Full speech: Justin Morneau inducted into Twins Hall of Fame "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. account that can be used to sign in here. Justin Morneau: one of the best to ever wear the Minnesota Twins uniform. COVID-19 postponed just about everything last year, including former Minnesota Twins' first baseman Justin Morneaus Twins Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Hope to see you at the game! MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Minnesota Twins fan favorite will be inducted into the team's Hall of Fame this weekend. They said that I invited more former players and the longest guest list theyve ever had for this thing, Morneau said. Justin Morneau ready for Twins Hall of Fame induction - Yahoo! News The sluggers both grew up in British Columbia: Walker in Maple Ridge, Morneau in nearby New Westminster. His 11-year career with the Twins encompassed 221 home runs, 860 RBIs and 289 doubles among 1,318 hits. " Obviously, I went from the best job in the world to the second-best job in the world. Star Newspapers Limited and/or its licensors. Heres the list: Harmon Killebrew, Rod Carew, Tony Oliva, Kent Hrbek, Kirby Puckett, Calvin Griffith, Herb Carneal, Jim Kaat, Bert Blyleven, Tom Kelly, Bob Allison, Bob Casey, Earl Battey, Frank Viola, Carl Pohlad, Zoilo Versalles, Gary Gaetti, Jim Rantz, Rick Aguilera, Brad Radke, George Brophy, Greg Gagne, Jim Perry, Camilo Pascual, Eddie Guardado, Tom Mee, John Gordon, Torii Hunter, Michael Cuddyer, Andy MacPhail, Johan Santana, Jerry Bell, Joe Nathan and now Justin Morneau. I took some batting practice in the Metrodome. A pure hitter in every form, just like Walker was across 17 seasons for the Montreal Expos, Colorado Rockies and St. Louis Cardinals. 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. All net proceeds from this event will benefit the Twins Community Fund. ". He stayed at the University of Minnesota and, with his time off, he attended a Twins game at the Metrodome . The Twins elected Morneau to the Hall of Fame in January 2020 but postponed his May induction that year because of COVID-19. Of course he did. You never dream for a moment like this, Morneau told the assembled media. Autograph restrictions subject to change. "I was just thankful that I got drafted by the Minnesota Twins and that I was able to grow up in this organization, because I spent some time in other organizations, and I always say that I'm thankful that I was a Minnesota Twin," 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. I figured about half the people would say yes and show up. Sign up to receive our daily Morning Lineup to stay in the know about the latest trending topics around Major League Baseball. My buddy Joe Nathan agrees. Twins broadcaster Dick Bremer said Morneau will forever embody that era. 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. Please contact us. Justin Morneau discussed his career with the Minnesota Twins I guess a lot more people are bored than I thought, Morneau said. This, for me, is a great thing in my career and in my life, Pineda said. "Camaraderie with teammates, leaving Spring Training with a goal of winning the World Series, all that stuff, it's hard to replicate," Morneau said. In hindsight, it sure is a good thing that he didn't pick hockey. Morneau has also supported the United Heroes League, an organization that provides sports equipment and registration fees for children in military families. I've tried to find new challenges, tried to find new things. Nor did Morneau fully grasp the history of the Twins, two-time World Series winners in 1987 and 1991. "[He's] a link to what was one of the best periods of baseball Twins fans have ever had," Bremer said. 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. password. All rights reserved.Privacy PolicyAd ChoicesTerms of Service. This is, for me, wow. And hes looking forward to sharing it all with friends, former teammates and mentors from throughout his life and playing career. Minnesota Twins News / Twinkie. The only exceptions were 2014,. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Forgot your When I learned of fellow inductees, John Olerud, Duane Ward and Jacques Doucet, I was at a loss for words. I think I got the last laugh. Former Twins Justin Morneau, Joe Nathan among those on Hall of Fame ballot He loved both hockey and baseball, but he even skipped a year of baseball when he was 8 years old. The 40-year-old spent 14 years in the majors. The Twins will induct the former first baseman Saturday before their game against Toronto at Target Field. Neither can the Twins. Lots of numbers retired up on the wall. Nathan got his moment of Twins HOF glory back in 2019. After all, hed grown up a Blue Jays fan. Odds & lines subject to change. "The Minnesota Twins are thrilled with the election of Justin Morneau . In fact, Morneau began his stint with the Twins a year after they made it to the ALCS against the Angels. He was a dominant lefty who you couldnt not like. It all started with Morneau being selected to the Twins Hall of Fame. Justin Morneau joins Twins Hall of Fame after a career beyond his dreams "There's really nothing that can ever replace the challenge of trying to get ready for a 162-game season and trying to face the best in the world every night," Morneau said. Pregame, on television, begins around 5:30. Things we lost in the pandemic (Pt. permissions/licensing, please go to: www.TorontoStarReprints.com. Justin Morneau came to Minnesota as a teenager 14 or 15 for a hockey tournament. We've sent an email with instructions to create a new password. A four-time all-star in Minnesota,. 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. to colleagues, clients or customers, or inquire about When I heard the news that I would be enshrined in the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame I was honoured, said Morneau. 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. Customize your Sportsnet lineup for the latest news from your favourite leagues and teams. 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. Morneau now 40 and living on a farm in Medina with wife. Morneau is the 34th player to enter the Twins Hall of Fame. I get to talk about baseball now. Select additional sports and leagues youre interested in from the list below. I was very happy when he made his way to the broadcast booth. And if he somehow ended up in his secondary sport of baseball, playing for his favored Toronto Blue Jays was the goal. 