Sports
Joe Mauer Plays Catcher Before Possible Retirement: Watch
It was a special day for the Saint Paul native, who hadn't played catcher in years.
MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Twins All-Star Joe Mauer hadn't played catch since 2013. That changed Sunday at Target Field.
In a surprise move during the team's last game of the season, Mauer came out in catching gear for the first time in years. The move drew a standing ovation for the Saint Paul native who has played for the Twins his entire career.
Watch the special moment below:
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Joe Mauer comes out to catch the ninth inning. pic.twitter.com/Ym4B8oJLF1
— Phil Miller (@MillerStrib) September 30, 2018
Now catching for the Minnesota @Twins, #7, JOE MAUER pic.twitter.com/gg9FDKVevX
— FOX Sports North (@fsnorth) September 30, 2018
Mauer's future with the Twins — and professional baseball in general — is unclear. His eight-year contract with the team is ending this year, and local analysts are expecting him to retire.
If there was any question in your mind as to whether Joe Mauer was going to retire, I think we've just been given our answer
— Dave Schwartz (@Dave_Schwartz) September 30, 2018
Told that Joe Mauer really hasn't made a final decision on retirement, that he won't for at least a few weeks. That said, today is set to be a grand finale, and I think it will be easier for him to retire after going through today with his friends and family in the stands.
— Jim Souhan (@SouhanStrib) September 30, 2018
You know Joe Mauer is planning to retire now that he swung at a first pitch. That’s his version of getting wild on his last day.
— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) September 30, 2018
Mauer's immediate and extended family came to watch him play for possibly the last time Sunday. His young twin daughters even made an appearance on the field before the first pitch.
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While tearing up, an emotional Mauer told Fox Sports North reporter Audra Martin after the game he wasn't sure of his plans yet, but thanked fans for their support.
.@Twins' Joe Mauer: "I never want to take this uniform off" pic.twitter.com/67JVwKJL6c
— FOX Sports North (@fsnorth) September 30, 2018
Mauer, 35, is a graduate of Cretin-Durham Hall. He made his major league debut with the Twins in 2004.
The Twins beat the Chicago White Sox today, 5 to 4.
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Photo: Joe Mauer #7 of the Minnesota Twins takes a moment after coming into catch at the start of the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox of the game on September 30, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
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