Article: Game Thread: Twins @ Angels, 6/13 @ 9:05pm CT

[Riverbrian]

Max Kepler hit his first major league home run yesterday and in walk off style! A game-winner provided by someone that we hope and pray develops into a player that can help turn this franchise around eventually. It was a moment that may have prompted a phone call home… one of those “Guess what I did today?!?!” type calls, and those are the best calls to make back home. For Max Kepler… calling home is calling Germany.

A little moment of joy for all of us starving for little moments of joy this season. As if Max said… “Over??? Nothing is over until we say it is!”

 

In tribute… here some German things to think about:

 

1. Oktoberfest – This Bavarian celebration attended by millions annually is actually held in September. I assume it’s because Germans are basically impatient and just can’t wait until it's actually October, and they won’t change the name to Septemberfest because September doesn’t have that hard German “ach” sound that they are so fond of. You know… that “Ach” or “Ich” sound that makes Germans sound like they are always angry. You really don’t need an excuse to drink beer but if you want it in mass quantities and you want your Lowenbrau presented to you by pretty ladies wearing a dirndl… well... then you gotta wait for a celebration such as this. The beginning of Oktoberfest has been traced to a royal wedding held in 1810, so it is really a big wedding reception that hasn’t stopped; and this means that the DJ spinning “99 Luft Balloons” and “Rock You Like a Hurricane” while being paid by the hour… now has a net worth of $899 billion.

 

 

2. Einstein – Born in Germany… he was pretty smart guy. E=mc² exists because of him. Energy equals Mass times the speed of light squared is perhaps the world’s most famous equation and it came from his genius mind after watching Herschel Walker at the University of Georgia. Later on… Einstein began exhaustive work with the principles of gravity after watching Herschel Walker with the Minnesota Vikings. His General Theory of Relativity is a pillar of modern physics and if it wasn’t for Einstein… my wife would have been the one to publish it. She never studied Einstein at all but she came up with the same conclusion on her own after she watched one of my dropped peanut M&M’s roll around a large circular dent in the couch cushion I was sitting on.

 

 

3. Ninety-Five Thesis – The Lutheran Church began in Wittenberg Germany. Martin Luther started the Protestant Reformation because he had specific points of contention with the teachings of Catholicism… 95 of them to be exact. Things like kneeling for long periods of time… there would be no more of that. No more confessions because Martin realized that people were just making stuff up anyway and keeping the juicy details to themselves. And… only Lutheran catchers needed to do the sign of the cross and only when calling out defensive plays with runners on third.

 

 

4. Ludwig Van Beethoven – Throughout his adult life… this German composer steadily lost his hearing until he was totally deaf in his 40’s. No one knew how he could compose so beautifully despite not being able to hear what he had written. In fact, perhaps his grandest work, his 9th Symphony, was composed when he was completely and totally deaf. The truth is that he never knew how to write music and he had simply taken up doodling. While some of us will doodle heavy line rectangles, block letters or hearts with arrows through them, Beethoven liked to draw ovals... sometimes filled in… sometimes not filled… sometimes with little flags on them... sometimes with no flags... and he put them all on a field of 5 horizontal lines. Bach and Brahms felt this was disingenuous and they asked Ludwig many times to stop doodling out of respect for the craft. Beethoven replied “WHAT?” while cupping his hand to his ear and continued to doodle his way in history.

 

 

5. The Autobahn – The highway system in Germany has no federally mandated speed limit and is one of two places where automobile speeds are allowed to surpass 100 miles per hour. The other place is the avenue that goes right by my house. Speeds are similar but cars that pass by my house by state law must blast rap music at over 200 decibels while the bass rattles the windows between the hours of 1AM and 5AM.

____________________

 

Lineups:

 

TWINS

Eduardo Nunez® SS

Robbie Grossman(S) LF

Joe Mauer(L) 1B

Trevor Plouffe® 3B

Brian Dozier® 2B

Byung-ho Park® DH

Max Kepler(L) RF

Kurt Suzuki® C

Byron Buxton® CF

 

Ricky Nolasco [R] P

 

ANGELS

Yunel Escobar® 3B

Kole Calhoun(L) RF

Mike Trout® DH

Albert Pujols® 1B

Johnny Giavotella® 2B

Todd Cunningham(S) LF

Gregorio Petit® SS

Carlos Perez® C

Shane Robinson® CF

 

Jered Weaver [R] P

 

Game-time forecast: Clear, sunny (until 8:03pm local time), 68 deg F, 2% chance of precipitation, winds from the WSW at 10mph.