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. 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. Morneau will be inducted during a pre-game ceremony at . The man who ran the local batting cage and let Morneau hit for free so he could get enough reps. He ranks third in hits (1,603), fourth in home runs (247) and seventh in RBIs (985) with a lifetime .281 batting average and .348 on-base percentage. Morneau joked that the Twins gave him a hard time for inviting more guests than anyone ever had before. Justin Morneau will join Twins Hall of Fame - Star Tribune According to Stubhub tickets start at $6. An error has occurred while trying to update your details. Former Twins Justin Morneau, Joe Nathan among those on Hall of Fame ballot "You just dream for one day in the big leagues. He played parts of 11 seasons with the. 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. And then you get to cap it all off in the end with something like this. "Great first baseman when he played. But here he is, at age 40, about to experience just that. Sorry we could not verify that email address. Send this article to anyone, no subscription is necessary to view it, Anyone can read, no subscription required, See Morneau in Twins' Hall of Fame | 09/25/2021 | Minnesota Twins - MLB.com Customize your lineup with your favourite leagues and teams. And he jas attacked this new career with the same hard-working mentality and study he employed as a player. Twins announce details for Justin Morneau Hall of Fame Induction and 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. It was funny because he said a lot of the things that I was planning on saying. "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. But Im thankful for them and where I was born. Justin Morneau to be inducted into Rochester Red Wings Hall of Fame He remains with the Twins as a Special Assistant to Baseball Operations, a position he has held since January 2018. She is originally from the Chicago area and is a graduate of the University of Minnesota. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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. So, when Justin was in his early teens, he found himself in the Twin Cities for a hockey tournament, sitting in left field at the Metrodome, watching one of those struggling Minnesota teams of the mid-1990s, without a hint of the idea that in a half-decade, he'd be drafted by that very team. "When we land here at the airport, I come here and it feels like home," he added. By now, the stories have become part of Canadian folklore. Im glad you asked. It starts with little things like that and then it kind of all adds up, and you realize that it gets passed along.". 2 sport, and all my friends who played lacrosse made fun of me for playing baseball. ** 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. MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, MN The Minnesota Twins today announced details for this weekends four-game home series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Target Field, which includes Fan Appreciation Weekend presented by Caribou Coffee on September 23 and 24, Kids Appreciation Day presented by Target on September 26 and the long-awaited Justin Morneau Twins Hall of Fame induction on September 25 in a game presented by Sheboygan Sausage Company. First 10,000 fans will get a Justin Morneau bobblehead. 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. Morneau might still long for his playing days, the adrenaline and camaraderie that came with it. So many people that helped you get there.". Guests must supply their own item to be autographed. Its a once in a lifetime opportunity to share a moment like this in a stadium full of people. 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. Were such a close group, and we can go years without seeing each other but its like we saw each other yesterday. 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. The left-handed hitting Canuck began his minor league career as a catcher but was converted into a first baseman in 2000 in Rookie ball. 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 . Justin Morneau Twins Hall of Fame - MLB.com 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 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. Justin Morneau: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights | Yardbarker #MNTwins Hall of Fame: pic.twitter.com/hXl885Bc9d. I get to talk about baseball now, so thats something that I never really thought would come along and did. 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. Hopefully well laugh and well cry and well do a little bit of everything. But Morneau is looking forward to celebrating everyone who helped him to this point, especially the ones most fans don't know. M&M boys, Morneau and Mandelaro, to be inducted into Red Wings Hall of Fame. Sign up to receive our daily Morning Lineup to stay in the know about the latest trending topics around Major League Baseball. Twins Hall of Fame Breakfast presented by Coordinated Business Systems is happening on Saturday, August 20! 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. He was the guy that lead by example. Minnesota Twins great Justin Morneau to enter Twins Hall of Fame Its a pretty special group, he said. Use another 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. He asked for permission to use it and Walker happily obliged. Obviously, I went from the best job in the world to the second-best job in the world.". "They just want to see you succeed. 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. He stayed at the University of Minnesota and, with his time off, he attended a Twins game at the Metrodome, sitting in left field. , Star Tribune He also has been a special assistant to baseball operations for the team since 2018. 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. 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. 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. Justin Morneau is the newest member of the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame, as he was inducted before Saturday night's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. For most pitchers, Pineda included, both are a challenge. 