Photo from StarTribune

KARE11 -Rick Reilly holds ‘Homecoming’ for Joe Mauer

ST. PAUL — ESPN writer Rick Reilly was in the Twin Cities Wednesday evening to film an episode of “Homecoming” with St. Paul’s own Joe Mauer.

Thousands of people packed into Cretin-Derham High School gymnasium to honor the Twins’ All-Star catcher.

“You come to a place like this … this is going to be our largest crowd because he’s such a hometown guy,” said Anne Powell, a “Homecoming” producer for ESPN.

“Homecoming” is the hour-long series on ESPN in which Reilly travels back with athletes to their hometowns for a visit and conversation.

If you would like to meet Mauer and other Twins. The annual public relations event, Twinsfest, will be at the Metrodome this weekend.

(Copyright 2010 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)

Startribune -ESPN program brings Mauer back to roots at Cretin

By JOE CHRISTENSEN, Star Tribune
Last update: January 28, 2010 – 12:23 AM

Joe Mauer is going national. Right before St. Paul’s eyes.

About 4,000 people packed the Cretin-Derham Hall gymnasium Wednesday for the taping of ESPN’s “Homecoming” series with host Rick Reilly.

Mauer wore a light purple sweater over a collared shirt and seemed to enjoy the whole experience, as Reilly went through his life story, needling him along the way.

Mauer’s family was there, as was his agent, Ron Shapiro, and several Twins employees, including General Manager Bill Smith. Alas, there was no announcement of a new long-term contract extension for Mauer, who can become a free agent this fall.

Late in the 2 1/2-hour program, Reilly asked Mauer what was more important, winning or staying close to home?

“To tell you the truth, I really haven’t thought a whole lot about it,” Mauer said. “I’m just preparing for next season.”

Then he referred back to the question — winning or staying close to home?

“Why not have both?” he said, to loud cheers.

Mauer’s star remains on the rise, coming off his third American League batting title and first MVP season. This week, he graces the cover of ESPN the Magazine, which named him “America’s Fan-Friendliest Athlete.”

The story’s author, Ryan Hockensmith, wrote hand-written letters to 479 athletes across sports, using the pen name Joe Phan, then highlighted the responses he received.

Mauer sent him a postcard with a long response, describing his summer.

“Are you kidding me?” Hockensmith writes. “Birthday cards from my mom aren’t that thoughtful. He found time during a pennant race to write this kind of note to an anonymous guy … from New York?”

Hockensmith contacted Mauer, who explained how he is able to personally respond to almost every piece of fan mail he receives — with the help of his mother, Teresa.

Other athletes who have been featured in the “Homecoming” series include former San Francisco 49ers receiver Jerry Rice, swimmer Michael Phelps and Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade.

Mauer’s program is scheduled to run the second week of April. Reilly spent two days with Mauer, and a large crew from ESPN turned Cretin’s gym into a TV studio.

Mauer and Reilly sat on white chairs on a black round stage near the free-throw line, and the floor was lined with chairs. About 40 busloads of people arrived from cars parked at the State Fairgrounds.

Reilly introduced Mauer as “one of the most popular Minnesotans since Paul Bunyan.”

One highlight came when Reilly introduced Mauer’s grandfather, Jake Mauer, who went off script, regaling the crowd with stories and praise for his grandson.

“If Conan had you, he’d still be on the air,” Reilly said.