 

Go Twins!

 

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[Blake]

From Beethoven to rap...Brahms is spinning in his grave.

[Craig Arko]

As you might guess these were my favorite places in Germany:

 

http://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/museums/deutsches-museum.html

 

http://www.mastersportal.eu/universities/554/georg-august-universitat-gottingen.html

 

At some point I'd like to visit Berlin, birthplace of Max Kepler.

[gocgo]

In honor of the walk off by Kepler, I propose we all hoist a cold Shoffenhofer beer!

[Mike Sixel]

 

In honor of the walk off by Kepler, I propose we all hoist a cold Shoffenhofer beer!

 

Interestingly (to me), when we moved, we found old coasters from my trip to Europe some 30 years ago.....(who knew I collected them, I didn't).

 

I've been grabbing a coaster at most breweries we visit the last couple years, but I didn't remember those old ones. My wife decided to put them on the wall of one of our rooms as a decoration. There was actually a 30 year old one from Shoffenhofer. 

 

edit: man, I took what could have been a nice story, and made it boring......work. sigh.

Edited June 13, 2016 by Mike Sixel

[Blake]

 

Interestingly (to me), when we moved, we found old coasters from my trip to Europe some 30 years ago.....(who knew I collected them, I didn't).

 

I've been grabbing a coaster at most breweries we visit the last couple years, but I didn't remember those old ones. My wife decided to put them on the wall of one of our rooms as a decoration. There was actually a 30 year old one from Shoffenhofer. 

 

edit: man, I took what could have been a nice story, and made it boring......work. sigh.

You're too hard on yourself. Plus, too much detail might get a raised eyebrow at home.

[blindeke]

I was surprised in the post-game interview that Kepler had almost no discernable German accent. He sounded downright Minnesotan.

[zenser]

I just hope whoever plays 3B for the Twins wears a cup.  Juan Uribe took one "down there" off of Trout and it looked painful.  http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/16156929/cleveland-indians-3b-juan-uribe-carted-testicular-contusion

 

[David HK]

Ja wohl, you betcha.

 

Ach, just doesn't have the same ring.

[Squirrel]

True story. I was in München during Oktoberfest several years ago. I wasn't there for Oktoberfest but for work and had about 2 hours of free time in total to ... see the city ... so I didn't go. It wasn't exactly close to where I staying or working and is just large and crowded. So, instead, I walked over to the Hofbräuhaus, another Munich institution for a beer and whatever. I don't regret not actually going to Oktoberfest as it truly is just one, large beer garden.

 

Another true story. Another work trip took me to Berlin. We had a day off so some friends/colleagues of mine and I rented a car (a Mercedes, of course, 6-speed manual, don't remember what series) and drove to Dresden. I was behind the wheel driving, on the autobahn, when one of my friends said, "Let's see how fast this will go." He wanted to take a picture of the speedometer, which we switched to mph for this 'experiment,' to send to his brother who was a State Tropper in California. So as I'm gaining speed, he says, "Just push the pedal to the floor," so I did. We topped off at 131mph. There were some cars on the road ahead and they were just coming up too quickly so I slowed down. But because I was only going 85-90mph I need to get out of the left lane. Checked in my rearview mirror, all clear, put my signal on and started to switch lanes when "ZOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!" A car that wasn't there two seconds ago, sped past me on the right. That was it for me. When we get to an Italian themed thread I'll tell you about driving in Italy.

[Squirrel]

 

I just hope whoever plays 3B for the Twins wears a cup.  Juan Uribe took one "down there" off of Trout and it looked painful.  http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/16156929/cleveland-indians-3b-juan-uribe-carted-testicular-contusion

He probably WAS wearing a cup. It just wasn't enough on something hit that hard coming straight at him.

[wsnydes]

 

I just hope whoever plays 3B for the Twins wears a cup.  Juan Uribe took one "down there" off of Trout and it looked painful.  http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/16156929/cleveland-indians-3b-juan-uribe-carted-testicular-contusion

For the life of me, I don't understand why I willingly clicked and watched that link.

