“Joe Mauer makes an impact on Twins history (BostonHerald)” and other articles
Joe Mauer makes an impact on Twins history
BostonHerald.com
So are the Twins. Mauer lined out in his first at-bat, then doubled, singled and doubled to carry his hometown team on a day that felt like a big party.
“I’ve been waiting a long time for this,” Mauer said. “It was tough for me. I tried to stay on an even keel and remind myself that we do have a ballgame to play. It’s tough to describe to my teammates, because I know the people in Minnesota have been waiting for this day a long time.”
Twins’ Jason Kubel caps memorable day at Target Field with first home run
TwinCities.com
Perhaps no Twin appreciates all of that more than Mauer, who didn’t attend an outdoor major league baseball game until he played in one for the Twins.
“It’s tough to describe to my teammates because I know people here have been waiting a long time for this. It’s definitely a special place, and I’m glad it’s here,” Mauer said. “It was tough for me. I tried to stay on an even keel and remind myself that we do have a ballgame to play, and we’re trying to win that ballgame.
“I was glad we got the ‘W’ and we have a day off tomorrow so we can sit back and realize what happened today.”
Live from Target Field: Puckett, good weather, hometown umps and Wally the Beer Man
Twincities.com
Opening Day is like no other in baseball, a springtime ritual when anything seems possible — such as the Minnesota Twins playing their first outdoor home game in 29 years.
So it was when the gates at Target Field simultaneously were unlocked at noon Monday, christening a new era of baseball for the defending American League Central Division champions and another gathering place for Minnesotans to call their own.
Here is a moment-by-moment snapshot of the first official day at Target Field: