A look at the Minnesota Twins Home Opener \u2013 And, at the end of the post, some unique events from the first week of the MLB season.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/p>\n “There is NOTHING like baseball\u2019s Opening Day. The day drips with symbolism and elicits emotions across our community, our region, and our nation. Every opener should\u00a0 be a day game. Every kid should have the opportunity to attend. In my view this, is a national holiday.”<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Dave St. Peter, Minnesota Twins President<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Here in Minnesota we take a more active approach to winter, but from what I saw on the faces of fans heading for Target Field yesterday, Minnesotans have been eagerly anticipating the return of baseball, their Twins and spring.<\/p>\n Now, BBRT will not ignore the elephant in the room \u2013 the Twins’ seventh straight loss to open the season, a not very well-played game and a disappointing outcome for players and fans. This post, however, is more about the opening of a new season and the joy (and optimism) that surrounds the return of baseball each spring.<\/p>\n I\u2019ll also take a look at a few events of Week One (and a day) of the 2016 MLB season that caught my attention.\u00a0 Here\u2019s a teaser of the kinds of observations you can expect.<\/p>\n The San Diego Padres started out the season by being shutout in their first three games (MLB record), including the most lopsided Opening Day shutout ever \u2013 a 15-0 loss to the Dodgers.\u00a0 Conversely, the Dodgers tied a record, throwing three consecutive shutouts to open the season (full story, click here<\/a><\/span>.<\/span>)\u00a0 That caught BBRT\u2019s attention, and I was further intrigued by the fact that after scoring zero runs in their first three games, the Padres turned around and scored 29 in their next two (16-6 and 16-3 wins over the Rockies).<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Now to the Twins’ home opener.<\/p>\n PRE-GAME<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Home Opener festivities started at 6:00 a.m.\u00a0 Yes, for those of you from other MLB cities, we \u201copen\u201d pretty much everything we do early here in the Minnesota.\u00a0 Yesterday, between 6:00 and 9:00 a.m., approximately 1,200 fans made their way to the Target Field (by car, light rail, bus, bicycle and even on foot) to enjoy a complimentary baseball breakfast of brats, hot dogs and coffee \u2013 and perhaps share a high-five Twins\u2019 mascot TC Bear.<\/p>\n Twins Fans Elizabeth Wallace and Paul Christensen from Edina showed true Minnesota spirit – enjoying cold pre-game beverages “al fresco,” despite chilly temps and a brisk breeze.<\/p><\/div>\n As game time grew closer, downtown Minneapolis parking lots, local eating and drinking establishments and the Target Field Plaza began to fill \u2013 despite a crisp 40-degree day (29-degree wind chill) \u2013 with fans wearing a variety of Twins\u2019 gear, as well as an eclectic array of gloves, mittens, bomber hats, ear muffs and hoodies.<\/p>\n By noon the heart of Twins Territory was once again beating in downtown Minneapolis \u2013 as was the booming base of DJ Mad Mardigan, who was spinning lots of upbeat tunes for the large, festive crowd that had already gathered in the Target Field Plaza – \u00a0in anticipation of the 1:00 p.m. gate opening (3:10 game time). Plaza concession stands were open and doing an ironically (given the weather) \u201cbrisk\u201d business and, as is always the case, there were plenty of fans taking photos with the statues outside the ballpark (Harmon Killebrew seemed the most popular), as well as sitting in the giant-sized baseball glove near Gate 34.<\/p>\n At one p.m., another Target Field tradition was honored as the ball park gates were opened to fans (and a new season of baseball) by a host of Twins\u2019 legends, including Bert Blyleven<\/strong>, Tony Oliva<\/strong>, Kent Hrbek<\/strong>, Tom Kelly<\/strong>, Jack Morris<\/strong>, Dan Gladden<\/strong>, Rod Carew<\/strong>, and Catherine<\/strong> and Kirby Jr.<\/strong> representing the Puckett<\/strong> family.\u00a0 Once fan got through the gates and past the bag check and \u00a0metal detectors, each was handed a free Twins hooded sweatshirt \u2013 a truly Minnesota-focused promotion that many fans immediately put to good use. \u00a0For a look at BBRT\u2019s post on 2016 Twins\u2019 promotional items, click here.<\/a><\/p>\n “Cluck and Moo” Bloody Mary.<\/p><\/div>\n Once inside the ball park, early arrivals made their way to locations like Hrbek\u2019s, Barrio, The Town Ball Tavern and Two Gingers Pub. At Hrbek\u2019s (near Gate 14), the Prime Rib Sliders were popular and it seemed everyone with a smart phone wanted to take a selfie with the new Buffalo Chicken Wing or \u201cCluck and Moo\u201d Bloody Mary\u2019s. (Try to imagine a large Bloody Mary topped with a Bacon Cheeseburger on a stick and a chicken wing apparently trying to escape the glass.) One of the more popular early gathering spots was the new Minnie and Paul\u2019s pub in center field \u2013 featuring food offerings from Pizza Luce and Red Cow, as well as plenty of beverage options.<\/p>\n The fact is, the Twins have done a great job of making a food and beverage experience<\/em> part of the fans\u2019 baseball experience<\/em>.\u00a0 I highly suggest you go to the game hungry. \u00a0Note:\u00a0 BBRT would recommend the Chicken Tikka from Hot Indian Foods, washed down with a Mango Lassi (non-alcoholic) or Longfellow Lemonade (adult beverage).