Thread: All Time Mr. Twin?

Over at SB Nation's Baseball Nation blog, Rob Neyer asks the question today, who is the player you associate with each franchise? For the Twins, he says...

Mr. Minnesota, of course, would be Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew, who traveled with the franchise from Washington, D.C. to Minneapolis (well, actually Bloomington) and wound up hitting 475 home runs while a Twin. It's true that Killebrew already has a nickname, but "Killer" never really seemed to fit such a sweet man.

Now, clearly you can't go horribly wrong with Killebrew. He had probably the greatest individual career in franchise history and set the power standard that all other Twins' hitters have and continue to chase. He also stayed involved with the team as an ambassador and was absolutely recognizable to fans like me who were born too late to watch him play.

The only other option, in my opinion, would be Kirby Puckett, of course. Winning two world series, the second in epic fashion, he was the face of the Twins basically since day-one of his career. Despite an injury shortened career, he was the most beloved Minnesota athlete of his time, possibly all time.

I certainly have more fond memories of Puckett, but that's because I didn't get to watch Killebrew play, unfortunately. I think they are both deserving, and and there's probably no wrong answer here. Do you feel strongly about one or the other? Or someone else?

All time, probably Puckett. I could see Mauer towards the end of his career if he continues to play at an HOF level.

I named my son Harmon. 'Nuf said.

Kirby. 2 World Series. 'nough said.

For me, its Kirby Puckett and its not close.
But, I'm only 30 years old.
From everything I've heard about Killabrew I can easily see how it would be him for the older Twins fans.

I think a case could be made for Joe Mauer being Mr. Twin right now. Obviously he has the physical skills needed but he also has all the intangibles that embody what the Minnesota Twins try to portray themselves as. You name a Twins cliche and Mauer fits the mold. Do things "the right way". Check. Pitch to contact? Sure seems like he leads the charge on the field. All American, wholesome image? Yup. Great hair...whoops wrong brand, but I think you get the picture. It also helps that he is the hometown hero and the face of the franchise (and will be for many more years barring injury). Every way I can think of, except for a World Championship, he fits the idea of Mr. Twin.

Remembered them both and loved 'em both, but it was Kirby who was the catalyst for two amazing World Series championships, and Kirby who really changed the way Twins fans related to the team.

Originally Posted by Oxtung

I think a case could be made for Joe Mauer being Mr. Twin right now. Obviously he has the physical skills needed but he also has all the intangibles that embody what the Minnesota Twins try to portray themselves as. You name a Twins cliche and Mauer fits the mold. Do things "the right way". Check. Pitch to contact? Sure seems like he leads the charge on the field. All American, wholesome image? Yup. Great hair...whoops wrong brand, but I think you get the picture. It also helps that he is the hometown hero and the face of the franchise (and will be for many more years barring injury). Every way I can think of, except for a World Championship, he fits the idea of Mr. Twin.

No way. Mauer will have to wait until those of us that watched Kirby have grown old and a new crowd of fans grow up.
Kirby was pretty much universally loved around here (at least DURING his playing career).
As great as Joe is, the same cannot be said for him. There is a divide among those who love him and those who rip him. He's not universally loved like Kirby is, and Kirby's postseason heroics are a huge factor. Its going to be tough for Mauer to top that, regardless of what he does in the regular season.

Note: I'm not saying its Joe's fault they havent had postseason success, just saying it is what it is.

Joe Mauer is Mr. Twin because he fits exactly what the Twins want their brand to be. He is quiet, keeps his head down and goes to work every day. He leads by example, and has committed to being a Twin for a long time. Not only that, but he is quintessentially Minnesotan. He is polite, close to his family, married a girl he went to high school with. He's got a cabin up north and likes his mom. Heck, she actually answers all his fan mail for him.

Has to be Kirby. I love Killer, but Kirby was the absolute face of not just the Twins, but baseball at times in his career. Baseball's first $3M man, and he played for Minnesota, go figure. On top of that, you put together the most iconic moments in Twins history, and Kirby's all over them. Killer's easily the best player that ever played for the team, but Kirby's the face.

Originally Posted by mudcat14

I named my son Harmon. 'Nuf said.

I didn't post this with the intention of suggesting anyone that opts for Kirby, Mauer, Oliva, Hrbek, Carew or someone else was wrong. I merely meant that for myself, Harmon was the reason I became a Twins fan and have remained loyal for nearly 50 years. I loved Kirby as well, but the'Killer' will always be #1 in my book.

Did Kirby Puckett even have a relationship with the organization when he died?

Originally Posted by Pius Jefferson

Did Kirby Puckett even have a relationship with the organization when he died?

I think after all the court cases he basically withdrew from everybody and holed up in Arizona until he died

Why does there have to be just one? Killebrew, Puckett, Mauer ... three different generations, three different Mr. Twins.

You guys have all missed the obvious answer...Nick Punto!

Seriously I'd have to go with Harmon. He's done so much for the organization besides just play baseball.

No doubt the three mentioned cover the three main eras of Twins (post-Senators) history, and are true faces of the Twins.

But I can also think of a couple of other faces that span all three eras quite nicely: Tony O. and Bert.

Without question, Harmon. It's too bad the younger posters couldn't see him play. Kirby is a few steps behind, but I understand the younger one's choice there.

If one takes into mind the off field character of these two, Harmon would be miles ahead of Kirby, as would some other players. I've seen Kirby make many peoples day thru the years, and the most somber day at spring training was the day he was, and did die. But he had another side too.

Harmon Killebrew. I'm astounded anyone would posit another answer. I must admit, though, that my beautiful golden retriever is named Kirby.

I understand there being a generational divide on this question, but for me it is Killebrew and not even close to a contest. Without Killebrew and Oliva, the Twins may have been calling another city home by the time Puckett arrived. Killebrew was the Minnesota Twins. He made the franchise relevant. He also had few peers when it came to epitomizing class and character on and off the field, while continuing to step up and give back to the Twins and baseball fans almost literally up until the day he passed.

Originally Posted by ChiTownTwinsFan

Why does there have to be just one? Killebrew, Puckett, Mauer ... three different generations, three different Mr. Twins.

Nice diplomatic take! Since I'm an old guy and got to see him play, I got to give it to Killebrew, if I have to pick one.