I loved Tovar, he brought so much to the game, he was a talented Arraez in his time.  So versatile and dependable.  I would have my second vote for Roy Smalley.  He has become an integral part of Twins lore and a great spokesman for the team.  What is interesting to me is whether the Twins will continue to do this every year or is there a cutoff where no one is truly deserving of the honor?

5 hours ago, mikelink45 said:

I loved Tovar, he brought so much to the game, he was a talented Arraez in his time.  So versatile and dependable.  I would have my second vote for Roy Smalley.  He has become an integral part of Twins lore and a great spokesman for the team.  What is interesting to me is whether the Twins will continue to do this every year or is there a cutoff where no one is truly deserving of the honor?

THIS is why the Twins were once so darn good:
By Larry Schwartz

May 18, 1969

Minnesota Twins second baseman Rod Carew is more than a terrific hitter as he shows today when he goes wild on the bases. After drawing a walk from Detroit's Mickey Lolich in the third inning, Carew and Cesar Tovar, who is on second base, pull off a double steal.

Then Tovar steals home, while Carew remains on second. But he doesn't remain there long, and he steals third, easily beating catcher Bill Freehan's throw. Then for the fourth time this season, Carew steals home.

The Twins now have several base stealing threats but the manager is like a dud firecracker all fizz, no pop.

That Manager was Billy Martin, who gave the Twins baserunner's like Tovar and Carew the Green Light to work their magic.

1 hour ago, TopGunn#22 said:

That Manager was Billy Martin, who gave the Twins baserunner's like Tovar and Carew the Green Light to work their magic.

Martin was amazing - he did great for a short time everyplace he went - of course the players were burnt out when he left, but they had wonderful years until then.   19 years and 48 ejections.  The Twins won 97 games in his one year. 

Cesar Tovar was absolutely magnificent-a Tasmanian devil-type energy was what he brought to the game every day, and his BBREF black ink for about six years running jumps off the page. Pat Reusse is right, it’s ridiculous he’s not already on The Wall. He’s long since passed away, and thus is not present in any way post-career to make an impression upon people born after his playing days ended, a la Kitty or TonyO.

Of course I agree on Tovar!  But I’d certainly consider Smalley, as well.  For quite  awhile he was the best player on the team.  And then he had that reprise with the team for the 1987 championship that counts for something in the sentiment department.

On 12/15/2021 at 7:50 AM, mikelink45 said:

I loved Tovar, he brought so much to the game, he was a talented Arraez in his time.  So versatile and dependable.  I would have my second vote for Roy Smalley.  He has become an integral part of Twins lore and a great spokesman for the team.  What is interesting to me is whether the Twins will continue to do this every year or is there a cutoff where no one is truly deserving of the honor?

23 hours ago, Longdistancetwins said:

Of course I agree on Tovar!  But I’d certainly consider Smalley, as well.  For quite  awhile he was the best player on the team.  And then he had that reprise with the team for the 1987 championship that counts for something in the sentiment department.

Just as an addendum, I love Roy Smalley! His season where he hit 24 HR and 95 RBIs was really special - a few more like that and it’s a no brainer. I wanted to vote for him. I love his analysis with Dick Bremer and think he has brilliant baseball mind. His broadcasts are like a clinic to me. I’ve even had Twitter contact with him and he’s very nice. I love the fact that Gene Mauch, brilliant tactician, is his uncle. IN short, I’m a huge Roy Smalley fan!  And very proud that he was a Twin. Maybe I should reconsider and add him!

What about Al Worthington . He came from Washington when they moved here and became the Twins. at the Time they didn't have Saves. But he came into a lot of games and Saved the day. for him to be over looked is a Disgrace. Lyman Bostock wasn't here very long before going to Boston. they should be pushing for him. and Jim Mudcap Grant is a Travesty.

On 12/22/2021 at 12:12 AM, C_frommn said:

What about Al Worthington . He came from Washington when they moved here and became the Twins. at the Time they didn't have Saves. But he came into a lot of games and Saved the day. for him to be over looked is a Disgrace. Lyman Bostock wasn't here very long before going to Boston. they should be pushing for him. and Jim Mudcap Grant is a Travesty.

Bostock signed a free agent contract with the California Angels, regrettably.