Justin Ernest George Morneau (born May 15, 1981) is a Canadian former professional baseball first baseman. Justin Morneau played 14 seasons in the major leagues, including 11 with the Twins from 2003-13. But Morneau is looking forward to celebrating everyone who helped him to this point, especially the ones most fans don't know. And, of course, a special place in the ceremony was reserved for Joe Mauer, the other half of the "M&M Boys," who introduced Morneau to begin the hour-long ceremony, which featured a video of Morneau's Twins highlights, a message from the Canadian ambassador to the United States and even a recorded video from fellow Canadian and Hall of Famer Larry Walker. On that day, Justin Morneau will be inducted as the 34th member of the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame in a pre-game ceremony.It was just a matter of time, really, as Morneau had an impressive career . Though Ive never really been a fan of team HOFs, I will say this pick is well-deserved. Twenty-five years later, Morneau is about to enter the franchise's Hall of Fame after a 14-year big-league career that included 11 seasons with the Twins. An error has occurred while trying to update your details. Enter your email below and we'll send you another email. Two guys from B.C., who both dreamt of playing in the NHL, permanently enshrined by their organizations on the same day. Justins ceremony will be right before the 6:10 p.m. first pitch. I enjoy the moment.. He stayed at the University of Minnesota and, with his time off, he attended a Twins game at the Metrodome, sitting in left field. A pure hitter in every form, just like Walker was across 17 seasons for the Montreal Expos, Colorado Rockies and St. Louis Cardinals. I guess a lot more people are more bored than that. Born in New Westminster, B.C., in 1981, Justin Morneau honed his skills with the North Delta Blue Jays of the B.C. presentation-ready copies of Toronto Star content for distribution " We had a lot of conversations together. To see your localized preferences, please enable geolocation services in your browser settings. He stayed at the University of Minnesota and, with his time off, he attended a Twins game at the Metrodome . The Twins elected Morneau to the Hall of Fame in January 2020 but postponed his May induction that year because of COVID-19. He finished his Twins career hitting .278 (1,318-for-4,749) with 289 doubles, 16 triples, 221 home runs, 860 RBI, 669 runs scored and 501 walks in 1,278 games. We all have so much respect for each other. According to Stubhub tickets start at $6. It was funny because he said a lot of the things that I was planning on saying. He also spent time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Colorado Rockies and Chicago White Sox. Morneau will officially be inducted into the Twins Hall of Fame in an on-field ceremony prior to the Twins' home game against the White Sox on May 23. One of the more pointed tributes came when Morneau shouted out Hall of Famer Ferguson Jenkins for paving the way for all Canadians. Former Minnesota Twins star Justin Morneau will be inducted into the team's Hall of Fame Saturday ahead of a game against the Toronto Blue Jays. "I mean, you think of the teams we put on the field," Morneau said. Saturday, Morneau will be. Current first baseman Miguel Sano recalls many moments with Morneau in Fort Myers, Fla., for spring training since Sano signed with the Twins in 2009. Heres the list: Harmon Killebrew, Rod Carew, Tony Oliva, Kent Hrbek, Kirby Puckett, Calvin Griffith, Herb Carneal, Jim Kaat, Bert Blyleven, Tom Kelly, Bob Allison, Bob Casey, Earl Battey, Frank Viola, Carl Pohlad, Zoilo Versalles, Gary Gaetti, Jim Rantz, Rick Aguilera, Brad Radke, George Brophy, Greg Gagne, Jim Perry, Camilo Pascual, Eddie Guardado, Tom Mee, John Gordon, Torii Hunter, Michael Cuddyer, Andy MacPhail, Johan Santana, Jerry Bell, Joe Nathan and now Justin Morneau. On the crying or not crying poll, I say he will cry. Minnesota Twins News / Twinkie. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. You may have created an account with another Rogers Media MINNEAPOLIS -- The first time Justin Morneau ever visited Minneapolis, he was a 14- or 15-year-old kid about to play in a hockey tournament. He was an American League MVP (2006), a two-time Silver Slugger Award winner (2006 and 2008) and a four-time All-Star (2007-10). account that can be used to sign in here. Hes excited for his five kids, especially the younger ones who dont remember his playing days, to have a chance to see him on the field again. At least, in spirit. Twins Hall of Fame Breakfast presented by Coordinated Business Systems is happening on Saturday, August 20! Throughout his career, Morneau also consistently answered the call for the Canadian national team. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. You never dream for a moment like this, Morneau told the assembled media. I am looking forward to being in St. Marys this summer to celebrate with my fellow inductees in person. So many people that helped you get there.". MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Minnesota Twins fan favorite will be inducted into the team's Hall of Fame this weekend. And then I learned the game the way I believe it should be played.. Your existing password has not been changed. Even in retirement, Morneau seems to be following in his footsteps. It brings out nerves and an uncomfortable feeling that you have never felt for sure, Joe Nathan said about the speech he had to give, and Justin will give Saturday. First 10,000 fans will get a Justin Morneau bobblehead. He saw his father for the first time in nearly two years on Friday, enjoying a golf outing with him. Hockey is the No. "The Minnesota Twins are thrilled with the election of Justin Morneau to the Twins Hall of Fame," said Twins president Dave St. Peter in a statement. A four-time all-star in Minnesota, Morneau won the 2006 MVP and helped the Twins reach the playoffs five times during his tenure. The Twins were really, really good for a long time, and he was a big, big part of it.". "I figured about half the people would say yes and show up. It's almost surreal. It's almost surreal.". After being drafted as a catcher in the third round of the 1999 MLB Draft, Morneau converted to first base and anchored the position for 11 seasons in Minnesota, appearing in the second-most games there in club history behind only Kent Hrbek.\n\nAs is always the case for these Hall of Fame inductions, Morneau and the Twins put out a call, far and wide, for those of personal and professional significance to Morneau throughout his baseball journey, from high school coaches to the man who owned the batting cage where Morneau used to take swings, letting the future slugger hit for free. Fittingly, just as the ceremony was about to wrap up, Walker appeared on the video board with a message referencing the bat he gave Morneau. As for Morneau himself, he didn't have too far to go to join all those former teammates. 2): Off the rails, On the Relationship of Pitch Tempo and Defense. And I think that guy is an unbelievable person, player, everything.". I get to talk about baseball now. I faced the Vladdy Daddy and the Vladdy Junior. After being drafted as a catcher in the third round of the 1999 MLB Draft, Morneau converted to first base and anchored the position for 11 seasons in Minnesota, appearing in the second-most games there in club history behind only Kent Hrbek. He let his bat do the talking, former Twin Joe Nathan said. His rankings on the #MNTwins all-time list: 1,278 games (9th)1,318 hits (8th) 221 home runs (3rd) 860 RBI (6th)289 doubles (6th) pic.twitter.com/JUjfZ6yH3B. A four-time all-star in Minnesota,. {* backButton *} All rights reserved.Privacy PolicyAd ChoicesTerms of Service. The Twins will induct the former first baseman Saturday before their game against Toronto at Target Field. You think about the list of the greatest Twins in history and its very special and humbling.. By checking this box, I agree to the terms of service and privacy policy of Rogers Media. "You just dream for one day in the big leagues. Now, he'll forever be immortalized as part of that franchise's history -- not that his time as a Twin is close to being over. ** First pitch is set for 6:40 p.m. on Thursday, September 23; 7:10 p.m. on Friday, September 24; 6:10 p.m. on Saturday, September 25 and 1:10 p.m. on Sunday, September 26. In all, Morneau played in parts of 14 big league seasons and he ranks in the top five among Canadian major leaguers in many all-time offensive statistical categories, including third in RBIs (985), third in hits (1,603), doubles (349) and total bases (2,739) and fourth in home runs (247). "You always make me feel happy to be a Minnesota Twin." Former Toronto Blue Jays first baseman John Olerud and 2006 AL MVP Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins headline the four-man class that will be inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame . After Saturdays ceremony in Denver, itll never be used again. Odds & lines subject to change. It starts with little things like that and then it kind of all adds up, and you realize that it gets passed along.". His 11-year career with the Twins encompassed 221 home runs, 860 RBIs and 289 doubles among 1,318 hits. He was named to four American League All-Star teams, won two Silver Slugger Awards and won the AL MVP Award in 2006. Lots of National Baseball Hall of Famers, so to be in a Hall of Fame with Rod Carew, Bert Blyleven, Harmon Killebrew and Kirby Puckett? In recent years, Morneau has served as a part-time analyst on Twins broadcasts for Fox Sports North and as an analyst on the Sportsnet Central panel for the networks World Series coverage. Morneau ranks second in Twins history in games played at first base (1,124) and ranks third in home runs, sixth in RBIs and eighth in hits and walks. We invite you to a special