Article: Mauer's Farewell Letter To Fans

[Seth Stohs]

Late Friday afternoon, rumors began to trickle in that Joe Mauer had made his decision on retirement. Soon after, the Star Tribune announced that Joe Mauer was indeed retiring. He has taken out a full page ad in the newspaper on Sunday.

 

The Twins later shared a letter that Joe Mauer had written to fans which explained his decision to retire, the timing and some of the reasons. Injuries and family were the reasons for this retirement at 35 years old.A foul tip off of the bat of the Mets Ike Davis in a game that was made up on what should have been an off day hit Joe Mauer's face mask and altered the trajectory of his career. In a letter to fans, Mauer said that it changed him professionally and personally.

 

When Mauer dove into foul territory in an attempt to catch a pop up earlier this season, another concussion cost him over 30 games. It was at that point really where Mauer started to know what would happen following the season as his historic Twins contract came to an end.

 

Joe Mauer wrote an emotional, heartfelt letter to fans. In it, he discussed why he needed to take this month after the season to feel at peace with his decision. He also opened up about the reason for his decision to retire, family. Mauer is the father of twin girls, and his wife Maddie is soon to have the couple's third child. They factored into this decision.

Here is the full transcript of Mauer's Letter to Fans.

 

 

Dear Twins Territory,

After much consideration, I have decided to retire from playing baseball. This decision did not come easily as baseball always has been, and always will be, one of my greatest passions. The last few months of this season were very emotional for me and I wanted to take time to separate some of those emotions and think with a clear frame of mind.

The decision came down to my health and my family. The risk of concussion is always there, and I was reminded of that this season after missing over 30 games as a result of diving for a foul ball. That’s all it took this time around and it was all I needed to bring me back to the struggles I faced in 2013. The concussion I experienced that season not only changed my life professionally with a move to first base but changed me personally as well. I am soon to be a father of three and I find myself thinking about my future health and its impact on my family more than I had years ago. People always told me how much things change when you become a parent, and they were right. After my concussion this season I found myself wondering about “what if” situations. If I were to continue playing this game I would want to do so without reservation and I no longer feel that is possible. There is a part of me that will always want to compete, but I have reached a point where my desire to play is outweighed by the possibility of another injury. Experiencing a concussion looks different for everyone, but my personal experience forced me to look beyond baseball at what is best for me as a husband and father.

As each day of this season passed and the end of my contract became more of a reality, I began to reflect on all that has happened over the years as well as what the future might look like. The thought of retiring, even with my health related concerns, was still a very difficult and emotional subject for me. Leading up to the last day of the season, I talked with several people who I respect in this game and in my life and thought about all angles of this decision. I also turned to God and prayed for clarity and direction. The answer I was searching for came into sharper focus during my last game, a game I will never forget and a day where I felt like everything I was questioning started to become clear. As I stood on the field in my catcher’s gear, something I never thought would be possible again, I realized in that moment that this is how I wanted to finish my career. I wanted to finish on my home field in front of our amazing fans, my family, my friends, my teammates, and the organization that means so much to me. Being able to do that for a brief moment as a catcher, made that day even more incredible than I could have imagined. That day also had me reflecting on how baseball is about so much more than winning or losing. It’s about so much more than stats and personal accolades. For me it’s about the life lessons I have learned along the way. It’s about the struggles and triumphs that put things into perspective, and about all of the people I have met who have helped mold me into the person I am today.

I left the stadium after that game with 18 years worth of amazing memories playing for a team and organization that has become family, and to me that is worth more than I can express. I will always be grateful to the Twins and to the fans for their love and support all these years. I walked into the clubhouse every day with pride and never once took for granted the opportunity to put on that uniform. I have never wavered that playing for this team was exactly where I wanted to be.

Thank you Minnesota Twins, and thank you fans, for making my career as special and memorable as it was. Because of you I can leave the game I love with a full and grateful heart.

All the best,

Joe Mauer

 

Click here to view the article

[D.C Twins]

Always a class act in every sense of the word, especially how he dealt with adversity over his contract after his quality of play was so clearly marginalized by injury. I suspect 15 year's worth of opposing players would back this statement. 

 

Having said that, make no mistake, he earned EVERY penny of the combined contracts over his career.... far less early and too much late.

 

I suspect that the vast majority of MLB players would not have been able to be as productive for as long with post concussive symptoms (would have been out of baseball in less than 2 years)

 

We were more lucky to have him than him us.

 

Did I say 'were'? I meant 'are' so lucky to have him, because he will be a wonderful ambassador for the team in some capacity for decades to come.

