To lead off, thank you for reading my very first blog.  

For me, the coming of the Minnesota Twins winter caravan was always a time of sharing and celebration.   Taking my two daughters to meet Twins players and catching up with friends and fellow baseball fans was a great way to warm up during what always seemed to be some of the coldest times of the year.   The picture above is of my oldest daughter during the 2014 winter caravan and even made it into the Twins yearbook that year. 

Following the “kick-in-the-groin” of cutting back to one day of player signings at TwinsFest, I know that I, along with many other fans are, really looking forward to the return of the caravan.    Prior to COVID, the Minnesota Twins have usually had their winter caravan schedule out for some time by now.   Here’s what was announced by the team back on December 1^st.  According to Andrew Halverson, the Director of Broadcast for the Minnesota Twins…

”The goal will be to connect with Twins fans in person but also look for opportunities to give back as well.  We are partnering with the Twins Community Fund to help us create those charitable events and contributions.  As a result, we will be re-wording the Twins Caravan to the “Twins CARE-avan.”

I read this to mean perhaps fewer stop-and-run free community visits, and more buy a ticket, get a quick meal, to help raise money for a local organization, type of events.   No big deal, many of their winter caravan events have been like this in the past, and I’ve been more than happy to buy a ticket to help support a local cause and get some autographs from my favorite team.  

Today is January 8, and there has not been a formal announcement by the Minnesota Twins with their winter caravan schedule for 2023.     So I starting doing some searching online, and I’ve found a few crumbs of a caravan schedule through their radio affiliates.  Here’s what I’ve found with links to more information.

January 23, Monday, in St. Paul, MN.  

St, Paul area Twins Caravan Event:  
St. Paul Baseball Old Timers Hot Stove League Banquet
Southview Country Club: 239 Mendota Road East, West St. Paul, MN 55118
Batting Practice (social hour): 5:30 pm
Game Time (steak dinner & program): 7:00 pm
Q & A Session, Door Prize Drawing, Silent Auction, and more!

Personalities include: Dan Gladden, Louie Varland, Kris Attebery (emcee), Dave St. Peter, Thad Levine, Jerry Bell, Jim Rantz, Derek Sharrer (St. Paul Saints AAA), John Anderson (MN Gophers)

Further Info / Tickets:  http://tricitybaseball.org/oldtimers.htm
(Tickets must be purchased by 10 pm Sunday, Jan. 15th)

January 24, Tuesday, in St. Cloud, MN, at Rivers Edge Convention Center. UPDATE Doors open at 5:30 pm with program beginning at 7:00 pm.  Players expected (subject to change , of course), Jose’ Miranda, Nick Gordon, coach Tommy Watkins, and broadcasters Kris Atteberry and Dan Gladden.  See the link for more information.          https://wjon.com/twins-winter-caravan-stopping-in-st-cloud-in-2-weeks/

January 25, Wednesday, in Fargo, ND, at the Sanctuary Events Center (from KFGO.)  Doors open at 5:00 pm with program starting at 6:00 pm.  Tickets are $10.00.  You receive a ballpark meal…again likely a hotdog, chips, and pop.  Players expected (subject to change , of course), Jose’ Miranda, Nick Gordon, coach Tommy Watkins, and broadcasters Kris Atteberry and Dan Gladden.  See the link for more information.

https://kfgo.com/twins-winter-caravan/#:~:text=The%20Minnesota%20Twins%20are%20coming,meal%20thanks%20to%20Country%20Hearth.

January 25, Wednesday, in Mankato, MN, at Kato Ballroom (from KTOE - just added from comment below.)  Hours are 6:30 - 9:00 with guests Ryan Jeffers, Justin Morneau, Dick Bremer, Tony Oliva, and Caleb Thielbar expected to attend.  See this link for more information.

http://thefanmankato.com/event/twins-winter-caravan-2/  

January 29, Sunday, Treasure Island Resort and Casino, Welch, MN (by Red Wing.)    This date has not yet been confirmed, by my source at our local Minnesota Twins affiliate (KWNG) says it is the date being considered at this time.   I will post an update with time and players when this information is confirmed.

January 30, Monday, at Whistle Binkies on the Lake in Rochester, MN (KROC.)  Time from 6:30 - 8:00 pm.  Guest include Louie Varland, LaTroy Hawkins, Cory Provus, Rocco Baldelli, and David Popkins.

Here a link with details and ticket info.  https://kroc.com/mn-twins-caravan-rochester-mn/

UPDATE - January 12 - The Minnesota Twins finally release their Winter Caravan schedule for 2023.  Here's the link.

https://www.mlb.com/twins/community/winter-caravan