Though Ive never really been a fan of team HOFs, I will say this pick is well-deserved. That's something that I never really thought would come along, and it did.". The Twins drafted Morneau in 1999. It's almost surreal.". Justin Morneau came to Minnesota as a teenager 14 or 15 for a hockey tournament. "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. 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. When I learned of fellow inductees, John Olerud, Duane Ward and Jacques Doucet, I was at a loss for words. His name was added to Baseball Canadas Wall of Excellence in 2010. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. 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. Nor did Morneau fully grasp the history of the Twins, two-time World Series winners in 1987 and 1991. 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. MINNEAPOLIS -- The first time Justin Morneau saw the Minnesota Twins, he still thought he was going to play hockey. 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. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. All rights reserved.Privacy PolicyAd ChoicesTerms of Service. 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. 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. Guests will not receive autographs on the Sports Illustrated Gladden & Olson magazine. The 40-year-old spent 14 years in the majors. 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. The 2006 American League Most Valuable Player hit 30-or-more home runs three times for the Twins and recorded 100-or-more RBI in four seasons. He hit 221 home runs throughout his 1,278 games for the Twins. I figured about half the people would say yes and show up. 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. Morneau grew up playing hockey and even took time away from baseball to commit to hockey as a teenager. "You never dreamed for a moment like this," Morneau said Friday. Justins ceremony will be right before the 6:10 p.m. first pitch. 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. 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. Contact: Mackenzie Bongard, [emailprotected]. Morneau now 40 and living on a farm in Medina with wife. 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. Megan Ryan In hindsight, it sure is a good thing that he didn't pick hockey. Justin Morneau played 14 seasons in the major leagues, including 11 with the Twins from 2003-13. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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. 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. Each year in Minneapolis, he spearheads a winter coat drive for the Salvation Army. When submitting content, please abide by our . She is originally from the Chicago area and is a graduate of the University of Minnesota. 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. But now, I can't see myself anywhere else.". Vlad Jr. is 2 for 5 against Pineda with a home run, as well as a walk. Anyone can read Conversations, but to contribute, you should be a registered Torstar account holder. Morneau will be inducted during a pre-game ceremony at . 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. Now Morneau has cemented his legacy with the Twins, alongside the likes of Kirby Puckett, Rod Carew and Harmon Killebrew. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. 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. He stayed at the University of Minnesota and, with his time off, he attended a Twins game at the Metrodome . He was the guy that lead by example. pic.twitter.com/RV8u9LBMWI, Congratulations to the 34th member of the Twins Hall of Fame Justin Morneau! It also features a special Q&A session with Ron Gardenhire, Dan Gladden, and other members of the Twins Hall of Fame. Guests must supply their own item to be autographed. The Twins elected Morneau to the Hall of Fame in January 2020 but postponed his May induction that year because of COVID-19. This, for me, is a great thing in my career and in my life, Pineda said. It was a close group. It all started with Morneau being selected to the Twins Hall of Fame. At the time, he still thought he was going to be a hockey player. Well give you the latest news when it becomes available, or feel free to add some more selections to your settings. But Im thankful for them and where I was born. "They just want to see you succeed. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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. I know I will.. Morneau spent 11 seasons with the Twins, hitting .278 with 221 home runs in his career with Minnesota, the fourth-most in team history. Sign up to receive our daily Morning Lineup to stay in the know about the latest trending topics around Major League Baseball. 1 of 4 Every year, the Minnesota Twins elect a class to the Twins Hall of Fame, from the first year they started the process in 2000 up until the present. I imagine it will start around 5:45 p.m. Dick Bremer will be emcee, Joe Mauer will introduce Morneau. I went from the best job in the world to the second-best job in the world, he said. His impact on the Twins organization and Twins Territory in general is significant.". I get to talk about baseball now. Twins fans have been reunited with Morneau now that he has seemingly been the top analyst filling the shoes of Bert Blyleven. 