Taft ‘Taffy’ Wright ripped a line drive into deep right-center field at Nicollet Park in Minneapolis on a brisk May afternoon in 1951. It was a typical blast from the Louisville Colonels’ hard-hitting slugger. A towering shot with extra-bases written all over it, the ball practically at war with gravity, begging to leave the ballpark. … [ Read more]
38 Days of Mays: On his last stop before the big leagues, the Say Hey Kid spent five legendary weeks as a Minneapolis Miller
February 24, 2020 by
Curtain Call: Tipping the cap to Minnesota’s first Baseball Hall of Famer, Charles Albert Bender
July 12, 2019 by
The thing about Major League Baseball history is that there’s *a lot* of it. With much of it taking place in the part of the past that gets called “yore” and all the players and observers being completely dead for a while now, certain “firsts” are up for debate. For every one Mendoza Line (definitely … [ Read more]
Beyond Everywhere: Jordan, Minnesota, is a townball destination
August 3, 2018 by
I had once visited the town of Jordan, Minnesota, but I didn’t really see it. On one of those December days when the sun goes down a couple of hours after it comes up, my high school basketball team stared out into the endless winter’s night for the ten steps between the bus to the … [ Read more]
Maybe this is heaven: Nine innings in Miesville
June 29, 2017 by
The village of Miesville, Minnesota, wears Father’s Day like a ballplayer wears a broken-in glove. It’s fit, it’s snug, it’s natural. There are few matches more perfect for each other than a ballplayer and his mitt. There are even fewer matches more perfect for each other than a day like this in a place like … [ Read more]
Sam Adams to honor David Ortiz with a “Big Hapi” beer
November 2, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Samuel Adams is raising a glass to Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, also known as “Big Papi,” with a limited release beer. The Boston-based brewery is specifically issuing 541 bottles of “Big Hapi,” an 8% ABV mango-infused double-IPA, this Friday to pay homage to each home run Ortiz slammed out of the park during his 19-year career. For … [ Read more]
When the games don’t matter: The joys of bad baseball
September 21, 2016 by Leave a Comment
The smell fills my nose from blocks away before my eyes can even see it. Despite the exhaust from downtown’s late afternoon traffic and the aromas of a dozen different cuisines from nearby restaurants, the smell of the ballpark—the salted peanut shells, hot dogs and grilled onions, and the stale scent of beer soaked into … [ Read more]
Play ball: Returning to the roots of America’s pastime
July 19, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Across the northlands each summer people flock to ballparks big and small to revel in the American tradition and pastime of the game we call baseball. They set up their folding chairs along grassy third-base lines, settle into cushioned seats under flashy jumbotrons, or relax on rickety bleachers behind home plate. This tradition dates as … [ Read more]
American League batting champ award named after Hall of Famer Rod Carew
July 13, 2016 by Leave a Comment
The name of Hall of Fame first and second baseman Rod Carew is already etched into baseball history, but Major League Baseball furthered his legacy by naming the winner of the American League batting title as the Rod Carew AL Batting Champion. Though it came as a surprise for Carew, a look at his career statistics shows how deserving he is of … [ Read more]
PHOTOS: Sights from St. Paul Saints opening day
May 20, 2016 by Leave a Comment
[shareprints gallery_id=”44203″ gallery_type=”slider” gallery_position=”pos_center” gallery_width=”width_100″ image_size=”xlarge” image_padding=”0″ theme=”dark” image_hover=”false” lightbox_type=”slide” titles=”true” captions=”true” descriptions=”true” comments=”true” sharing=”true”]The St. Paul Saints claimed their first victory of the 2016 season Thursday night in front of an 8,300-person crowd. Though many fans were more interested in tracking down the newest food offerings, grabbing a glass of craft beer at the … [ Read more]
Minnesota Twins announce 2016 Midwest Music Showcase lineup
April 12, 2016 by Leave a Comment
The lineup for the Minnesota Twins’ Midwest Music Showcase is better than ever this year, reports the Star Tribune. Offering performances by Minnesota musicians at Wednesday home games, the series will kick off April 27 with rapper/rocker/wordsmith/part-time preacher Astronautalis. Subsequent weeks will feature (in order) Al Church, Holidae, Sean Anonymous, Bad Bad Hats, the 4onthefloor, Har … [ Read more]
Where to play hooky for the Twins home opener
April 11, 2016 by Leave a Comment
The start of baseball season marks the beginning of spring (and the impending arrival of summer), all of which deserve a serious party. Lucky for us, Target Field and numerous bars and restaurants near the field are throwing just such celebrations, and you’re invited. So go ahead: play hooky, and go enjoy a day at … [ Read more]
Bauhaus Brew Labs debuts tallboys at Target Field and First Ave
April 8, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Baseball season is officially upon us, and Bauhaus Brew Labs is marking the occasion accordingly. Last year, Bauhaus joined the craft beer ranks at Target Field alongside the some of Minnesota’s finest craft breweries. This year they are upping the ante and unveiling 16-ounce tallboys of Wonderstuff Neü Bohemian Pilsner and Sky-Five! Midwest Cöast IPA at Target Field. … [ Read more]
MN Twins unveil new Target Field food lineup
April 5, 2016 by Leave a Comment
The Minnesota Twins just unveiled the newest food offerings for the year, including such goodies as chocolate mousse cups, prime rib sliders, and walleye tacos. New to Hrbek’s this year is the Cluck & Moo Bloody Mary, a bloody Mary featuring a slider and dry-rubbed chicken wing as garnishes (along with a slew of other salty goodness). Best way … [ Read more]
Dollar dogs and baseball-themed beers ring in opening day at Eastlake
April 4, 2016 by Leave a Comment
It may be too cold to feel your hands outside, but it’s opening day for Major League Baseball, and Eastlake Craft Brewery is celebrating by airing all the day’s ball games (even some basketball sneaks in there), dollar dogs courtesy of Taco Cat, and trivia. Welcome the start of baseball season with a Dank Aaron or Kirby Pucker. … [ Read more]
