Full speech: Justin Morneau inducted into Twins Hall of Fame 5,632 views Sep 25, 2021 99 Dislike Share Save Bally Sports North 19.4K subscribers The 34th member of the Twins Hall of. ** 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. The 14-year major league veteran will be the 34th member and will have plenty of former teammates and Twins greats there to support him. By Morneau honored to enter Twins Hall of Fame - KSTP.com 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. 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. We use cookies to improve your experience. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). 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. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. After Saturdays ceremony in Denver, itll never be used again. Former Twins pitcher LaTroy Hawkins is on the mic with Dick Bremer while Justin lets it all sink in on his big weekend. I imagine it will start around 5:45 p.m. Dick Bremer will be emcee, Joe Mauer will introduce Morneau. A four-time all-star in Minnesota,. Former Twins first baseman Justin Morneau has been elected to the club's Hall of Fame. Great hitter, power hitter," Sano said, recalling how he watched Morneau win the 2008 Home Run Derby. His name was added to Baseball Canadas Wall of Excellence in 2010. Justin Morneau: one of the best to ever wear the Minnesota 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. You think about the list of the greatest Twins in history and its very special and humbling.. He was named to four American League All-Star teams, won two Silver Slugger Awards and won the AL MVP Award in 2006. "I mean, you think of the teams we put on the field," Morneau said. 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. 2): Off the rails, On the Relationship of Pitch Tempo and Defense. 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. 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. He stayed at the University of Minnesota and, with his time off, he attended a Twins game at the Metrodome . It hasnt been worn again since. 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. Justin Morneau to be inducted into Rochester Red Wings Hall of Fame I never would have imagined playing for the Minnesota Twins, Morneau recalled. 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). Perhaps it was best for everyone involved, then -- and certainly for the state of Minnesota -- that Morneau fully turned his attention towards baseball. 'I loved to compete': Justin Morneau headed for Twins Hall of Fame Morneau would spend the next decade with the Twins and evolve into one of the American Leagues most feared sluggers. Membership is permanently displayed in the Hall of Fame Gallery on the Target Field Suite Level, as well as on Target Plaza and in the Minor League Clubhouse at the CenturyLink Sports Complex in Fort Myers, Fla. A full listing of Twins Hall of Fame inductees follows: Name, Pos./Role (Year Inducted) Name, Pos./Role (Year Inducted), Harmon Killebrew, first baseman (2000) Jim Rantz, pitcher & front office (2007), Tony Oliva, outfielder (2000) Rick Aguilera, right-handed pitcher (2008), Rod Carew, second baseman (2000) Brad Radke, right-handed pitcher (2009), Kent Hrbek, first baseman (2000) George Brophy, front office (2009), Kirby Puckett, outfielder (2000) Greg Gagne, shortstop (2010), Calvin Griffith, president & principal owner (2000) Jim Perry, right-handed pitcher (2011), Herb Carneal, radio broadcaster (2001) Camilo Pascual, right-handed pitcher (2012), Jim Kaat, left-handed pitcher (2001) Eddie Guardado, left-handed pitcher (2013), Bert Blyleven, right-handed pitcher (2002) Tom Mee, media relations (2013), Tom Kelly, manager (2002) John Gordon, radio broadcaster (2016), Bob Allison, outfielder (2003) Torii Hunter, outfielder (2016), Bob Casey, public address announcer (2003) Andy MacPhail, general manager (2017), Earl Battey, catcher (2004) Michael Cuddyer, outfielder (2017), Carl R. Pohlad, owner (2005) Johan Santana, left-handed pitcher (2018), Frank Viola, left-handed pitcher (2005) Joe Nathan, right-handed pitcher (2019), Zoilo Versalles, shortstop (2006) Jerry Bell, team president (2019), Gary Gaetti, third baseman (2007) Justin Morneau, first baseman (2021*), *Morneau was elected in 2020; however, his induction was postponed to 2021 due to COVID-19. " It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share a moment like this in a stadium full of people. Born in New Westminster, B.C., in 1981, Justin Morneau honed his skills with the North Delta Blue Jays of the B.C. Youll hear that a quicker pace will help defenders stay engaged and perform better. Hes earned it the hard way, The Toronto Star and thestar.com, each property of Toronto Star Vlad Sr. finished his career 2 for 3 against Pineda. After Walker left Colorado in 2004, his No. Morneau is the 34th player to enter the Twins Hall of Fame. I guess a lot more people are more bored than that.". To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Items will NOT be supplied from the Twins for autographs. I went from the best job in the world to the second-best job in the world, he said. 