[Squirrel]

 

For the life of me, I don't understand why I willingly clicked and watched that link.

What do you do for that ... a lot of ice?

[wsnydes]

 

What do you do for that ... a lot of ice?

To stay more topical, beer.  Lots of beer.

[Craig Arko]

To stay more topical, beer.  Lots of beer.

And maybe a lot of rolling around in agony.

[wsnydes]

 

And maybe a lot of rolling around in agony.

Hopefully the stein has a well sealed lid.  Can't be spilling the pain concealer.  

[Squirrel]

 

And maybe a lot of rolling around in agony.

Heh ... reminds me of a Reggie Jackson story. Don't remember when it was, but it was against the Twins; and I don't remember if he was trying to steal or was just running to second for a double, or what. But what I do remember was him reaching 2nd after sliding head first and after the play rolling over in fetal position holding his 'man parts,' rocking back and forth. He must've clipped the bag somehow, but something got him 'there.' Reggie being Reggie, so beloved as he was, many in the stands were laughing.

[Vanimal46]

 

True story. I was in München during Oktoberfest several years ago. I wasn't there for Oktoberfest but for work and had about 2 hours of free time in total to ... see the city ... so I didn't go. It wasn't exactly close to where I staying or working and is just large and crowded. So, instead, I walked over to the Hofbräuhaus, another Munich institution for a beer and whatever. I don't regret not actually going to Oktoberfest as it truly is just one, large beer garden.

 

Another true story. Another work trip took me to Berlin. We had a day off so some friends/colleagues of mine and I rented a car (a Mercedes, of course, 6-speed manual, don't remember what series) and drove to Dresden. I was behind the wheel driving, on the autobahn, when one of my friends said, "Let's see how fast this will go." He wanted to take a picture of the speedometer, which we switched to mph for this 'experiment,' to send to his brother who was a State Tropper in California. So as I'm gaining speed, he says, "Just push the pedal to the floor," so I did. We topped off at 131mph. There were some cars on the road ahead and they were just coming up too quickly so I slowed down. But because I was only going 85-90mph I need to get out of the left lane. Checked in my rearview mirror, all clear, put my signal on and started to switch lanes when "ZOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!" A car that wasn't there two seconds ago, sped past me on the right. That was it for me. When we get to an Italian themed thread I'll tell you about driving in Italy.

My adrenaline would be through the roof driving on the autobahn. I'm pretty sure I would also be terrified of changing lanes or making any sudden movements traveling at 131 MPH. 

[sampleSizeOfOne]

From Beethoven to rap...Brahms is spinning in his grave.

I did not know Brahms was a DJ.

 

Learn something new every day, i guess.

[wsnydes]

 

I did not know Brahms was a DJ.

Learn something new every day, i guess.

I urge you to check out his latest album featuring MC Handel.

[Blake]

 

For the life of me, I don't understand why I willingly clicked and watched that link.

Because "Idiocracy" is actually a documentary?

[glunn]

I will be at the game tonight.  My flip phone is not capable of accessing TD but I will wave to all of you.

[Platoon]

True story. One late September Sunday morning at 10 am stopped on the bikes at Dels Bar in downtown LaCrosse. What attracted us might have been the guy that drove his Sporster in the front door as we drove by. Nothing ventured nothing gained. Ran into a bunch of Iowegians who were partying at Oct Fest, which was news to us, since it wasn't Oct. when I confronted a young woman about this discrepancy, and the fact that the Vaunted Germans in New Ulm did Oct Fest in October, she first informed me that Oct Fest is to prepare and celebrate the COMING of Oct, and that MN Germans were some of the more ignorant Germans around. I pondered that awhile, and decided it was much too early in the day to argue the subjective intelligence of Iowa v MN Germans, especially since I was distracted by a couple of the more comely Iowans trying on free Dels t-shirts in the middle of the bar. Oddly the free T-shirt offer was only extended to them? But since no one else seemed upset by it, I let well enough alone!

[Platoon]

What do you do for that ... a lot of ice?

Bags of frozen peas are good?

[James]

 

True story. I was in München during Oktoberfest several years ago. I wasn't there for Oktoberfest but for work and had about 2 hours of free time in total to ... see the city ... so I didn't go. It wasn't exactly close to where I staying or working and is just large and crowded. So, instead, I walked over to the Hofbräuhaus, another Munich institution for a beer and whatever. I don't regret not actually going to Oktoberfest as it truly is just one, large beer garden.

