Thank You Joe

As suggested by Seth Stohs earlier this week, I’m of the same feeling that selfishly I don’t want to see Joe go. He’s given over 15 years of his life to Twins Territory. He’s a Minnesotan who has consistently been “one of us.” Embarking on a season in which Mauer doesn’t emerge from the home dugout at Target Field isn’t yet something I’ve come to grips with. If that’s where we’re at though, there are a few things to say thank you for.

First and foremost, thanks for being the right guy. Way back in 2001, Terry Ryan went with the local product over heralded USC pitcher Mark Prior. From Cretin- Derham Hall, Mauer needed fewer than 300 minor league ballgames before making his big-league debut. With the heartthrob smile and the sideburns of envy, the St. Paul native took the Twins by storm.

It will be years before the shirseys, signs, and number 7’s are drowned out at Target Field. For eight years, prior to his marriage of Maddie Bisanz, Mauer was the apple of many female Twins fans eyes. His play on the field, looks off it, and everything in between had suggested the organization had hit a home run. In the relative crap shoot that is the major league baseball draft, there are no certain things, even at the first overall pick. Joe, thank you for being the right one.

Secondly, thank you for taking the money. Eight years at $184 million is a contract which many around Twins Territory still can’t adequately grasp. Having won a batting title before making your first million and costing the Twins just $21.5 million for two more batting titles and an MVP, the upcoming payday could’ve been so much more.

For nearly a decade, Mauer looked like the second-coming of Johnny Bench. He brought offensive prowess to a position that had long since given up on it. He was a defensive stalwart, and he did all of it while attracting little attention to himself. In a larger market, the check would’ve been bigger. The career may have included a ring or two, and the endorsement opportunities would have been produced by the boatload. Mauer took a deal he earned, and one he’s outplayed over his career, to do what very few have done. Joe stayed home. 15 years with one organization is truly remarkable in today’s professional landscape. For that Joe, thank you.

Thirdly, thank you for never ceasing to work. Despite being one of the best catchers to ever play the game of baseball, the sport threw in its own challenges. Due to health, and a significant brain injury, first base was thrust upon Mauer. At the age of 31, Joe had outlasted his knees, but his body needed a relocation.

Replacing Justin Morneau at first base was no simple task, but it was one that unsurprisingly was met with immediate success. The metrics dictated Mauer as a natural, posting 4 DRS and a 2.3 UZR in his first season in the new role. Three years later in 2017, Mauer had statistically been deserving of a Gold Glove, and arguably was the best defensive first basemen in baseball. While denied the award, he was set to join the company of Placido Polanco and Darin Erstad as the only players to win Gold Gloves at multiple positions. Even in the latter years of his career, Joe was still brandishing his claim as being the best. For your tireless work ethic, thank you Joe.

Fourthly, for everything you’ve been to the state of Minnesota and Twins Territory as a whole. Over the years Twins fans have gravitated toward their superstars, from the generation of Killebrew, to those who grew up with Puckett, and finally fans who’ve been through it with you. Over the years, Minnesota has done an exceptional job celebrating greats like Oliva and Carew, Santana and Hunter. There are certain players who have transcended even those ranks however.

Whether or not the Hall of Fame one day does call, and it absolutely should, Mauer has cemented his place within Twins history forever. The number seven will cease to be worn forever, and a new plaque will be added above the outfield wall at Target Field. Despite being a quiet and reserved individual, that smile Joe cracks each time he’s publicly moved by adoration should be in abundance in the weeks and months following his final game. For transcending a generation, thank you Joe.

Finally, for allowing us as fans to have this moment and share it with you. World Series rings are the goal, but they’re a reflection of team accomplishment. As fans, realizing that there’s one true winner in a space of 30 competitors, we must find other areas to measure a certain level of success. Teams and organizations can go decades without a player who truly moves them. Thanks to a decent amount of good fortune, we’ve been blessed in that regard.

Whether it’s following Sunday’s game, a month down the road, or two years from now, the day in which Mauer hangs them up is one that will be remembered. This isn’t a retirement decision that flies under the radar or happens unceremoniously in the middle of the year. Because of everything Joe has given the Twins, the day he calls it quits can be a time for observers to return the favor.

Although 2018 wasn’t the season Twins fans wanted it to be, the 1,800-plus games in which Joe Mauer has donned a Minnesota Twins uniform couldn’t have been more appreciated. We’ll continue to soak up these moments with you Joe, and when you’ve reached your decision, will be at peace in it as well. For everything you’ve done, and will continue to do, thank you.