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.. To think that I would be joining these distinguished members that had such a lasting impact on baseball in Canada is truly humbling. Minnesota Twins: Three New Additions to the Twins Hall of Fame And that's why they're carving out a permanent home for him at Target Field alongside their other legends. He is the host representative of an ice fishing tournament for United Heroes League on Mille Lacs Lake in Minnesota. Rookie Trevor Larnach has picked Morneau's brain about how to succeed in the majors. He also spent time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Colorado Rockies and Chicago White Sox. Confirming what we already knew, that he made a lot Canadians proud, himself included. A no-brainer right here, Joe Nathan said about his teammate Justin Morneau making it into the Twins Hall. 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. 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 just dream for one in the big leagues. I figured about half the people would say yes and show up. Guerrero retired after the 2011 season and has since been inducted into the Hall of Fame and Guerrero Jr., the Blue Jays star, debuted in 2019 and is an American League Most Valuable Player candidate. "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. Well give you the latest news when it becomes available, or feel free to add some more selections to your settings. Minus Torii and Cuddy. When it started, I probably wouldn't have said that. 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. We didn't recognize that password reset code. 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. COVID-19 postponed just about everything last year, including former Minnesota Twins' first baseman Justin Morneau's Twins Hall of Fame induction ceremony. "I think this is the ultimate honor for a player," Morneau said. "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. He remains with the Twins as a Special Assistant to Baseball Operations, a position he has held since January 2018. Its a pretty special group, he said. I guess a lot more people are more bored than that. Justin Morneau - Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum 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. Vlad Jr. is 2 for 5 against Pineda with a home run, as well as a walk. 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He hit 221 home runs throughout his 1,278 games for the Twins. You never dream for a moment like this, Morneau told the assembled media. Justin Morneau elected to Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame 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.. The Twins drafted Morneau. 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. 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. "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. "You just dream for one day in the big leagues. You can go years without seeing each other, but its like we saw each other yesterday. 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. Now forever part of Canadian baseball history. I sent him a congratulations and he sent one back. Wow should I wear my Doumit shirt? Lots of numbers retired up on the wall, lots of National Baseball Hall of Famers," Morneau said. Twins broadcaster Dick Bremer said Morneau will forever embody that era. I think I got the last laugh. 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 But Im thankful for them and where I was born. But Morneau is looking forward to celebrating everyone who helped him to this point, especially the ones most fans don't know. (approx 1 - 2 per week). Of course he did. "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. For his efforts, Morneau was named the Twins team MVP twice (2006, 2008). 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 . 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. 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. And fast-forward another 25 years, he'd be joining the team's Hall of Fame. Anyone can read Conversations, but to contribute, you should be a registered Torstar account holder. Star Newspapers Limited and/or its licensors. 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. By checking this box, I agree to the terms of service and privacy policy of Rogers Media. I've tried to find new challenges, tried to find new things. 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. When I learned of fellow inductees, John Olerud, Duane Ward and Jacques Doucet, I was at a loss for words. You can change your selection at any time. But he attended a Twins game regardless, taking it all in from left field in the Metrodome. Im glad you asked. Select additional sports and leagues youre interested in from the list below. Little did he know that just seven or so years later, he'd be on the field in a Twins uniform. All Morneau on Saturday will be inducted into the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame David Berding / USA TODAY Sports. An overwhelming win from Royce Lewis takes us to the Twins 3rd prospect. Autograph restrictions subject to change. When I heard the news that I would be enshrined in the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame I was honoured, said Morneau. "The Minnesota Twins are thrilled with the election of Justin Morneau . September 21, 2021 / 12:30 PM password. The Twins elected Morneau to the Hall of Fame in January 2020 but postponed his May induction that year because of COVID-19. Justin Morneau Twins Hall of Fame Induction (Saturday, Sept. 25; presented by Sheboygan Sausage Company). 