech. In 2008, he also became the first and still only Canadian to win the Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game. I imagine it will start around 5:45 p.m. Dick Bremer will be emcee, Joe Mauer will introduce Morneau. I enjoy the moment.. (approx 1 - 2 per week). 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.