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Joe Mauer statue to be placed outside Target Field by Twins

Joe Mauer statue to be placed outside Target Field by Twins

August 4, 2024

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins will place a bronze statue of retired catcher Joe Mauer outside Target Field.

Mauer’s statue will be the eighth at the ballpark, all designed by Minnesota-based artist Bill Mack. The new statue will be unveiled at some point next season.

The announcement was made during a pregame ceremony Saturday honoring Mauer’s induction last month into baseball’s Hall of Fame. He was joined on the field by fellow St. Paul natives and Hall of Famers Jack Morris and Paul Molitor.

Molitor made the announcement of the statue.

Drafted No. 1 overall in 2001, Mauer spent his entire 15-year career with his hometown team. He won three batting titles as a catcher and was voted the 2009 American League MVP.

During Saturday’s ceremony, Mauer received a standing ovation from the Target Field crowd and thanked the fans and others during his remarks. He made a special call-out to the Twins fans who made the trip to Cooperstown despite the travel disruptions that resulted in some fans having to rent cars and drive after flights were cancelled.

Mauer also took photos with fans on the concourse before the game, and his Hall of Fame plaque was on display at the stadium.

The Minnesota Twins have announced plans to honor one of their most beloved players, Joe Mauer, with a statue outside of Target Field. Mauer, who spent his entire 15-year career with the Twins, retired in 2018 as one of the most successful and respected players in franchise history.

The decision to erect a statue of Mauer comes as no surprise to fans and analysts alike, as the former catcher and first baseman was a six-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove winner, and five-time Silver Slugger award recipient. Mauer also won the American League MVP award in 2009, becoming the first catcher to do so since 1975.

Mauer’s impact on the Twins organization goes beyond his on-field accomplishments. He was known for his leadership both on and off the field, serving as a mentor to younger players and a role model for fans. Mauer’s work in the community, including his support for children’s hospitals and various charitable organizations, further solidified his status as a beloved figure in Minnesota.

The statue, which is set to be unveiled in 2022, will serve as a lasting tribute to Mauer’s contributions to the Twins and the city of Minneapolis. It will be located outside of Target Field, where fans can pay their respects and reflect on Mauer’s legacy for years to come.

Overall, the decision to honor Joe Mauer with a statue outside of Target Field is a fitting tribute to a player who not only excelled on the field but also embodied the values of sportsmanship, leadership, and community involvement. Twins fans can look forward to celebrating Mauer’s career and legacy with the unveiling of this statue in the near future.