The atmosphere yesterday inside the dome was unbelievable. To be able to experience winning a division championship like that by watching it with the fans is an indescribable feeling. Torii Hunter and I stayed down on the field once our game was over when everybody went up in the clubhouse. Once the Royals got the outs in that bases-loaded inning then we went upstairs and got the whole team to come down with us. When that happened, the energy of all of us with the crowd was really something. I've never been such a Royals fan in my life except for yesterday. It was a really cool situation.
It was hard to have to sit and watch it all unfold. I told Justin Morneau that this is why I don't think I could watch baseball if I wasn't a player. Being a fan is more pressure than being a player, hands down, because you have no control over it when you're a fan. As a player you feel like you have some type of say in things and you're not really worried about the outcome as much as getting the job done. When you're watching it, it's pressure.
Getting to run around the field and slap hands with all of the fans after we had officially clinched was awesome. We did that a bit my first couple years but I didn't feel as big of a part of it as I do this year because my role now is different. To come back from where we were and to capture the division title, the fashion that we did it in and the resiliency of this club to figure out how to win even when we didn't have any more outs left -- it was pretty cool.
Having two celebrations in one week was something you don't often get to experience. I was sick in the first one so I didn't really get to enjoy it as much as I would have liked. So the one yesterday was much better. Plus that celebration was the culmination of the season coming together in an amazing finish. It was a finish that nobody could have even thought possible just a month ago.
After celebrating in the clubhouse for awhile, a couple of us went out to dinner at Bellanotte downtown. We just tried to take all it all in. It was a pretty unbelievable day so basically we all sat around and talked about it.
To be able to go take our bags off the truck, that was great. For us to have home field advantage is big. It's not because we're playing the A's and not the Yankees. It has nothing to do with who we're playing, but where we're playing. We're at home where we've been good all year. We've got Johan Santana going in the first game where he's been dominant all year. So we feel good about where we are and our situation.
This postseason is a little different than the ones before because my role is bigger on this team. I don't think it's any more pressure. I've always said it's extra baseball -- why be nervous, why be scared about extra baseball? Although we were expecting to get into the playoffs coming out of Spring Training, you just never know what will happen. When you get that chance, there's no reason to be nervous - just go out there and have fun. You have to do that because not too many people in this game get a chance to play in the postseason.
This is a very special group of guys. Everyone talks about the team we had in 2002 and how all the guys knew each other pretty well. I think that team in 2002 was close, with good camaraderie and good chemistry. But I think this team is more of a team. I think in 2002, although they were close, there were also still some individuals on the team -- guys that were worrying about their careers and their own accomplishments. I think this team, not too many people, if any, worry about their own personal numbers out on the field. They worry about picking up a teammate when they need to get picked up. That's what's different -- everybody pulls for each other and roots for each other for the same goal and that's to win.
- Michael Cuddyer / MLB.com
Michael,
As a Yankee fan, I have to admit that you dudes played your arses off, and really put that pressure on Detroit to take care of business, something that they could just not do! Good job to come back from that terrible start! In any event, I hope that you guys play Oakland hard, and Im definitely looking forward to a Yankees-Twins ALCS!!!
Felix
http://pinstipepride.mlblogs.com
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Michael,
I've been a Twins fan since the late '60s. I'm so thrilled for the club this year. The team's never-say-die attitude, even when the season started off on a bad note, has been awesome. The way the season has unfolded really creates a feeling that this year's club is a team of destiny. I'm looking forward to your series with the A's. Keep the pressure on 'em, keep working hard and something GREAT is bound to happen...that's what's happened all season!!! I'm looking forward to watching you guys make it all the way to the WS.
All the best,
Scott from Iowa
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I've been a Twins fan as long as I can remember. (Cant really remember my first Twins game...too young) '87 was magic. '91 was so exciting.