[DocBauer]

Classy right to the end. But would we expect anything else from him?

[theBOMisthebomb]

Nice guys finish first. Now, to the Hall of Fame for Joe.

[Han Joelo]

Unless he goes into coaching, his children may find that baseball will only be a footnote in their relationship with him.  My dad was just dad the farmer, the golfer, the American Legion guy.  It wasn't until long after he was gone that I realized how much of a badass he was in his twenties.

 

And that is how it goes with most, or at least how it is going with me as well.  Circle of life stuff.  I admire the decision.  Holding on is easier than letting go.

[strumdatjaguar]

Ranking for Twins all-time MVPs - I put Mauer 3rd:

1.  Puckett

2.  Kiilebrew.

3.  Mauer

4.  Oliva (career shortened by injuries, but remains continuing ambassador for the team)

5.  Carew (Great Years here , but went to Angels)

6.  Blyleven (also played for other teams during career)

7.  Johan Santana (dominant pitcher moved on to other teams)

 

 

 

[tarheeltwinsfan]

Thank you Joe. You are a good man and a credit to baseball, the Twins, Minnesota, and to your family and friends. You may have a gnawing question, "Now what ?" That is understandable. Even though you may not know the answers, I am confident you will still be a loving father and husband, a contributor to our world and a good man. Carpe Diem.

[D. Hocking]

 

Unless he goes into coaching, his children may find that baseball will only be a footnote in their relationship with him.  My dad was just dad the farmer, the golfer, the American Legion guy.  It wasn't until long after he was gone that I realized how much of a badass he was in his twenties.

 

And that is how it goes with most, or at least how it is going with me as well.  Circle of life stuff.  I admire the decision.  Holding on is easier than letting go.

 

That moment of them running out to first base for his last game was pretty neat (if one uses Mauer speak).   They will always be able to look back and see how they were an important part of his big day.   

 

Whoever planned all of the unofficial Joe Mauer activities for his last game deserves a bonus.

[ashbury]

Whoever planned all of the unofficial Joe Mauer activities for his last game deserves a bonus.

Derek Shelton, I think?

 

I'm not a subscriber, but the first paragraphs they show me here seem to confirm my recollection:

https://theathletic.com/559921/2018/10/01/joe-mauer-twins-catcher-finale-retirement-story/

[Teflon]

Joe -even though the timing of your retirement feels right, actually watching that curtain come down is still a melancholy feeling. Such memories...

 

That 2007 season when we sat in the Dome after the last game of the season watching the Royals-Tigers game go into extra innings to see whether the Twins would win the division or not - and then the joy when the Royals pulled it out in the 12th and you and the Twins came out and celebrated with the fans!

 

Or the 2009 season - your MVP year - when what was supposed to be the last regular season game ever played in the Dome wasn't - prompting a tie-breaking 163rd game which was one of the best, most-thrilling baseball games I've watched in my life.

 

Thanks for all the great baseball and memories. Best wishes to you and your family.

[Kelly Vance]

Bye Joe. 

Unless you'd like to be hitting coach........

[ND-Fan]

What class act as individual and person. This is done out love for his family and wife that he reduces the further risk of head injury and long lasting effects from head injury. Hopefully the injuries he has will not effect him in the future. The players like him are very rare exception of playing at high level and being quality person on the field and off the field. I wish him and his family well and feel great full for watching him through his career.

[Doomtints]

I am disappointed that he finished the letter with "All the best" instead of "See you in the funny papers."

[Don Walcott]

It's very sad to see Joe retire from the Twins. However, I'm glad he retired as a Twin. And I'm sure this will be a great thing for his family.

 

As a native Minnesotan, I was always proud that Joe was one of us -- especially that he was from my home town along with three other HOFers. For a brief period, he was the best player in the world. Probably the best hitting catcher ever, and a gold glove defender. He was the best player on a great Twins team that won a lot of games and made the playoffs regularly. The Twins also benefited from selling a lot of his jerseys. But even more than his importance to the franchise -- as stated above a few times -- he was a class act that made us all proud.

 

Best wishes to Joe and his family.

[Mr. Brooks]

Clearly one of the best players, and person, to wear a Twins uniform.

Best of luck in retirement Joe.