 

Another true story. Another work trip took me to Berlin. We had a day off so some friends/colleagues of mine and I rented a car (a Mercedes, of course, 6-speed manual, don't remember what series) and drove to Dresden. I was behind the wheel driving, on the autobahn, when one of my friends said, "Let's see how fast this will go." He wanted to take a picture of the speedometer, which we switched to mph for this 'experiment,' to send to his brother who was a State Tropper in California. So as I'm gaining speed, he says, "Just push the pedal to the floor," so I did. We topped off at 131mph. There were some cars on the road ahead and they were just coming up too quickly so I slowed down. But because I was only going 85-90mph I need to get out of the left lane. Checked in my rearview mirror, all clear, put my signal on and started to switch lanes when "ZOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!" A car that wasn't there two seconds ago, sped past me on the right. That was it for me. When we get to an Italian themed thread I'll tell you about driving in Italy.

Driving on the Autobahn is quite the experience.  I got to do that a few years ago, but it in an Opal Astra... I didn't get the speedometer to go quite as high as you.  It was still fun though.

 

My first experience on the Autobahn was when I was 16.  I was an exchange student and had been the country for about 45 minutes before I was picked up by my friend and his father.  We hopped in his BMW (5 series, I believe) and before I knew it, we were going 215kph (133.5 mph).  They continued to have a calm conversation in the front as I held on for dear life.  Willkommen in Deutschland!

[Pardon My Dinger]

 

I will be at the game tonight.  My flip phone is not capable of accessing TD but I will wave to all of you.

Before you go giving the boat wave to everyone all night, know that it might look... a little strange. 

[Platoon]

True story. I was in München during Oktoberfest several years ago. I wasn't there for Oktoberfest but for work and had about 2 hours of free time in total to ... see the city ... so I didn't go. It wasn't exactly close to where I staying or working and is just large and crowded. So, instead, I walked over to the Hofbräuhaus, another Munich institution for a beer and whatever. I don't regret not actually going to Oktoberfest as it truly is just one, large beer garden.

 

Another true story. Another work trip took me to Berlin. We had a day off so some friends/colleagues of mine and I rented a car (a Mercedes, of course, 6-speed manual, don't remember what series) and drove to Dresden. I was behind the wheel driving, on the autobahn, when one of my friends said, "Let's see how fast this will go." He wanted to take a picture of the speedometer, which we switched to mph for this 'experiment,' to send to his brother who was a State Tropper in California. So as I'm gaining speed, he says, "Just push the pedal to the floor," so I did. We topped off at 131mph. There were some cars on the road ahead and they were just coming up too quickly so I slowed down. But because I was only going 85-90mph I need to get out of the left lane. Checked in my rearview mirror, all clear, put my signal on and started to switch lanes when "ZOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!" A car that wasn't there two seconds ago, sped past me on the right. That was it for me. When we get to an Italian themed thread I'll tell you about driving in Italy.

A doctor .friend of mine had a sporty Bently. He brought it too a wedding in Hutchinson, and we took it out on a county road. I quit at 125, not because I was afraid, you couldn't even feel the speed. I started thinking of the ticket. Months later he got nailed on 494 over 130 and they impounded the car and suspended his license. Ugh!l

[James]

 

5. The Autobahn – The highway system in Germany has no federally mandated speed limit and is one of two places where automobile speeds are allowed to surpass 100 miles per hour. The other place is the avenue that goes right by my house. Speeds are similar but cars that pass by my house by state law must blast rap music at over 200 decibels while the bass rattles the windows between the hours of 1AM and 5AM.

I can't even say the word Autobahn without thinking of the band Kraftwerk.  Also a product of Germany.

 

Edited June 13, 2016 by James

[Vanimal46]

 

I will be at the game tonight.  My flip phone is not capable of accessing TD but I will wave to all of you.

May I offer a suggestion so we can all recognize you at the game?

Go ahead and have Mrs. Glunn paint Glunn - Head Moderator on your chest, then dance like this guy.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSfadN29kP8

Edited June 13, 2016 by Vanimal46

[Craig Arko]

I can't even say the word Autobahn without thinking of the band Kraftwerk.  Also a product of Germany.