I have to say though. This has been the most fun I've had in 25+ years of following Twins. What an amazing season. I've tried to compare it to others. You guys to the other teams. It doesnt work though. They were all great teams. This one is its own. And its a special one.
Go Twins!
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Michael,
I have been a HUGE Twins fan for my life, I am so happy that this years' team made it to the postseason and you get to start at home...I love to watch the games on TV and I espically love going to the games because the Twins always seem to play as a team. This year espically I want to say thank you to you all cause you have made this year special! The team seems to have a great chemistry and as a fan it just makes me smile seeing it, I hope it continues for you all! Good Luck & I will be watching, supporting you guys all the way to the World Series! Hope one day I get to meet you all...Twins = the best team EVER!!!
Love,
Kati from Keewating
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Michael,
It's been a great pleasure to watch you and the Twins turn this year's season into one for the ages. The come-from-behind victories your club has racked up is mind blowing. That show's true team commitment with an attitude that says "Never Give Up."
I think you nailed it on the head when you said this is a TEAM, not a "group of individuals." That kind of camraderie will be the key that will bring your club success in the postseason.
This season and last season, I worked as a waiter serving the seats directly behind the plate. Its been electric every game down there this season. I can't wait to feel the playoff buzz!
Best Wishes Michael, to you and the entire team,
Drew
Minneapolis
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Mike,
I was huge KC fan yesterday just like you. It was really cool that you and most of your teammates watched the game from your bench just as we were watching it from our seats. Yesterday I thought being a fan was tough, but being a player and waiting to see if the Royals could finish Detroit had to have been a lot tougher. I am happy that we have this group of guys going to the playoffs because I can't think of anyone else I would rather have going.
Good Luck you guys. We will be right behind you cheering you on
Jessie
Duluth
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Michael,
You guys rock, what you guys have done is incredible this year no matter what the outcome is it will be a season to remember, but lets cap it off with a championship it would mean everything to this state. How you guys play as a team is incredible I dont know if theres any team in the MLB as close as you guys and thats awesome. Good luck in the playoffs, lets win this thing. If you end up making it to the series send me some tickets that would be awesome lol.
Kyle
Little Falls,MN
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Hey Cuddy!
Thanks you guys for the great year. This was the greatest regular season I have ever seen. I was able to really enjoy the experience this year becuase I was not at school down south and i can say all 26 games I attended were well worth it. I'll be in the left field upper deck tomorrow so see if you can hit one my way. Thanks again to you and all the guys and see you in the world series.
Eric
killertwinsfan@hotmail.com
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Hey Mike, we share the same name, and the same passion baseball. You are probably one of the classiest and nicest guys in the game, I thank you for that.
And the job you have done this year as a clean-up hitter has been amazing, you established yourself as a great hitter, and had big hits throughout the year, it was fun watching you.
As for the playoffs, I think Game 1 is very important, a key game, and we need the righties like yourself, Nevin and Hunter to produce, if we can hit Zito early, be patient, and look for his fastballs, we should be O.K.
Good luck in the playoffs, and try to win as easy as you guys can, I don't want to suffer a heart attack ;).
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Cuddy,
You and your team-mates have certainly given us all, cause to cheer!
We are very thankful to be in post-season play with you all!
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!
Duane Jones
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Hi Michael,
I am from Bangkok, Thailand and this year is my first year of baseball. So, thank you for making it such an incredible experience : ) Best wishes to you and the entire team.
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Congratulations on the Division Title! I enjoyed every minute of the race with Detroit and I'm glad the team enjoyed it too. I was born in Minnesota, but I now live in San Jose, California. I've always pulled for the Twins and I try to keep up with you guys with the limited coverage out here.
I'll definitely spread some Twins pride out in the Bay Area. I have friends who are A's fans and I want to stick it to 'em when you guys beat them!
Go Twins!
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Michael Cuddyer, you're frickin' awesome. I'm so psyched about you settling into your role in Right, and Punto settling in at 3rd. I hope you're both with the organization for a long time.
I'm going to be wearing my Michael Cuddyer "player t-shirt" in Oakland on Friday. Don't hit a home run, otherwise I might get beaten up... Oaklanders are ruthless.
Go Twins!
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Michael,
It's been one **** of a ride watching this team. Like the '02/3/4 teams, this squad has been plain fun to watch. It's been awesome to see you cement yourself as a fixture in the lineup as well. You were one of my favorites in '02 in the ALDS, and you've really stepped it up this year and earned the cleanup spot in the order which seemed to have been kryptonite for hitters. Congratulations on a magnificent season to both you and the Twins - your hard work paid off!
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Cuddy,
What can anyone say about this remarkable season? One wouldn't know where to start. You're right... this season seems a little different from the other division-winning seasons. Being a huge Twins fan, it honestly feels that we're watching something really special in the making just because of the way everything has happened. I mean, seriously, did anyone really think Jimmy Gobble would cap off the rally-kill of the Tigers. On a different note, hats off to you guys - from top to bottom of the organization, everyone has contributed and it's reassuring (as a fan) to see a close-knit team play together and play with that much confidence in each other. Thanks to all you guys for making us proud Twins fans. Good luck in the playoffs and I know you guys will keep the momentum going!
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Michael, first off all you guys are the best. You never give up and for that reason your fans will NEVER give up on you guys. You guys run out every ball, and give every inning your all and that's the way the game should be played. I'm honored to be a fan of such a classy group of guys and I was lucky enough to be at both the Saturday and Sunday games. It was an indescribable feeling to be there Sunday afternoon, the emotions and excitement were incredible. We are proud of you guys and we feel like we are a little part of the team, this season especially. So thanks again for all of the great baseball this far and all to come in October! Ill be there if I can get my hands on a ticket! Go TWINS!!!
-Ryan
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Mike,
We have been following you all year from Virginia Beach. Lonnie ( my husband) subsribed to MLB extra innings and we rarely missed a game. What a great season you and the Twins are having. We have been following David Wright also. Hope you two can get together in the World Series. Remember you were both in my Spanish class at the same time. Good luck and congratulations on your engagement. Lonnie's cousin Leslie Wecht and her husband John know her and say she is a wonderfull young lady.
Best Wishes,
Rosario Ruiz
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Cuddy
Huge Twins fan from cheering in '87 from my dad's lap at 8, to senior pictures in Twins garb, to years out East nearly getting killed sporting the TC in Fenway, Yankee and Camden, to 6 straight trips to Spring Training, to a move to the Cities complete with season and post-season tickets. Wasn't a huge #5 fan, but this season you've earned repect with selfless play, hard work, community involvement (congrats on the Clemete award), and unmistakeable display of passion for game and teammates. Three suggestions: tell Torri to run on a dropped third strike (lot's of good has happened when we do), tell Silva he's on when he goes out confident (we need him in the post-season and believe in him), and tell Punto his Brooks Robinson-esk play should earn him many, many gold gloves to come.
Lots of awards in the postseason to come...time for 'extra baseball' now!
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What a great year! Many thanks to to you and the team and the entire organization for a great ride so far. Keep up the good work (wink-wink).... Michael, last year we anticipated that you would be our 3rd baseman but, this year, you earned your job in right field with some great plays and what an arm! To pile on about 3rd base Nick Punto has blown us away and I'm sure we are not the only ones! We cannot say anything less than great about this team and all of its players.
We're gonna win Twins!
Ron and Jennifer
Lakeville
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Michael-
This year has been a roller coaster of emotion watching the games. Coming from 12 1/2 games back to win the division seemed improbable. You guys made it happen though! Smelling those RBIs when the time came and always finding a way to win, this is what October is all about. Keep up the intensity, take us all the way. Thank you all for such an awesome season.
Lisa
Gary, Indiana
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This is the first year of my life that I've been a Twins fan. I must admit, it was a great time to start. For the last month and a half I had been planning a trip to the cities from Northern Minnesota so I could attend the very last Twins game. I'm so glad I did! That game was the most exciting thing I've ever experienced. My homer hankie was flying almost all the time. I danced in the isles and cheered as loud as I could. Thanks to the Twins for an amazing season, and good luck in the playoffs. I know you can do it.
Jessica
Bemidji, MN
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I have been a Twins fan all of my life, but this year I have really gotten into the spirit of the game. I think it comes from playing softball for so many years, and then all of a sudden not having a place to play. I'm living through you guys. The hardest part about the past month of this season is that I've been at college in Iowa, and I wasn't able to watch the games on TV. I am so excited to see you guys play on TV again! Keep the great games coming! Just believe!
Katie
Ames, IA
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Good luck today guys! Go out and kick some "A!" :-)
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Michael
I’m a born and breed Minnesotan, and I just finished grad school in New York where I’m still living. I’m going to be flying back to Minnesota just as you going out to Cali. for a week but I will be waving my Homerun hanky, as often as on I can this week. If you twins end up playing NY, Ill be waving the hanky in the subways here in NYC.
Thanks for an amazing season
Thomas
Brooklyn, NY
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Mike,
Thanks to you and the rest of the Twins baseball "TEAM" for an exciting, fun filled and memorable 2006 season I will never forget. You guys have been the GREATEST TWINS TEAM EVER!! You worked hard all year long and went against all odds. You stuck together as a "TEAM" and picked each other up. And now you’re "Division Champs". You made it this far so keep the momentum going and you’ll come out on top through the postseason. Us Twins fans will be waving our Homer Hanky’s and cheering you on to victory!!
Go Twins Go!!
Tommy Boy
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Mike,
The dedication of the Twins 2006 season for #34 Kirby Puckett was an awesome tribute for the Twins to do. Kirby's infectious smile, fun-loving spirit, his love of baseball and love for the fans has carried through each and every one of you this hard fought season. Kirby's spirit as well as his Hall of Fame induction comments will carry you through the rest of the postseason. "Our great Twins World Series teams faced odds and we beat ‘em. It just matters how you play the game. And I played it with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my might".
I can hear Kirby saying it again…“Fellas, get on board, I’m going to carry the load.” – Kirby Puckett, in the clubhouse before Game 6 of the 1991 World Series.
Go Twins Go!!
Tommy Boy
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Hey Mike,
I just want to say, I have been a twins fan since the early times to me, I was born in 1980 and I have been watching you guys since, I was young enough to see *SMILES* But anyway I have been in the navy for almost 8 years and am finally on shore duty and I have watched every single game I could, I even took a trip to MN just to go and watch you guys play. I spent 4 of my 8 days in the dome. And now I can watch you in the post season. I turn you guys on at work on the internet, get yelled at occasionally but oh well, Gotta watch my twins. I even turned my wife into a fan. I have been waving the homer hankie all season long and am so excited to see you in the playoffs, Make us fans proud and all the service members proud and win one for us.
Tear it up man!!!!
CTT2(SW) Donald Nelson USN
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Cuddy, be ready to party some more, because i know this is the year because kirby's watching,and u guys have the best team chemistry.
I AM A HUGE TWINS FAN!
i have watched every twins game all year and i always see u guys always picking eachother up on the bench which i think is so awsome because i have not seen any other team like that all year that is that close.i remeber jermaine dye hits that tying homerun off joe nathan,and no one on the white sox bench was all that excited for.which shows why you guys are separated from all the others because of your chemistry.And thats so awsome.
