He stayed at the University of Minnesota and, with his time off, he attended a Twins game at the. I figured about half the people would say yes and show up. Even in retirement, Morneau seems to be following in his footsteps. 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. When I learned of fellow inductees, John Olerud, Duane Ward and Jacques Doucet, I was at a loss for words. MINNEAPOLIS -- The first time Justin Morneau saw the Minnesota Twins, he still thought he was going to play hockey. So many people that helped you get there.". Two guys from B.C., who both dreamt of playing in the NHL, permanently enshrined by their organizations on the same day. By All rights reserved.Privacy PolicyAd ChoicesTerms of Service. Its a pretty special group, he said. The breakfast will include a program honoring Csar Tovar, Ron Gardenhire, and Dan Gladden. 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. Marys, ON N4X 1C2519-284-1838baseball@baseballhalloffame.ca, Registered Charitable Organization 106843477RR0001. His Hall of Fame plaque will be unveiled at 4:15 p.m. Before the game, a ceremony emceed by Dick Bremer and attended by several other Twins Hall of Famers will take place. The Twins Hall of Fame was created in 2000. 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. I went from the best job in the world to the second-best job in the world, he said. Guests will not receive autographs on the Sports Illustrated Gladden & Olson magazine. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. September 24, 2021 - 10:04 PM. 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.. Morneau on Saturday will be inducted into the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame David Berding / USA TODAY Sports. 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? Additionally, 2021 marks Morneaus third season as an analyst for select Twins television broadcasts on Bally Sports North. Justin Morneau is the lone 2020 inductee for the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame. Saturday, Morneau will be joined alongside his former teammates and loved ones to be the 34th player inducted into the Twins Hall of Fame. He loved both hockey and baseball, but he even skipped a year of baseball when he was 8 years old. Former Twins pitcher LaTroy Hawkins is on the mic with Dick Bremer while Justin lets it all sink in on his big weekend. 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. But mostly he appreciates the caliber of players he shared the field with, including Joe Mauer, Torii Hunter, Johan Santana and Joe Nathan. Born in New Westminster, B.C., in 1981, Justin Morneau honed his skills with the North Delta Blue Jays of the B.C. His name was added to Baseball Canadas Wall of Excellence in 2010. When submitting content, please abide by our . "I figured about half the people would say yes and show up. Twins Hall of Fame Breakfast presented by Coordinated Business Systems is happening on Saturday, August 20! And hes looking forward to sharing it all with friends, former teammates and mentors from throughout his life and playing career. His 11-year career with the Twins encompassed 221 home runs, 860 RBIs and 289 doubles among 1,318 hits. In the end, most of them did, enough that he lost count of how many would be in attendance. Now Morneau has cemented his legacy with the Twins, alongside the likes of Kirby Puckett, Rod Carew and Harmon Killebrew. Hes earned it the hard way, The Toronto Star and thestar.com, each property of Toronto Star Morneau joked that the Twins gave him a hard time for inviting more guests than anyone ever had before. 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. "[He's] a link to what was one of the best periods of baseball Twins fans have ever had," Bremer said. "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. "Great first baseman when he played. He was elected to the hall in January 2020, but his planned induction was delayed by COVID-19. Your existing password has not been changed. 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. 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 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.. "I wasn't good enough to make the section team, let alone the provincial team or the national team," Morneau said. Justin Morneau remembered the first time he came to Minnesota at about 15 years old for a hockey tournament at the University of Minnesota. He stayed at the University of Minnesota and, with his time off, he attended a Twins game at the Metrodome . "You always make me feel happy to be a Minnesota Twin." "This is a franchise with a long, proud history and great players. M&M boys, Morneau and Mandelaro, to be inducted into Red Wings Hall of Fame. The Twins drafted Morneau. 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. His impact on the Twins organization and Twins Territory in general is significant.". Justin Morneau came to Minnesota as a teenager 14 or 15 for a hockey tournament. 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. Nathan got his moment of Twins HOF glory back in 2019. MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Minnesota Twins fan favorite will be inducted into the team's Hall of Fame this weekend. 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. 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. He's the 34th member, and will have an . 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. 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. 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). It was a close group. "You just dream for one day in the big leagues. I've tried to find new challenges, tried to find new things. Bremer and Morneau now share a booth, as Morneau has taken on being a part-time analyst for Twins broadcasts in recent years. 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. One (1) autograph per inductee per attendee. Each year in Minneapolis, he spearheads a winter coat drive for the Salvation Army. 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. For most pitchers, Pineda included, both are a challenge. Former Minnesota Twins star Justin Morneau will be inducted into the team's Hall of Fame Saturday ahead of a game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Youll hear that a quicker pace will help defenders stay engaged and perform better. Anyone can read Conversations, but to contribute, you should be a registered Torstar account holder. Joe Nathan joined the two in the booth Friday. Megan Ryan is a Minnesota Twins beat reporter. By now, the stories have become part of Canadian folklore. This copy is for your personal non-commercial use only. He's a person who taught me how to play first base, and we've been having a good relationship. "I mean, you think of the teams we put on the field," Morneau said. He followed a similar career trajectory, initially preferring to play hockey before reaching high school and deciding that baseball was the safer bet. Well give you the latest news when it becomes available, or feel free to add some more selections to your settings. The Twins elected Morneau to the Hall of Fame in January 2020 but postponed his May induction that year because of COVID-19. This