Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
NewsCut
Bob Collins

1,000 Words: Yes Joe, there’s crying in baseball

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Joe Mauer doubled in his final at bat on Sunday, then gave every indication his career with the Twins is over when he caught a single pitch in the ninth inning before exiting to the cheers of a tearful hometown crowd.

Joe Mauer
Minnesota Twins' Joe Mauer, the subject of retirement talk, acknowledges a standing ovation as he donned catcher's gear and caught for one pitch against a Chicago White Sox batter in the ninth inning of a baseball game Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in Minneapolis. Mauer began his career as a catcher before switching to first base. The Twins won 5-4. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

Mauer said he hadn't opened the bag with his catching gear since 2013. But he said he found it at home, put it on, got emotional, and came up with the idea.

IMG_20180930_173955
Long after the game ended, fans at Target Field stayed to watch Joe Mauer's news conference on the video scoreboard. Bob Collins | MPR News.
Joe Mauer
Minnesota Twins' Joe Mauer, the subject of retirement talk, is accompanied at first base by his twin daughters during a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Joe Mauer
Minnesota Twins' Joe Mauer, the subject of retirement talk, acknowledges a standing ovation before batting against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

There aren't that many people sportswriters will applaud after a news conference.