breakfast celebrating the induction of Ron Gardenhire, Dan Gladden, and Csar Tovar into the Twins Hall of Fame. MINNEAPOLIS -- The first time Justin Morneau saw the Minnesota Twins, he still thought he was going to play hockey. The Twins drafted Morneau in 1999. MINNEAPOLIS -- Growing up on the western coast of Canada, Justin Morneau was, of course, coaxed towards the national winter sport of hockey. When I learned of fellow inductees, John Olerud, Duane Ward and Jacques Doucet, I was at a loss for words. You look at Torii (Hunter) and (Joe) Mauer and Johan Santana and one of the best closers in the history of the game in Joe Nathan and you think about the teams we put on the field, Im just lucky I came along at the right time, Morneau said. Its a special group.". My buddy Joe Nathan agrees. Justin Morneau is the lone 2020 inductee for the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame. Twenty-five years later, Morneau is about to enter the franchises Hall of Fame after a 14-year big-league career that included 11 seasons with the Twins. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. The New Westminster, B.C., native has also been very active in charitable endeavors. To be honest, I never thought he would be the guy filling in up here. Next, select your favourite teams and leagues and well show you their latest news and scores in the My Favourites section of the home page. "To come through and be drafted by this organization -- I remember the day I came and hit was about a week after the Draft, and Corey Koskie kind of took me under his wing. And then you get to cap it all off in the end with something like this. ". Now forever part of Canadian baseball history. He was a teenager growing up in Canada. To be in a Hall of Fame that includes Rod Carew and Bert Blyleven, Harmon Killebrew, Kirby Puckett if you go down the list of the greatest Twins in history, to be amongst them is a very special, humbling honor.. We use cookies to improve your experience. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). Morneaus childhood field was named after Walker. 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Justin Morneau Twins Hall of Fame Induction (Saturday, Sept. 25; presented by Sheboygan Sausage Company). Morneau, who was inducted officially into the Twins' Hall of Fame in September, was the American League Most Valuable Player in 2006, a four-time All-Star and a two-time Silver Slugger. Vlad Jr. is 2 for 5 against Pineda with a home run, as well as a walk. Of course he did. I took some batting practice in the Metrodome. The man who ran the local batting cage and let Morneau hit for free so he could get enough reps. Use another Justin Morneau ready for Twins Hall of Fame induction Sunlight falls on former Minnesota Twins' Justin Morneau as he arrives at Target Field to announce his retirement as a Twins player. The former Twins closer said he likes Justins style in the press box. The tight bonds between that group -- the shared experiences that keep them all coming back, year after year, for each of these ceremonies -- are one of the most important hallmarks of this franchise and what Morneau hoped to highlight most as he teared up while going down a lengthy list of thanks for everyone from Tom Kelly to the late Wayne "Big Fella" Hattaway to the clubhouse personnel to Corey Koskie. All net proceeds from this event will benefit the Twins Community Fund. In fact, Morneau began his stint with the Twins a year after they made it to the ALCS against the Angels. Back then, the Canadian's dream was to play in the NHL. Morneau still makes his home in the Twin Cities and remains a visible figure in the organization as a special assistant to baseball operations and a color analyst for the club's television broadcasts on FOX Sports North, a role in which he should take a more prominent position this season. Monday Morning Minnesota: Further Spring Jokes Edition, Twins open Spring Training by splitting a pair of, well, split-squad games. "I wasn't good enough to make the section team, let alone the provincial team or the national team," Morneau said. Could he have made a career out of that? Justin Morneau, who won American League MVP with the team in 2006, will be inducted at a ceremony before Saturday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. It hasnt been worn again since. When it started, I probably wouldn't have said that. I guess a lot more people are bored than I thought, Morneau said. "I was just thankful that I got drafted by the Minnesota Twins and that I was able to grow up in this organization, because I spent some time in other organizations, and I always say that I'm thankful that I was a Minnesota Twin," Morneau said. The Twins elected Morneau to the Hall of Fame in January 2020 but postponed his May induction that year because of COVID-19. Its unfortunate that our thing is happening on the same day, but its also pretty cool.. And he proved plenty good enough at that