is inside Gate 29. Lots of numbers retired up on the wall. In 2008, he also became the first and still only Canadian to win the Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game. Fellow Canadian Corey Koskie, who put out the welcome mat and showed him the way with Minnesota. Twins Hall of Fame Breakfast presented by Coordinated Business Systems is happening on Saturday, August 20! Its a special group., Wayne Gretzky, right, chats with Justin Morneau ahead of a game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Minnesota Twins in 2012. And that's why they're carving out a permanent home for him at Target Field alongside their other legends. Oh yeah, Justin Morneau played some baseball, too. I guess a lot more people are bored than I thought, Morneau said. 2 sport, and all my friends who played lacrosse made fun of me for playing baseball. Morneau ended up doing that and a whole lot more. Customize your Sportsnet lineup for the latest news from your favourite leagues and teams. We all have so much respect for each other. First published on September 21, 2021 / 12:30 PM. And I think that guy is an unbelievable person, player, everything.". Great hitter, power hitter," Sano said, recalling how he watched Morneau win the 2008 Home Run Derby. I enjoy the moment.. FACING VLADDY. The tight bonds between that group -- the shared experiences that keep them all coming back, year after year, for each of these ceremonies -- are one of the most important hallmarks of this franchise and what Morneau hoped to highlight most as he teared up while going down a lengthy list of thanks for everyone from Tom Kelly to the late Wayne "Big Fella" Hattaway to the clubhouse personnel to Corey Koskie. 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. Morneau grew up playing hockey and even took time away from baseball to commit to hockey as a teenager. When I heard the news that I would be enshrined in the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame I was honoured, said Morneau. 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. In hindsight, it sure is a good thing that he didn't pick hockey. To see your localized preferences, please enable geolocation services in your browser settings. 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. You can go years without seeing each other, but its like we saw each other yesterday. I think I got the last laugh. On that day, I couldn't imagine a day like this, to be inducted among the greatest players in franchise history.". On August 31, 2013, Morneau was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates where he helped lead the club to its first postseason appearance since 1992. Baldelli said its possible Kepler might not start on Saturday, either, as the Twins give him time to recuperate. Fan Appreciation Weekend presented by Caribou Coffee (Thursday-Friday, Sept. 23-24) and, Kids Appreciation Day presented by Target (Sunday, Sept. 26). This is a franchise with a long, proud history and great players, lots of numbers retired up on the wall, lots of National Baseball Hall of Famers, Morneau said. I get to talk about baseball now. "I think it was the right move. "The Minnesota Twins are thrilled with the election of Justin Morneau . Though Ive never really been a fan of team HOFs, I will say this pick is well-deserved. Enter your email below and we'll send you another email. The man who ran the local batting cage and let Morneau hit for free so he could get enough reps. The Twins Hall of Fame, which honors players, managers, coaches and off-field personnel who have contributed to the organizations growth and success since Major League Baseball came to Minnesota in 1961, was created as part of the clubs 40th Season Celebration in 2000. 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. Morneau spent 11 seasons with the Twins, hitting .278 with 221 home runs in his career with Minnesota, the fourth-most in team history. Neither can the Twins. Justin Morneau ready for Twins Hall of Fame, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Submit to Stumbleupon (Opens in new window), Justin Morneau ready for Twins Hall of Fame induction, A look at MLBs new rules and how they will affect the Twins, Getting reliever Jorge Lpez back on track key task for Twins, Jose Miranda pulls out of World Baseball Classic, per reports, Twins prospect Edouard Julien makes an impression at the plate, Jaw wired shut, Twins prospect Jordan Balazovic returns to baseball activities, Twins starter Pablo Lpez, soon off to compete in WBC, sharp in first spring start, John Shipley: Timing on Lindsay Whalen decision seems odd, Hastings delivers improbable rally to stun defending champ St. Michael-Albertville in 3A wrestling final, Boys hockey: Hill-Murray stops Gentry Academy, earns another trip to state, Two graduates allege in lawsuits sexual groping by fellow students, frat-like culture at St. Thomas Academy, How much is too much? #MNTwins Hall of Fame: pic.twitter.com/hXl885Bc9d. " Every year, it seemed like, for a long run of time, six divisions and championships in nine years. Justin Morneau - Twins Hall of Famer Justin Morneau played 14 seasons in the major leagues, including 11 with the Twins from 2003-13. MINNEAPOLIS -- The first time Justin Morneau saw the Minnesota Twins, he still thought he was going to play hockey. What to know for Saturday; Justin Morneau Twins HOF induction. He was the guy who pretty much kept his mouth shut and just let his bat do the talking, Nathan said. to colleagues, clients or customers, or inquire about 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. Morneau wouldn't play for Pittsburgh again instead, he'd win a batting title in Colorado, taking over Hall of Famer and SpongeBob enthusiast Larry Walker as the resident owner of #33.. He was a dominant lefty who you couldnt not like. {* traditionalSignIn_signInButton *}, Comment and participate in our online community. Hennepin County Youth Baseball/Softball Grant. At the time, the New Westminster, B.C., native hoped to play in the NHL -- and had even taken a year off from his second-favourite sport, baseball, in the hopes of making his hockey dreams a reality. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. "I played one game of junior hockey as a 16-year-old.". 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 "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. So, which Vlad is harder to face? Justin Morneau Twins Hall of Fame Induction (Saturday, Sept. 25; presented by Sheboygan Sausage Company). 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. Select as many teams as you like from the leagues below. First 10,000 fans will get a Justin Morneau bobblehead. account that can be used to sign in here. It's almost surreal. The last induction to the Twins Hall of Fame was first baseman Justin Morneau who was elected in 2020 and inducted in 2021. Manager Rocco Baldelli said rookie starter Joe Ryan has left the team to fly back to California to deal with a family-related matter. (Darren Calabrese/CP). One of the top players Canada has ever produced, taking his spot alongside a list of franchise greats such as Rod Carew, Kirby Puckett, Harmon Killebrew and Kent Hrbek.