SAINT PAUL, Minn. — A day after winning his first American League MVP award, Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer got his own day.

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman declared Nov. 24, 2009, as Joe Mauer Day in Saint Paul.

Mauer, who grew up in the Saintly City, began his baseball career at one of Saint Paul’s recreation centers, and later became a three-sport prep athlete at Cretin-Derham Hall High School.

“This day honors Joe’s success as a player and a Saint Paul talent,” Mayor Coleman said.

“On city fields, Joe was able to develop his skills to become the best player in the country. His success proves to other children growing up in Saint Paul that, through hard work and determination, children with dreams can live it and reach the top of their game.”

Mauer was a near unanimous choice for Most Valuable Player, receiving 27 of 28 votes. He is only the second catcher in 33 years to be named American League MVP. He also was the second player in nearly 30 years to lead the league in batting average (.365), on-base percentage (.444), and slugging percentage (.587).