throughout a 14-year Major League career that he earned the honor of becoming the 34th member of the Twins Hall of Fame, as announced by the club on Friday. password. This is, for me, wow. He's a person who taught me how to play first base, and we've been having a good relationship. Hope to see you at the game! Lots of numbers retired up on the wall. To order copies of The mission of the Twins Community Fund is to enrich local and regional communities by providing resources for the healthy development of children and families through an association with baseball, softball, and the Minnesota Twins. Bremer said Morneau brings that insider look to broadcasts, translating his deep knowledge of the game to viewers and sharing with them parts they wouldn't otherwise see. "[He's] a link to what was one of the best periods of baseball Twins fans have ever had," Bremer said. Items will NOT be supplied from the Twins for autographs. You can change your selection at any time. COVID-19 postponed just about everything last year, including former Minnesota Twins' first baseman Justin Morneau's Twins Hall of Fame induction ceremony. He was elected to the hall in January 2020, but his planned induction was delayed by COVID-19. 1 spot, lacrosse is the No. Wow should I wear my Doumit shirt? Morneau has also supported the United Heroes League, an organization that provides sports equipment and registration fees for children in military families. Morneau will be enjoying the company of his family (five kids,) friends, coaches and mentors Saturday, along with all of Twins territory. To order Confirming what we already knew, that he made a lot Canadians proud, himself included. Walker might have helped with inspiration, but hes not the reason Morneau turned into such a success. I've tried to find new challenges, tried to find new things. I really didnt know a whole lot about it, but I got down (to spring training in Fort Myers) and start to learn the history. The 71-member committee annually considers player personnel for induction into the Twins Hall of Fame; however, with Morneaus planned induction date of May 23, 2020 postponed to September 2021 due to COVID-19, there was not an election process this past offseason. But Im thankful for them and where I was born. Twins Hall of Fame Breakfast presented by Coordinated Business Systems is happening on Saturday, August 20! What to know for Saturday; Justin Morneau Twins HOF induction. 2000-2020 Rogers Media. "When we land here at the airport, I come here and it feels like home," he added. Is that really true? I dont know how he held it together, but he was really good, Morneau said of Walkers speech. 1 of 4 Every year, the Minnesota Twins elect a class to the Twins Hall of Fame, from the first year they started the process in 2000 up until the present. Full speech: Justin Morneau inducted into Twins Hall of Fame 5,632 views Sep 25, 2021 99 Dislike Share Save Bally Sports North 19.4K subscribers The 34th member of the Twins Hall of. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Colorado Rockies, and Chicago White Sox. Nathan got his moment of Twins HOF glory back in 2019. "But then I realized that I could make a visit to the children's hospital and put a smile on a kid's face when they're going through a tough time. Membership is permanently displayed in the Hall of Fame Gallery on the Target Field Suite Level, as well as on Target Plaza and in the Minor League Clubhouse at the CenturyLink Sports Complex in Fort Myers, Fla. A full listing of Twins Hall of Fame inductees follows: Name, Pos./Role (Year Inducted) Name, Pos./Role (Year Inducted), Harmon Killebrew, first baseman (2000) Jim Rantz, pitcher & front office (2007), Tony Oliva, outfielder (2000) Rick Aguilera, right-handed pitcher (2008), Rod Carew, second baseman (2000) Brad Radke, right-handed pitcher (2009), Kent Hrbek, first baseman (2000) George Brophy, front office (2009), Kirby Puckett, outfielder (2000) Greg Gagne, shortstop (2010), Calvin Griffith, president & principal owner (2000) Jim Perry, right-handed pitcher (2011), Herb Carneal, radio broadcaster (2001) Camilo Pascual, right-handed pitcher (2012), Jim Kaat, left-handed pitcher (2001) Eddie Guardado, left-handed pitcher (2013), Bert Blyleven, right-handed pitcher (2002) Tom Mee, media relations (2013), Tom Kelly, manager (2002) John Gordon, radio broadcaster (2016), Bob Allison, outfielder (2003) Torii Hunter, outfielder (2016), Bob Casey, public address announcer (2003) Andy MacPhail, general manager (2017), Earl Battey, catcher (2004) Michael Cuddyer, outfielder (2017), Carl R. Pohlad, owner (2005) Johan Santana, left-handed pitcher (2018), Frank Viola, left-handed pitcher (2005) Joe Nathan, right-handed pitcher (2019), Zoilo Versalles, shortstop (2006) Jerry Bell, team president (2019), Gary Gaetti, third baseman (2007) Justin Morneau, first baseman (2021*), *Morneau was elected in 2020; however, his induction was postponed to 2021 due to COVID-19.