You can tell that I’ve been spending too much time planning travel itineraries for this “all 81” away game trip.  I drove by a nativity scene downtown and realized how thankful I was that I don’t have to worry about a “donkey” column on my navigational spreadsheet.

I had never once thought about what Twins players encountered on their annual pilgrimage across the North American landscape in their efforts to entertain and infuriate me throughout a baseball season until I started trying to plan right along with them.  One of my favorite statistics so far has been the “Distance from Mitchell, SD, to destination” column of the spreadsheet.

“Distance” serves as a tangible metric for determining “cost” and “effort” necessary for seeing all 81 away games in 2023.  So in this season of reflecting on journeys made and sacrifices given to make a season as bright as possible, I thought it would be fun to reflect on the journeys that our favorite squad has made to get to their new home – Target Field. 

I don't know about you, but I’ve spent a decent chunk of time lately getting frustrated with who isn’t on our roster.  I’m growing increasingly tired of that narrative. While it has become apparent that not everyone is willing to join us up here in the cornfields and snow drifts, I think it’s due time to share some thanks to those who have decided to make Target Field their home.  Because upon further review, most of them had to make quite a journey to join us up here.   A few could have walked!  But most are far from home.

What do you notice about the distance between where our current roster started and where they are now?  How does your origin journey compare to those on this list? 

Grace and peace Twins Territory, may hope, love, joy and peace find you in this season, regardless of how many mlbtraderumor reports have Grinched you lately…

Steve