<\/em> For a look at some of the new foods and beverages for 2016, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n The new Minnie and Paul’s pub and The Catch in center field were popular – and in the sun for the whole game.<\/p><\/div>\n After a bit of grazing, I made my way to my seat \u2013 Section 123, Row 20 Seat Five. Nice lower deck, not too far beyond third base. Other than the chilly breeze (“icy-cold wind” if you prefer), there was plenty of sun and a bright blue sky with just a few start white clouds.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n We enjoyed the usual Opener activities (and a few unusual ones). Just a few highlights:<\/p>\n MISCELLANY<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Before we get into the game, a few other observations from 2016\u2019s Game One at Target Field:<\/p>\n THE GAME<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Okay, let\u2019s be honest.\u00a0 It was not a good game for the home squad \u2013 a seventh straight loss (the worst start in the team\u2019s Minnesota<\/em> history). On the offensive side of the ball, we saw the Twins go zero-for-six hitting with runners in scoring position, botch a bunt (resulting in a double play) and deliver some questionably conservative base running (at least in the fans\u2019 eyes). On the defensive side, a wild pitch, a hit batsman, five walks, an error, and two unearned runs. Then, of course, there was the sunny \u2013 but chilly and windy afternoon. The fans\u2019 frustration emerged with a scattering of un-Minnesota-like boos and a considerable number of empty seats by the eighth inning. The end result was a 4-1 loss to the visiting White Sox. (There, I told your I wouldn\u2019t ignore the elephant in the room – but I am personally giving the Twins a mulligan on this one.)<\/p>\n THERE\u2019S A LONG WAY TO GO<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Needless to say, I have been reading and hearing a lot of post-game doom and gloom.\u00a0 Let me just say, it is a long season.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday\u2019s success or put its failures behind and start over again. That\u2019s the way life is, with a new game every day, and that\u2019s the way baseball is.”<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Halll of Fame Pitcher Bob Feller<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Stats folks have been quick to point out that of the thirty-eight teams that started an MLB season 0-7, only two were able to regroup and finish above .500; that the Twins have scored only 13 runs in seven games and are hitting an MLB-low \u00a0.091\u00a0 with runner in scoring position; and that Twins’ hitters \u00a0and have more strikeouts than hits and walks.\u00a0 (Then again, the Twins had only one win after seven contests last season and finished in second place at 83-79.)\u00a0<\/em> Yes, it\u2019s a depressing way to start the season \u2013 but there are 155 games to go. \u00a0Oh, and for those who wonder about such things, the worst start to a season in history belongs to the 1988 Orioles, who lost their first 21 games.<\/p>\n Cold Starts Can Be Overcome<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n In 1991, The Twins \u2013 coming off a last-place finish in a seven-team division \u2013 got off to a slow start.\u00a0 As of April 20, they had a 2-9 record (worst in MLB), were 5 \u00bd games out of first, were riding a seven-game losing streak and had been outscored by 21 runs on the season. By season\u2019s end the Twins had won 95 games \u2013 and had become the first MLB team to go from last place one season to World Series Champions the next.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n What of 2016? \u00a0Well, it\u2019s time for the Twins to dig deep and put a few wins on the board.<\/p>\n “One of the beautiful things about baseball is that every once\u00a0 in a while you come into a situation where you want to, and where you have to, reach down and prove something.”<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n So, it’s time for the Twins to go out and prove something.<\/p>\n With that, let\u2019s look at a few unique happenings\u00a0 from the 2016 season\u2019s first week.<\/p>\n A FEW OPENING WEEK OBSERVATION<\/strong>S<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n On April 8, the Cardinals used three pinch hitters against the Braves and set an MLB record by launching three pinch-hit home runs in a single game (several teams shared the previous record at two). It started with one out in the top of the seventh and the Redbirds trailing the Braves 4-3. Jeremy Hazelbaker<\/strong> pinch-hit for pitcher Jaime Garcia and tied the game on a home run to right-center off Matt Wisler. In the top of the eighth, Aledmys Diaz<\/strong> pinch hit for 1B Matt Adams to lead off the inning \u2013 and gave the Cardinals the lead (5-4) on a home run to left off Eric O\u2019Flaherty. Then, with one out in the top of the ninth, Greg Garcia<\/strong> pinch-hit for pitcher Kevin Siegrist and homered to right off John Gant.\u00a0 The final?\u00a0 Cardinals 7 \u2013 Braves 4.\u00a0 How likely was this combination? Garcia had two career MLB home runs coming into the game; Hazelkbaker had one; and Diaz had zero.<\/p>\n The Tigers opened the 2016 season on April 5 in Miami. That meant playing by National League rules, putting designated hitter Victor Martinez<\/strong> in an uncomfortable spot \u2013 on the bench. That didn\u2019t stop Martinez was putting himself on the AL home run leader board.\u00a0 According to the Tigers, Martinez became the first player to go deep as pinch-hitter in the first two games of the season (for at least as far back as the research goes \u2013 1914).