The Minnesota Twins are only a “small ball” team?  I think not.   The Twins demonstrated they have two of the greatest power hitters in the big leagues yesterday in competitions held as part of the All-Star Game festivities.  First, Twins mascot T.C. became for four-time mascot home run hitting champion by launching massive blasts into unsuspecting fans wandering about at FanFest.   Thusly inspired by his furry teammate, Justin Morneau then became the Home Run Derby champion before a capacity crowd at Yankee Stadium and millions watching on television.  

It was a glorious evening in the Bronx for the Home Run Derby.    The event is a very popular part of the All-Star Game festivities – perhaps even more so than the game itself.   And the show put on by Josh Hamilton in the first round was, quite frankly, awe inspiring.  His home runs had the hang time of a Michael Jordan jump shot and some went so high I thought they might bounce off the Goodyear Blimp that floated overhead.   Each blast seemed to go higher and farther than the last.  Those of us who watch Justin Morneau play every day know he’s a tremendous player too often underappreciated on the national scene.   It’s too bad that his Derby win has been so overshadowed by Hamilton.   Justin’s never going to be the most popular guy in Yankee Stadium because he beat out Derek Jeter for the MVP Award in 2006.  But he’s one of the best in the game and he made Minnesota proud on Monday night. 

Over a million fans are expected to line 6th Avenue in Manhattan this afternoon for the All-Star Red Carpet Parade featuring the All-Star players and Hall of Famers.  I’m going to try to be one of them.   If I can survive Times Square on a Saturday night I should be able to weasel my way into a spot along the route.  Then it’s off to the All-Star Preview Party on Randall Island before heading back to the stadium for tonight’s contest.   My pick for the MVP?  Somebody wearing a Twins jersey with the initials “J.M.”

Here is the transcript from tonight’s post-Home Run Derby press conference…

Home Run Derby Press Conference.pdf

Justin Morneau and hitting coach Joe Vavra

CONGRATULATIONS, JUSTIN MORNEAU!!!

Even after Josh Hamilton hit 28 home runs in the first two rounds to Justin’s 17, Justin beat out Hamilton in the final round of the Home Run Derby hitting five home runs with Josh hitting three.

Here is a picture of teammate Joe Mauer congratulating him!

Here’s one with Justin and Erin Andrews…

Check presentation to the Boys & Girls Club on behalf of Justin Morneau…

 interview with Justin…

 photo opp and check presentation…

Not a bad second round for Justin Morneau – currently in second behind Josh Hamilton who hit an amazing 28 homeruns in the first round. But Justin still has a chance to make it to the finals.

Here is a picture of him right after his second round performance (oh and that’s Erin Andrews from ESPN next to him). Ryan Braun is up next followed by Josh Hamilton!

- mh

Tied with Lance Berkman with one player to go in the first round (Josh Hamilton), here is a picture of Joe Mauer and Joe Vavra in the dugout.

- mh

With the Home Run Derby about to begin in a few minutes after the “pregame”, I just asked Joe Vavra and Justin Morneau what their strategy was going to be… Vavra said execute the pitch… Morneau said hit it over the fence!

-MH