Article: MIN 5, CHW 4: You Are Appreciated, Joe Mauer

[Tom Froemming]

Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone? Joni Mitchell sang that in her 1970 song titled Big Yellow Taxi, and too often those words ring true.

 

There’s a vocal sect of Twins Territory that will never appreciate what Joe Mauer has done for the Minnesota Twins, both on and off the field, but the fans who showed up Sunday at Target Field made sure he knew his efforts over the years are appreciated.Snapshot (chart via FanGraphs)

Littell: 52 Game Score, 4.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 70.0% strikes (49 of 70 pitches)

Home Runs: Kepler (20)

Multi-Hit Games: Kepler 2-for-4, 2B

WPA of 0.1 or higher: May .368, Rogers .200, Kepler .189, Forsythe .175, Drake .126

WPA of -0.1 or lower: Belisle -.195, Hildenberger -.302

Download attachment: WinChart930.png

It’s important to note that Joe still hasn’t decided what’s to come in 2019. Some of the speculation as to why Mauer avoided making an announcement earlier was that he wanted to dodge the spotlight. Well, there was no way for Mauer to find shelter from the ovations, applause and appreciation that was showered down upon him Sunday.

 

And you know what the best part was? He seemed to revel in it.

 

Sundays at Target Field are kid’s days, and part of what makes them special is some lucky youngsters get to stand with a player on the field during the pregame ceremonies. Well this time it was Joe’s twin daughters Emily and Maren who met him on the field.

Prior to his first plate appearance, the White Sox faded to the background to allow Mauer to get the spotlight treatment.

Mauer received a standing ovation each time he stepped into the box today, and the stadium erupted when he hit a double in the seventh inning.

Pack it in, there’s no way you can possibly top that, right? Right!? Wait …

If this is it, what a way to go out. Mauer will have a growing family to enjoy and there will surely be plenty of updates to the tributes that adorn Target Field. Mauer’s number will join those that have been retired, there will likely be a Gate 7 established and a statue will be erected of him. A bar named in his honor? Well ... don’t hold your breath on that one.

 

No matter what’s next, Joe Mauer’s legacy is secure. I’m sure he appreciates that his teammates helped end the season with a victory. The Twins closed out 2018 by winning their final six games, giving them a 78-84 record on the season.

 

Postgame With Mauer

Last Three Games

MIN 8, CHW 3: Twins Continue Trend of Finishing Strong

MIN 12, CHW 4: Garver Drives In 6, Mauer Showered With Applause

MIN 2, CHW 1: Berrios Reaches 200 Ks

 

This has been a tough year for Twins Territory. We’ve certainly suffered through worse, but this season’s high hopes were dashed so quickly, and it left a rotten taste in the mouths of much of the fan base, as evidence by the venting that’s gone on at this site this season.

 

I want to thank everyone who’s continued to check out these recaps on a regular basis. No matter how much fan interest seem to dwindle, I always knew there were going to be people looking for a game recap at Twins Daily. Whether you looked to these to keep up to date on the team or just needed a place for some group therapy among fellow fans, thank you for your support. I truly appreciate it.

 

A big thank you and much love also to the moderators. I’ve also, as always, got to thank Seth, John, Nick, Parker and Brock for the opportunity to do my thing here. By green lighting these game recaps last year, you guys basically opened the door for me to be the primary voice on the site in a lot of ways. It’s a privilege and an honor that I don’t take lightly.

 

Alright, it’s time to put these recaps to bed. See you again March 28, 2019 at Target Field. Here’s hoping No. 7 will join us.

 

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[glunn]

Thank you Tom for providing a quality recap for every game. Please enjoy a well-deserved vacation.

[brvama]

I've enjoyed each and every one this season and look forward them in 2019.  I thank you for all time you selflessly give to these for the benefit of the rest of us. 

[ashbury]

I want to thank everyone who’s continued to check out these recaps on a regular basis. No matter how much fan interest seem to dwindle, I always knew there were going to be people looking for a game recap at Twins Daily. Whether you looked to these to keep up to date on the team or just needed a place for some group therapy among fellow fans, thank you for your support. I truly appreciate it.

 

A big thank you and much love also to the moderators. I’ve also, as always, got to thank Seth, John, Nick, Parker and Brock for the opportunity to do my thing here. By green lighting these game recaps last year, you guys basically opened the door for me to be the primary voice on the site in a lot of ways. It’s a privilege and an honor that I don’t take lightly.

Don't retire!

[Danchat]

Thank you Joe, and thank you Tom. Good show, let's get 'em next year.

[Brock Beauchamp]

Having him come out for a single pitch with his catching gear on was... moving.

[Dakota Diver]

Thanks Tom and all the TD people for making this a excellent site to keep up with our favorite team, even with tough times for the Twins, you guys keep writing! We may not have the best team in baseball but we have the best and most informat site! Thanks a lot and keep us fans posted going forward!

[Vanimal46]

Having him come out for a single pitch with his catching gear on was... moving.

Goosebumps...

[carlito_b]

That was awesome. Loved seeing Joe with his catching gear on one last time. Should be a hall of famer. One three batting titles and an mvp behind the plate. I know some people say piazza had better numbers but that was during an era of juiced baseballs and players. He never won an mvp either. If he is in joe should be in joe also was much better defensively. What a way to go out!

