Proving he belonged amongst the Stars!
In 2005, the pitching-only Minnesota Twins representatives at the MLB All Star Game in Detroit underwhelmed. Johan Santana wobbled through a 4th inning of two baserunners (no runs allowed), while Joe Nathan’s 8th inning saw Miguel Cabrera drive in Moises Alou.
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But in 2015’s Cincinnati Midsummer Classic, MN reps acquitted themselves far better!
After home team slugger Todd Frazier won the Home Run Derby and Sandy Koufax tossed out the ceremonial first pitch, Ned Yost (AL) and Bruce Bochy’s (NL) squads squared off for World Series home field advantage.
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The American League’s starting lineup contained two future Twins—Josh Donaldson (3B) & Nelson Cruz (DH). Well, three if you count 2023 MN legend Dallas Kuechel (the AL’s SP).
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The Twins sent Glen Perkins—who had closed out 2014’s memorable Target Field affair—and baseball’s hottest hitter Brian Dozier to Great American Ballpark as reserves.
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The contest began well for the AL when Mike Trout homered off Zack Greinke’s fourth pitch, then the Junior Circuit upped their lead to 3-1 with RBI hits from Prince Fielder & Lorenzo Cain off Clayton Kershaw.
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By the 8th inning it was a 5-2 advantage over the Senior Circuit, and that’s when Dozier entered the game. Facing Mark Melancon, Brian belted one…
The new face of the Minnesota Twins was established!
Still at 6-2 in B9, Perk was recalled from the pen to dust the lamps for a second consecutive year. Glen garnered some gnashing with a Ryan Braun triple and Brandon Crawford sac fly, but he retired Kris Bryant & Joe Panik to shake hands with Russell Martin.
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The American League prevailed, our Twins representatives starred, and my favorite non-Twins superstar Trout went home with hardware.
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A memorable night in Twins Territory and across the MLB-watching community!
Perhaps Byron Buxton and/or Joe Ryan can provide similar smiles tonight at Truist Park.