[highlander]

THANK YOU JOE!!!! A true hearted man of character. You represented your family, the Twins, and God with all your heart and ability on and off the field. Minnesota legend

[DocBauer]

Ranking for Twins all-time MVPs - I put Mauer 3rd:

1.  Puckett

2.  Kiilebrew.

3.  Mauer

4.  Oliva (career shortened by injuries, but remains continuing ambassador for the team)

5.  Carew (Great Years here , but went to Angels)

6.  Blyleven (also played for other teams during career)

7.  Johan Santana (dominant pitcher moved on to other teams)

Side note, I so badly want to inject Morneau in to this list. Alas...concussions and what might have been. Over and beyond what the Twins themselves may have done, you have to wonder about the careers of the M&M boys and how their careers were tied together. In the sports world, we have seen amazing advancements in training, therapy, surgery and recovery. In baseball, as well as football and other sports, can you imagine how many careers would have lead to incredible achievement had the techniques of today been available then? But there is no technology available today to overcome the cruelty of brain injury. And baseball is largely a no contact sport!

 

For what he did over 9 seasons as a catcher, really, unparalleled when you look at batting titles, MVP, silver slugger, all star games, etc, Mauer should end up in the HOF. While he wasn't the same player, and his production at the position isn't consistent with most expectations, the mere fact that he was still productive as a 1B and a defensive stalwart after transitioning to a new position only adds to his resume. IMHO.

 

But for a moment, a downer of a moment, for both of the M&M boys, I have to reflect and wonder what might have been.

[Monkeypaws]

Could Joe Mauer and Tony Oliva be more similar? Some dumbfounding similarities in their career numbers:

 

•15 year careers with the Twins and only the Twins.

 

•3 batting titles each.

 

•Surefire HOF careers derailed by devastating injuries.

 

.306 career BA for Mauer, .304 for Oliva.

 

•923 career RBI for Mauer, 947 for Oliva.

 

•.830 career OPS for Oliva, .827 for Mauer.

 

•Oliva wins on HR, 220-143, and All Stars, 8-6.

 

•Mauer wins on hits, 2123 to 1917, and WAR, 55 to 43

 

•I mean, really, one wore 6, the other 7.

 

Entirely different stories, but two of the best to wear the uni, regardless of what Cooperstown may think: and top-class acts to boot. Hope Joe will still be getting in on the act the way Tony does at 80, 40 years from now.

 

 

[DocBauer]

That moment of them running out to first base for his last game was pretty neat (if one uses Mauer speak).   They will always be able to look back and see how they were an important part of his big day.   

 

Whoever planned all of the unofficial Joe Mauer activities for his last game deserves a bonus.

I am not going to lie. I've shed a lot of tears in my lifetime. I'm sure i will shed more. But when it comes to sports, I have cried 3 times.

 

The first was when the Twins won the WS in 1987.

 

The second was when my Cornhuskers and Tom Osborne won the national championship in 1994.

 

The third time was the entirety of Mauer's last game and all the hilights I had to watch a second time. His daughters on the field was beyond touching. The visiting team refusing to take position for a moment was classy and poignant. But when he came out in catching gear I bawled like a baby. (Controlled myself in front of my daughter in the replay because I still had to be dad).

 

The only Jersey I have ever owned is a Mauer Jersey my now, unfortunately, Ex-wife bought me. I have only worn it a couple of times. Partially because I have this amazing habit of spilling food on myself when I wear white, lol!

 

But I am honestly thinking of framing it and placing it on a wall in my version of the proverbial man Cave in my basement. Somehow, it just doesn't feel right to wear it again.

[Lasorda_This_Out]

Followed TwinsDaily for years..glad to join the community!

Thought occurred to me today after reflecting on Joe Maurer's retirement announcement.

Minnesota Twins have a vacancy at the First Base coaching position.

How cool would it be if they were to hire Joe to fill that spot in 2019?

Not rocket science...Joe knows how it works...would command incredible respect from both the Twins young studs and MLB opponents? Bonus: get to see Mr. # 7 for many more years in uniform!

 

Do it FalVine!

 

Thanks..

 

Lasorda_This_Out

 

 

 

 

[Bill Brown69]

First off Doc, thank you for the sight you give.

 

I have mentioned before that my Dad was a Minor League catcher. If he would have had my stick or I would have had his glove,,,,,,,,,unknown.

 

Hundreds and beyond hours of picking his brain, trying to learn the game from his side. Tiny things that make or break a player. That is why after 15 years of getting a check of some sort he spent the next 15 coaching youth baseball. His retirement from that was based only on not wanting to seem biased one way or the other on me.(or he was afraid of what home life would be if he did the right thing and I was the backup!)

 

Somewhere in the 80's (I was done) he told me I had come over to watch a game. I went and watched with him. No idea, but Carlton Fisk was catching for the White Sox. About the 7th inning he looked at me and said "now you know why he is the best catcher ever" Dad was a huge fan of the big red machine in the 70's. ???? What about Bench I asked. His reply was Bench had a stick and the arm with a flair but give me Fisk every day.

