2018 Twins Highlights: Mauer Milestones and More

The latest in the season the Twins held a record over .500 was April 21 when they were 8-7. Being basically a non-factor for so much of the summer put a strain on a fan base hungry for a contender. While the team never really found its footing, Mauer provided some nice alternate story lines to follow in his race to the top of several lists.

A lot of the season’s brightest moments were provided courtesy of No. 7, but there was a time earlier in the season when I wasn’t convinced Mauer was ever going to play again. Joe made a few dives in the field on May 11, one of them particularly jarring, but passed concussion tests after that game. A little over a week later, he was experiencing balance issues and light sensitivity.

Mauer was placed on the disabled list May 19 with what the team described as a cervical strain and concussion-like symptoms. The team made it sound like it was a precautionary move, but brain injuries are so mysterious and elusive. Even the team didn’t have a solid grasp on why the symptoms were ongoing.

With his history of concussions, expiring contract and a growing family, I thought there was a chance that was the last we were going to see Joe in uniform. Looking from the outside in, it was easy to see plenty of reasons why he might just hang ‘em up right there and then.

Thankfully, the issues subsided and Mauer was able to return to the Twins June 15. It took him some time to get back up to speed, but he went on to hit .298/.342/.411 (.753) over his final 78 games of the season. He capped it all off by hitting .379/.455/.488 (.903) over an emotional final home stand in which Twins Territory made sure it’s homegrown star knew he was appreciated.

Here’s a quick look back at some of the milestone moments and big hits Mauer provided in 2018:

Oh man, it just got really dusty in here. What? I’m not crying, you’re crying.

This feels like a great moment to drop in a joke to lighten the mood, but unfortunately I’m fresh out. Instead, here’s a collection of light-hearted moments from the 2018 season guaranteed to put a smile on your face:

More 2018 Highlights

Walk-Off Wins

Super Rosario and La Tortuga

Top Pitching Performances

Longest Home Runs