We’ll see you tomorrow night!

Posted by John on October 6, 2009 under John | 3 Comments to Read

I’m not sure if I’m a good enough writer to summarize tonight’s game or even my own feelings. However, I’d like to see the likes of Buster Olney, Joe Posnanski, Bob Costas, or anyone fairly and accurately cover this game. One thing is true…

The Minnesota Twins are the 2009 AL Central Division Champions!

It took 12 innings and eight pitchers but the Twins made history by becoming the first team to comeback from being down three games with just four games to play. The Detroit Tigers are in shock, the New York Yankees are in shock, the baseball analysts are in shock, and I think the Twins knew this could do this all along. What an incredible ride!

It’s impossible to recap tonight’s game but I can tell you there were so many ups and downs that I actually had to drink a beer after the game just to calm myself down. There were hair pulling moments like Jose Mijares’ inability to get Curtis Granderson, his one batter, out, Joe Mauer being intentionally walked to see a helpless Carlos Gomez bat behind him, and Alexi Casilla’s inexcusable mistake of not being on the bag and ready to tag up on Nick Punto’s flyball to leftfield. However, there was an equal amount of incredible moments such as Orlando Cabrera’s go ahead homerun, Joe Nathan forcing a great double play to get out of the inning with runners on 1st and 3rd, Nick Punto wisely throwing the ball home with the bases loaded to get the lead runner, and role players like Carlos Gomez and Alexi Casilla coming back to pull of the game winning play.

One thing I couldn’t help thinking about was a flashback to early April. It was the second game of the Twins’ season and it looked like the Twins were going to start the year 0-2 against the Seattle Mariners until Alexi Casilla stepped up. Casilla had a walk off hit to claim the Twins first victory and the crowd went nuts. Well, 161 games later Casilla did it again and this time the crowd truly, truly went nuts!

I’m still riding an emotional high but thankfully my heart rate is starting to normalize. I suggest checking out all the other great Twins bloggers to hear their stories about the night. I’m ecstatic for the Twins and the entire organization for completing this incredible comeback to a division title. No matter how you feel about Ron Gardenhire’s managing I would argue there are not many managers who could drive a clubhouse to keep fighting for every game day in and day out. Also, Congratulations to Joe Mauer for winning his 3rd American League batting title, which is an entire other post for another day.

As I write this post the Twins are probably on a plane out to the Bronx where they will face the New York Yankees tomorrow night in Game 1 of the ALDS. Clearly, with the short turnaround and the lack of rest for the pitchers the Twins are the underdog for tomorrow’s contest. Minnesota’s 0-7 record against the Yanks already made them the underdog for the entire series.

For now though, I will attempt to come back down to earth and simply enjoy this championship. I’m proud of our boys and proud to be a Minnesota Twins fan!

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