<\/p>\n Martinez\u2019 Opening Day homer came in the top of the ninth, a solo shot to center (pinch-hitting for pitcher Mark Lowe) that gave Detroit a 7-4 lead.\u00a0 It turned out to be meaningful blast, as the Marlins tied it at seven in the bottom of the inning. (The Tigers went on to win 8-7 in 11 innings).<\/p>\n The next day, Martinez was called upon to pinch hit for pitcher Justin Wilson with one on and two out in the top of the eighth (Tigers leading 5-2). This time he delivered a two-run shot to left-center.\u00a0 (Detroit won the contest 7-3).<\/p>\n Colorado SS Trevor Story<\/strong> staked his claim as a Rookie of the year candidate right out of the gate. On Opening Day (April 4). The rookie went two -for-six, with two home runs and four RBI \u2013 becoming the first rookie to homer twice while making his debt on Opening Day. The very next day, he went one-for-four \u2013 with a solo home run. Then on April 6, he added a fourth home run \u2013 a two-run shot in the first inning. After an off\u00a0 day, he continued his power surge on April 8, being two more round trippers. \u00a0At week\u2019s end (end of play Sunday), Story had played in six games, held a .357 average, with seven home runs and 12 RBI. \u00a0For more on some of the records Story set or tied and a look at four other players who homered in the first four games of a season, click here.<\/a><\/p>\n On April 9, Giants fans settled in for an epic pitching duel \u2013 as San Francisco\u2019s Madison Bumgarner faced off against the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw.\u00a0 They got the expected mound battle, as the Giants loss to the Dodgers 3-2 in ten innings; with the two starters going a combined 14 innings, giving up three runs and fanning 13. What caught BBRT\u2019s eye was Bumgarner\u2019s\u00a0 home run off Kershaw in the second inning.\u00a0 It was Madbum\u2019s second career homer off the Dodgers’ ace \u2013 making him one of only 15 players to take Kershaw deep twice.\u00a0 It was also Bumgarner\u2019s twelfth career homer \u2013 tying him with Yovani Gallardo for the most among active pitchers.<\/p>\n On April 10, last year\u2019s NL Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta, not only earned his second win of the week (Cubs 7 \u2013 D-backs 3), but also hit a 440-foot, two-run home run to left center \u2013 the culmination of an eight-pitch at bat against Shelby Miller.<\/p>\n Only a week into the season and the new infield slide rule has already had a significant impact on the outcome of two MLB games \u2013 prompting early calls for its adjustment.<\/p>\n A Final Thought on Opening Day<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n On Opening Day, the sun seems a little brighter, the sky a little bluer, the grass a deeper shade of green. Once the game begins, the ball hops off the bat with an especially sharp crack, the pitches seem to have more zip and whir-r-r than ever and the fielders move with a unique combination of grace and energy.\u00a0 In the stands, the beer is crisp and cold and the hot dogs steam in the cool of early spring.\u00a0 The fans cheer on their old and new heroes and follow this opening contest with pennant race intensity \u2013 the most intense among them logging each play in the new season\u2019s first scorecard.\u00a0\u00a0 Baseball Is Back!<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Member: \u00a0Society for American Baseball Research; The Baseball Reliquary; Baseball Bloggers Alliance.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A look at the Minnesota Twins Home Opener \u2013 And, at the end of the post, some unique events from the first week of the MLB season. “There is NOTHING like baseball\u2019s Opening Day. The day drips with symbolism and elicits emotions across our community, our region, and our nation. Every opener should\u00a0 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5078,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[11,9],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n![\"od2016\"](\"https:\/\/baseballroundtable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/od2016-300x241.jpg\")
The first game of a new season (whether it\u2019s part of MLB\u2019s Opening Day or your team\u2019s Home Opener) does indeed elicit strong emotions.\u00a0 That may be especially true here in Minnesota, where the return of baseball is one of the most valued rewards for surviving the frigid winter.\u00a0 Hall of Fame second baseman Rogers Hornsby<\/strong> once said, \u201cPeople ask me what I do in winter when there is no baseball.\u00a0 I\u2019ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n![\"Twins](\"https:\/\/baseballroundtable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/odloon-300x225.jpg\")
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Then came what would prove to be the emotional highlight of the day – the ceremonial first pitch. Twins\u2019 hero, Hall of Famer and seven-time batting champ Rod Carew<\/strong> \u2013 who suffered a near fatal heart attack in September\u00a0 \u2013 received a long and warm standing ovation as he made his way to the infield to do the honors. The ovation continued as another Twins\u2019 legend, three-time batting champion and former Carew roommate Tony Oliva<\/strong> delivered the ball to \u201cSir Rodney.\u201d \u00a0Catching the pitch was another three-time batting title winner, Twins\u2019 1B Joe Mauer.\u00a0 It was genuinely a feel-good moment \u2013 not indicative of what was to come once the pitching began in earnest.<\/p>\n\n
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I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT<\/h3>\n