[Squirrel]

Goosebumps...

And tears ...

[D. Hocking]

The way those two little girls ran and jumped into his arms makes me think that he will be just fine if he never plays another game.

[twinssporto]

Thanks Tom! Great work this year.

[Vanimal46]

Kudos to you Tom for another great season of game recaps. This season was really tough. Full of frustration, confusion, and periods of hopelessness.

 

It would have been easy to give up doing game recaps when apathy set in. I read your recaps and kept up with the team whether I posted or not. Thank you.

Edited October 1, 2018 by Vanimal46

[DocBauer]

The whole game, and so many moments, made it a special and moving day. And not just for Joe and his family, but for all of us. Personally, I was greatly moved when he came out in catching gear and had to fight my own tears. It was fitting!

 

As was his hustle double to OF.

 

He was an amazing catcher, one of the best I ever saw, and probably the best hitting catcher we've ever seen. And he was always a class act in everything he did, on and off the field.

 

Going to miss him, if this indeed is it. It's going to very strange not seeing #7 on the team, or in the lineup, if he decides it's time. I wish him the very best!

[HrbekRules]

Thanks for the great recaps Tom! And thank you Joe, it was pleasure watching you swing a bat!

[Nine of twelve]

For a few years Mauer was the best baseball player in the world, and that includes Albert Pujols when he was at or near his prime. That, to me, makes him HOF-worthy.

[jimmer]

 

For a few years Mauer was the best baseball player in the world, and that includes Albert Pujols when he was at or near his prime. That, to me, makes him HOF-worthy.

I'm a huge fan of Mauer play, and think for a nine year stretch he was upper-echelon, but Pujols was on another level in his prime.

Edited October 1, 2018 by jimmer

[Platoon]

Thanks Tom for the daily recap. While the Twins made it somewhat difficult to enjoy local baseball for the year, I and many others I am sure, never missed the recaps. Thanks for the season, it was much appreciated. And, if this was the last game for Mauer, well done Joe. There are those who would say that your career was understated. While I am not sure if that is entirely true, there is no doubt that if this was indeed his last game, the retirement celebration was the epitome of understatement. A great fit for a great player. Thanks Joe!

[SF Twins Fan]

What a way to end the season and they couldn't have scripted it any better. His final at bat with a double to left field and coming out to catch in the ninth! It was definitely a little dusty where I was watching. If this was it, what a career and one of my all time favorites!

[Teflon]

Thanks for all the hard work Tom. Your recaps were a great addition to the this site. Hopefully the Twins give you a few more wins to work with next year.

[bradpolian]

Thank you for posting the recaps. Appreciate your dedication...

[Han Joelo]

Thanks Tom, the TD Crew, and to all of the fine readers and posters at TD.  You all, but Joe Mauer the most, give me hope for humanity.

 

Except for a couple of you, of course.  You know your names.

[Nine of twelve]

 

I'm a huge fan of Mauer play, and think for a nine year stretch he was upper-echelon, but Pujols was on another level in his prime.

But Pujols didn't catch. The fact that Mauer was one of the best catchers in the game outweighs any of Pujols' superiority on offense. IMHO, of course.

[John Kelsey]

Man, I don't really ever get emotional over sports but those Mauer clips were hard to get through without tearing up. 

 

He's been such a unfairly vilified figure on the Twins for such a long time, it's been great to see him receive some love this past week. 

[ScooterDance]

Tough year. Good to finish strong. As tough as it’s been it’s crazy to think that we are just three games going our way from finishing .500

[one_eyed_jack]

I mostly lurk on this great site, don't post a whole lot, but I can't not chime in on Mauer.  Great guy, great player.

 

It's a shame that he and Morneau both had their careers so limited by injuries.  In '06 I thought those 2 would be terrorizing opposing pitching for the next decade plus.  

 

I never understood the venomous hatred of Mauer spewed from the darkest corners of the Twins fan base, or why certain members of the local sports media (Barreiro and Souhan in particular) not only felt compelled to pour gasoline on that fire by spreading vicious rumors and bizarre theories about him, but take a certain savage pleasure in doing so.  

 

Who knows, maybe he's not done.  Maybe a few months or even a year from now, he'll decide he's still got some baseball left in him.  

 

But in any case, it was a nice swan song today, and it left me sadder than I thought it would that I'll probably never hear him introduced at Target Field again.

 

 

 

 

[Otwins]

Thanks Tom for the recaps. Love the updates

[howeda7]

Thanks for a great career Joe. It's been fun following you since high school. We'll never see another career quite like it again. 

[tarheeltwinsfan]

Thank you Tom. Great job!

[wsnydes]

Thanks for the recaps, Tom!  Great job as usual.  I may not have had the time to post and check in as frequently as I wanted to the last six weeks or so, but I always managed to check out these recaps.  

 

Perfect send off for Joe.  If anyone at Target Field managed to keep a dry eye until the 9th, I can't imagine that many did when he came out in his catchers gear.  Nobody around me did, and neither did I.  Pretty cool way to walk off the field.  Thanks for the memories, Joe!