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.. Thats saying a lot from a guy who would pitch in front of thousands on the regular. Bremer and Morneau now share a booth, as Morneau has taken on being a part-time analyst for Twins broadcasts in recent years. Use another Even in retirement, Morneau seems to be following in his footsteps. Items will NOT be supplied from the Twins for autographs. But Morneau is looking forward to celebrating everyone who helped him to this point, especially the ones most fans don't know. And fast-forward another 25 years, he'd be joining the team's Hall of Fame. 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.. Justin Morneau came to Minnesota as a teenager 14 or 15 for a hockey tournament . "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. Its a special group.". But he attended a Twins game regardless, taking it all in from left field in the Metrodome. 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. First published on September 21, 2021 / 12:30 PM. 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. Marys, ON N4X 1C2519-284-1838baseball@baseballhalloffame.ca, Registered Charitable Organization 106843477RR0001. Neither can the Twins. "When we land here at the airport, I come here and it feels like home," he added. You can change your selections at any time. He was elected to the hall in January 2020, but his planned induction was delayed by COVID-19. I guess a lot more people are more bored than that.". And he jas attacked this new career with the same hard-working mentality and study he employed as a player. A pure hitter in every form, just like Walker was across 17 seasons for the Montreal Expos, Colorado Rockies and St. Louis Cardinals. Saturday, Morneau will be. He has also helped organize fundraisers for juvenile arthritis to raise awareness about a disease his niece, Maddie, is fighting. \"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.\"\n\nIn addition to earning the 2006 AL MVP Award for which he edged out Derek Jeter and David Ortiz, Morneau owns the third-most home runs in club history (221) and ranks ninth in games played for the Twins (1,278). Forgot your 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. 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). Morneau will be enjoying the company of his family (five kids,) friends, coaches and mentors Saturday, along with all of Twins territory. Monday Morning Minnesota: Further Spring Jokes Edition, Twins open Spring Training by splitting a pair of, well, split-squad games. He was the guy who pretty much kept his mouth shut and just let his bat do the talking, Nathan said. more of the story, Buxton homers, Ober turns in strong outing as Twins beat Toronto 3-1, Reusse: Blue Jays Berrios might still be the Twins pitcher of the year, Toronto's Jose Berrios faces former Twins teammates at Target Field, As Thielbar grows older, Twins lefthander gets better, Reusse: Following Plouffe's journey into sports podcasting, Kirilloff 'close' to resuming normal baseball schedule after wrist surgery, Something new for Gray and Twins: pitcher calling his pitches, Souhan: Gardenhire, Watkins families felt wrath of Hurricane Ian. Hopefully well laugh and well cry and well do a little bit of everything. His 11-year career with the Twins encompassed 221 home runs, 860 RBIs and 289 doubles among 1,318 hits. It starts with little things like that and then it kind of all adds up, and you realize that it gets passed along.". 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. For most pitchers, Pineda included, both are a challenge. 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. While his career ended without a coveted World Series ring, Morneau still has plenty of good memories to cherish, even joking the Twins "did win a playoff game" in his tenure. "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. Autograph restrictions subject to change. 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. 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. 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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. "I played one game of junior hockey as a 16-year-old.". Throughout his career, Morneau also consistently answered the call for the Canadian national team. 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. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. He was a teenager growing up in Canada. He was a teenager growing up in Canada. presentation-ready copies of Toronto Star content for distribution All net proceeds from this event will benefit the Twins Community Fund. Justin Morneau - Twins Hall of Famer Justin Morneau played 14 seasons in the major leagues, including 11 with the Twins from 2003-13. He will start Saturday night against the Blue Jays. "I wasn't good enough to make the section team, let alone the provincial team or the national team," Morneau said. By now, the stories have become part of Canadian folklore. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). After Walker left Colorado in 2004, his No. 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. We invite you to a special breakfast celebrating the induction of Ron Gardenhire, Dan Gladden, and Csar Tovar into the Twins Hall of Fame. " We had a lot of conversations together. He figured no more than half would choose to show up. Nov. 22Justin Morneau and Joe Nathan, members of the Twins Hall of Fame, are among the group of players who will be considered for the National Baseball Hall of Fame for the first time this winter. 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 guess a lot more people are bored than I thought, Morneau said. MINNEAPOLIS -- The first time Justin Morneau saw the Minnesota Twins, he still thought he was going to play hockey. He played parts of 11 seasons with the. 