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Justin Morneau set to enter Twins' Hall of Fame: 'It's very special and I know I will.. I faced the Vladdy Daddy and the Vladdy Junior. They said that I invited more former players and the longest guest list theyve ever had for this thing, Morneau said. 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. Morneau will be enjoying the company of his family (five kids,) friends, coaches and mentors Saturday, along with all of Twins territory. Pregame, on television, begins around 5:30. He let his bat do the talking, former Twin Joe Nathan said. Additionally, 2021 marks Morneaus third season as an analyst for select Twins television broadcasts on Bally Sports North. In fact, the Twins success drafting and developing players allowed them to surround Morneau with plenty of other all-stars, overcome their small-market status and contend year-in and year-out. The man who ran the local batting cage and let Morneau hit for free so he could get enough reps. Fellow Canadian Corey Koskie, who put out the welcome mat and showed him the way with Minnesota. 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. There isnt enough recent news in your lineup. 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. 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. He was a teenager growing up in Canada. 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. He was elected to the hall in January 2020, but his planned induction was delayed by COVID-19. In the corresponding move, the Twins plan to activate John Gant (abdominal strain) from the injured list on Saturday. Justin Morneau Joins Twins Hall of Fame - Twins - Twins Daily Back then, the Canadian's dream was to play in the NHL. Five years after Morneau retired and eight . It's almost surreal. Justin Morneau: one of the best to ever wear the Minnesota Twins uniform. 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. 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. He loved both hockey and baseball, but he even skipped a year of baseball when he was 8 years old. Twins fans have been reunited with Morneau now that he has seemingly been the top analyst filling the shoes of Bert Blyleven. After all, hed grown up a Blue Jays fan. 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. Former Twins Justin Morneau, Joe Nathan among those on Hall of Fame Even in retirement, Morneau seems to be following in his footsteps. This is, for me, wow. His 11-year career with the Twins encompassed 221 home runs, 860 RBIs and 289 doubles among 1,318 hits. Justin Morneau Twins Hall of Fame - MLB.com 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. In the end, most of them did, enough that he lost count of how many would be in attendance. rights reserved. Were such a close group, and we can go years without seeing each other but its like we saw each other yesterday. 33 was deemed off-limits. My buddy Joe Nathan agrees. To order copies of 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. " Every year, it seemed like, for a long run of time, six divisions and championships in nine years. And then you get to cap it all off in the end with something like this? Morneaus career will forever be intertwined with Walkers even though the two never played on the same big-league team. Justin Morneau is the lone 2020 inductee for the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame. 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. September 24, 2021 - 10:04 PM. "[He's] a link to what was one of the best periods of baseball Twins fans have ever had," Bremer said. COVID-19 postponed just about everything last year, including former Minnesota Twins' first baseman Justin Morneaus Twins Hall of Fame induction ceremony. But here he is, at age 40, about to experience just that. And then I learned the game the way I believe it should be played.. Justin Morneau to be inducted into Twins Hall of Fame Throughout his career, Morneau also consistently answered the call for the Canadian national team. #MNTwins Hall of Fame: pic.twitter.com/hXl885Bc9d. The Twins drafted Morneau in 1999. This is inside Gate 29. Dont get me wrong, I loved them anyway. Though Ive never really been a fan of team HOFs, I will say this pick is well-deserved. ", Justin Morneau is in good company. Morneau is the 34th player to enter the Twins Hall of Fame. Customize your Sportsnet lineup for the latest news from your favourite leagues and teams. Morneau enters the Twins Hall of Fame on Saturday after a career that was highlighted by winning the 2006 American League Most Valuable Player Award. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. You can change your selections at any time. And I think that guy is an unbelievable person, player, everything.". The New Westminster, B.C., native has also been very active in charitable endeavors. What to know for Saturday; Justin Morneau Twins HOF induction. 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. Morneaus childhood field was named after Walker. He will start Saturday night against the Blue Jays. Odds & lines subject to change. Lots of numbers retired up on the wall, lots of National Baseball Hall of Famers,\" Morneau said. He was elected to the hall in January 2020, but his planned induction was delayed by COVID-19. "But once that's gone, I think what I'm left with is relationships and those guys. "This is a franchise with a long, proud history and great players.