 

Joe Mauer is the only guy I have ever seen who Dad might have liked better. From all those hours of gleaning info and all the other things I have learned to look for IMHO Joe was the best catcher I have ever seen. I was born in 69 so I have seen a few good ones and a few HOF's

 

Side note, I asked Dad who was the best he ever played against. Took him about 1/10th of a second to say Frank Howard. I asked him who was the best player ever and it took him about the same amount of time to say Stan Musial.

 

Good luck Joe, you did us proud!!!

[glunn]

 

Could Joe Mauer and Tony Oliva be more similar? Some dumbfounding similarities in their career numbers:

 

•15 year careers with the Twins and only the Twins.

 

•3 batting titles each.

 

•Surefire HOF careers derailed by devastating injuries.

 

.306 career BA for Mauer, .304 for Oliva.

 

•923 career RBI for Mauer, 947 for Oliva.

 

•.830 career OPS for Oliva, .827 for Mauer.

 

•Oliva wins on HR, 220-143, and All Stars, 8-6.

 

•Mauer wins on hits, 2123 to 1917, and WAR, 55 to 43

 

•I mean, really, one wore 6, the other 7.

 

Entirely different stories, but two of the best to wear the uni, regardless of what Cooperstown may think: and top-class acts to boot. Hope Joe will still be getting in on the act the way Tony does at 80, 40 years from now.

Great post.

[glunn]

 

Followed TwinsDaily for years..glad to join the community!

Thought occurred to me today after reflecting on Joe Maurer's retirement announcement.

Minnesota Twins have a vacancy at the First Base coaching position.

How cool would it be if they were to hire Joe to fill that spot in 2019?

Not rocket science...Joe knows how it works...would command incredible respect from both the Twins young studs and MLB opponents? Bonus: get to see Mr. # 7 for many more years in uniform!

 

Do it FalVine!

 

Thanks..

 

Lasorda_This_Out

Welcome to TD.

[strumdatjaguar]

 

Great post.

Both Mauer and Oliva should be in the Hall of Fame - although I agree both are not first ballot types.  If they had played for the Yankees, there wouldn't even be a question.   Compare Joe's accomplishments to Gary Carter who is in the Hall of Fame and Thurmon Munson who is not but many claim should be there.   Catcher is an undervalued position in the Hall of Fame.   Yes I know Munson was a Yankee./

[Badsmerf]

So long Joe.

 

Bring up Munson!

 

Munson> Mauer> sweet wine>Twitter

[70charger]

 

Could Joe Mauer and Tony Oliva be more similar? Some dumbfounding similarities in their career numbers:

 

•15 year careers with the Twins and only the Twins.

 

•3 batting titles each.

 

•Surefire HOF careers derailed by devastating injuries.

 

.306 career BA for Mauer, .304 for Oliva.

 

•923 career RBI for Mauer, 947 for Oliva.

 

•.830 career OPS for Oliva, .827 for Mauer.

 

•Oliva wins on HR, 220-143, and All Stars, 8-6.

 

•Mauer wins on hits, 2123 to 1917, and WAR, 55 to 43

 

•I mean, really, one wore 6, the other 7.

 

Entirely different stories, but two of the best to wear the uni, regardless of what Cooperstown may think: and top-class acts to boot. Hope Joe will still be getting in on the act the way Tony does at 80, 40 years from now.

 

Excellent post, and Oliva - in my homerish opinion - should be in the hall. At least Joe's got that decade at catcher to balance out the horrible deficiency in voters' minds of not being a Yankee.

[70charger]

 

Followed TwinsDaily for years..glad to join the community!

Thought occurred to me today after reflecting on Joe Maurer's retirement announcement.

Minnesota Twins have a vacancy at the First Base coaching position.

How cool would it be if they were to hire Joe to fill that spot in 2019?

Not rocket science...Joe knows how it works...would command incredible respect from both the Twins young studs and MLB opponents? Bonus: get to see Mr. # 7 for many more years in uniform!

 

Do it FalVine!

 

Thanks..

 

Lasorda_This_Out

 

Great handle. Welcome to the site.

[Number3]

Very much in Joe Mauer's character to wait until the end of the 2018 season to formally announce his retirement. No official final game other than the donning of the "tools of ignorance" for the last time which was the biggest hint ever. It was obvious through his entire career that Joe Mauer is not a "limelight" person and would not have enjoyed playing for a team such as the Yankees. I do hope he is able to remain in the game in some capacity and I think he would be great working with younger players.