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. And that's why they're carving out a permanent home for him at Target Field alongside their other legends. Morneau would spend the next decade with the Twins and evolve into one of the American Leagues most feared sluggers. One (1) autograph per inductee per attendee. That coat drive has collected over 40,000 coats from generous donors. 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. Justin Morneau discussed his career with the Minnesota Twins Sideline To Stage 87 subscribers Subscribe Like Share 21 views 6 months ago Justin Morneau spoke about being inductees into. Lots of numbers retired up on the wall. Back then, the Canadian's dream was to play in the NHL. Thank you to the voters and the Hall for this incredible honour, and all that the Hall does for the game of baseball in Canada., Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, 386 Church St. S., PO Box 1838St. " Every year, it seemed like, for a long run of time, six divisions and championships in nine years. Hennepin County Youth Baseball/Softball Grant. Morneau on Saturday will be inducted into the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame David Berding / USA TODAY Sports. For his efforts, Morneau was named the Twins team MVP twice (2006, 2008). For that, the former junior national team member had a long list of names to go through. Twins broadcaster Dick Bremer said Morneau will forever embody that era. Teams around the division get their first glimpse of a roadmap to 2023 success. First 10,000 fans will get a Justin Morneau bobblehead. Morneau is the 34th player to enter the Twins Hall of Fame. This is, for me, wow. I've tried to find new challenges, tried to find new things. He loved both hockey and baseball, but he even skipped a year of baseball when he was 8 years old. Five years after Morneau retired and eight . 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 man who ran the local batting cage and let Morneau hit for free so he could get enough reps. "You always make me feel happy to be a Minnesota Twin." 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). 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 . Gambling problem? Justin Morneau came to Minnesota as a teenager 14 or 15 for a hockey tournament. 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. 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. In fact, Morneau began his stint with the Twins a year after they made it to the ALCS against the Angels. He let his bat do the talking, former Twin Joe Nathan said. 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. I guess a lot more people are more bored than that. I dont know how he held it together, but he was really good, Morneau said of Walkers speech. Over the course of his career, Morneau was also named the winner of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame's Tip O'Neill Award, as top Canadian player, three times (2006, 2008, 2014). And hes looking forward to sharing it all with friends, former teammates and mentors from throughout his life and playing career. He stayed at the University of Minnesota and, with his time off, he attended a Twins game at the Metrodome, sitting in left field. After all, hed grown up a Blue Jays fan. 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. You welcomed me as one of your own and I will be forever grateful. 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 . M&M boys, Morneau and Mandelaro, to be inducted into Red Wings Hall of Fame. Betsy Helfand covers the Minnesota Twins for the Pioneer Press. Now forever part of Canadian baseball history. "Great first baseman when he played. 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. You never dreamed for a moment like this. My buddy Joe Nathan agrees. permissions/licensing, please go to: www.TorontoStarReprints.com. He's a person who taught me how to play first base, and we've been having a good relationship. 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. Your existing password has not been changed. I sent him a congratulations and he sent one back. "There's so many people that have your best interest," Morneau said. Morneau ended up doing that and a whole lot more. Minus Torii and Cuddy. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Colorado Rockies, and Chicago White Sox. Select additional sports and leagues youre interested in from the list below. 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. September 21, 2021 / 12:30 PM #MNTwins Hall of Fame: pic.twitter.com/hXl885Bc9d. The former Twins closer said he likes Justins style in the press box. "I think this is the ultimate honor for a player," Morneau said. Nathan got his moment of Twins HOF glory back in 2019. Baldelli said its possible Kepler might not start on Saturday, either, as the Twins give him time to recuperate. Max Kepler was out of the starting lineup with a non-COVID-related illness after being removed early from Thursday nights game for the same reason. Joe Nathan joined the two in the booth Friday. A four-time all-star in Minnesota, Morneau won the 2006 MVP and helped the Twins reach the playoffs five times during his tenure. He was honored for his longtime service to the Twin Cities on Thursday, when he earned the Kirby Puckett Alumni Community Service Award at the club's annual Diamond Awards benefit show. Star Newspapers Limited and/or its licensors. The Minnesota Twins announced Friday that former first baseman and MVP Justin Morneau will become the 34th member of the Twins Hall of Fame. to colleagues, clients or customers, or inquire about 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..