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. "Just lucky to come along at the right time and be part of that run. Guests will not receive autographs on the Sports Illustrated Gladden & Olson magazine. Morneau will be enjoying the company of his family (five kids,) friends, coaches and mentors Saturday, along with all of Twins territory. A four-time all-star in Minnesota, Morneau won the 2006 MVP and helped the Twins reach the playoffs five times during his tenure. expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Toronto 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. ","type":"markdown"},{"__typename":"ExternalEmbed","data":{"__typename":"ExternalEmbedContent","html":", "To the fans: You supported me and you embraced me. First published on September 21, 2021 / 12:30 PM. (Chris Young/CP). That coat drive has collected over 40,000 coats from generous donors. 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. FACING VLADDY. "It's because of the people and the fans and the friends and the community and everything else. He did a good job. 'I loved to compete': Justin Morneau headed for Twins Hall of Fame He hit 221 home runs throughout his 1,278 games for the Twins. Justin Morneau set to enter Twins' Hall of Fame: 'It's very special and One (1) autograph per inductee per attendee. 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. She joined the paper in December 2018 after spending nearly three years in Las Vegas covering sports for the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Twins announce 2022 Hall of Fame inductees - Audacy The New Westminster, B.C., native has also been very active in charitable endeavors. "I think it was the right move. And fast-forward another 25 years, he'd be joining the team's Hall of Fame. "I figured about half the people would say yes and show up. Back in 1999, it would have taken a particularly optimistic observer to believe that the Canadian catcher selected in the third round would go on to hit 247 career home runs in the big leagues while batting .281/.348/.481. You just dream for one day in the big leagues and to cap it all off in the end with something like this, its something surreal., This is a franchise with a long, proud history of some great players, he continued. 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"Justins brilliant career -- defined by an American League Most Valuable Player Award as well as his leadership role on the field and in the community -- makes him one of the greatest players of his generation. Justin Morneau - Twins Hall of Famer Justin Morneau played 14 seasons in the major leagues, including 11 with the Twins from 2003-13. Vlad Sr. finished his career 2 for 3 against Pineda. Live On-Air 2000-2020 Rogers Media. Do you have questions about the Hall of Fame Breakfast? \"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). By checking this box, I agree to the terms of service and privacy policy of Rogers Media. Contact: Mackenzie Bongard, [emailprotected]. 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. 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. Enter your email address to get a new one. Great hitter, power hitter," Sano said, recalling how he watched Morneau win the 2008 Home Run Derby. 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. Tickets for the Twins Hall of Fame Breakfast are sold out. On August 31, 2013, Morneau was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates where he helped lead the club to its first postseason appearance since 1992. Its a great moment when facing Vladdy Junior, with the numbers he has this season. You can change your selections at any time. Your existing password has not been changed. Thats saying a lot from a guy who would pitch in front of thousands on the regular. 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. Morneau honored to enter Twins Hall of Fame - KSTP.com The Twins' Justin Morneau Day gives a Canadian baseball - The Star "I think this is the ultimate honor for a player," Morneau said. I imagine it will start around 5:45 p.m. Dick Bremer will be emcee, Joe Mauer will introduce Morneau. Justin Morneau elected to Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame 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. Wow should I wear my Doumit shirt? That's something that I never really thought would come along, and it did.". / CBS Minnesota. Now a Twins' Hall of Famer, Justin Morneau has grown content in his He loved both hockey and baseball, but he even skipped a year of baseball when he was 8 years old. He was elected to the hall in January 2020, but his planned induction was delayed by COVID-19. {* traditionalSignIn_signInButton *}, Comment and participate in our online community. 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. But mostly he appreciates the caliber of players he shared the field with, including Joe Mauer, Torii Hunter, Johan Santana and Joe Nathan. 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. 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. Baldelli said its possible Kepler might not start on Saturday, either, as the Twins give him time to recuperate. We didn't recognize that password reset code. "I played one game of junior hockey as a 16-year-old.". "I wasn't good enough to make the section team, let alone the provincial team or the national team," Morneau said. His impact on the Twins organization and Twins Territory in general is significant.". Morneau is the 34th player to enter the Twins Hall of Fame. At least it was until Morneau arrived a decade later. After Walker left Colorado in 2004, his No. Former Twins pitcher LaTroy Hawkins is on the mic with Dick Bremer while Justin lets it all sink in on his big weekend. To order 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. On the crying or not crying poll, I say he will cry. Justin Morneau to be inducted into Twins Hall of Fame 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. " It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share a moment like this in a stadium full of people. For that, the former junior national team member had a long list of names to go through. The breakfast will include a program honoring Csar Tovar, Ron Gardenhire, and Dan Gladden. 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. 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. (Darren Calabrese/CP). All 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.