You guys have the piranahs ( how ever you spell it) and you guys have joe you justin and torri to drive you them all in. to tell you to the truth i want you up to bat in a 2 out situation because i know you can come through in any way. i think you should get more noterity cause ur clutch.i always know when ur gonna get a double or a homer before you swing the bat, trust me i predicted all ur 23 homers and most of ur clutch doubles. i can just tell from the way the ball comes off your bat. so smell em.
good luck i know u guys can do it
o and tell every one i said hi and good luck ; )
david
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Hi Michael,
Congrats to you and the guys on an AMAZING season and an even more AMAZING finish!! I'm looking forward to what lies ahead. And thanks for writing this blog, what a wonderful way to give the fans insight not normally seen! Good luck!
Allison
Hudson WI
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Wow, We have followed you guys for years and actually had the opportunity to make it to spring training in March and have had the fever! The kindness the Twins show for their fans is awesome. Everyone we had asked for an autograph was more than happy to sign! and I know you guys have long days! We have 2 girls, ages 11 and 12 who have followed this religiously and actually cried on Sunday(along with their mome) ! the joy you guys bring us is unlike anything else! The Twins are the best players, best sports, just the best all around guys. How can we ever thank you? You make the Minnesota fall bearable with the play-off games and the Minnesota Winter bearable with your TwinsFest and Caravan. Thank you so much! you will never know how much you do for us! You do make us proud! Good Luck and see ya at the game! GO TWINS!
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Hey, Cuddy!
Congratulations to the entire team! This has been such an amazing, exciting year for the Twins. Although I've only been able to get to one home game and three away games (vs. the Angels in May), I have watched practically every game on gameday. The come-from-behind victories, the amazing defense, the outstanding offense....It's all been so great to watch.
Thanks for a great regular season! Good luck today. :-) See you in the world series!
Kristin in Sumter, South Carolina
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Cuddy-
You guys are AMAZING! I've loved the twins since the day I was born, but this year was incredible. You guys are such an inspiration to baseball, especially in the state of Minnesota. I see my younger brothers adapting the attitude of this years team when they are playing-- it's great to see. This is your year!! We're rooting for you, no matter what happens. We LOVE you guys!!
Thanks for all the amazing memories. I know Kirby Puckett is looking down on you guys-- and he's proud. Let's win it all- for him!!
~Jessica
St. Cloud, MN
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Cuddy, I'm from Little Rock, AR but got to spend all summer in Minneapolis. I feel so privileged to have seen you guys win so many games, and I wished I could have been in the crowd when you clinched the AL Central. Congratulations on a great season and good luck in the Playoffs!
Tim F.
(#1 Twins fan in Arkansas)
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Michael-
This summer was horrible for me seeing that I was stuck in Wisconsin at the University. But I guess all of that money I put into MLB.TV paid off because I've probably had the BEST summer/fall watching you guys play. It's not about the win, It's because you guys play with spirit, for the game and for the fans. Best wishes no matter what happens in the Post season. You guys make me proud to be from Minnesota!
-Jackie
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The Twins have had great teams in the past but what makes this team so great is the attitude that the fans are getting from you guys. You make us feel that we're just as important in the success that this team is having. We are so proud to be able to say we're a Minnesota Twins fan! See you at the World Series! Michelle
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Hey Cuddy, you've been great in right all year, my wife and I are hardcore Twins fans and it has been nice to have an everyday guy out there who gets the job done. I am skipping class to watch the first two games, and I sure wish you guys all the best. Thanks for a great regular season!
-Jay Gallagher
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Michael-
You guyz are totally amazing !! I'm SO proud of you all. You came back against tremendous odds.....I will never doubt this team again for as long as I live!!! w00t Go get 'em !! tWINS
~Katie
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I have not been this excited and charged up about the Twins since 87-and 91.. High School For me. Since then, I have watched the score, but have been so busy, not many games. I started watching this year-mainly because my favorite player in high School died -Kirby- and it reminded me of what I have missed and what the Twins used to mean to me.
I think your right, your team does seem to function like a team.. I can't pick out an ego! I made a comment while watching on Sunday to my husband, that these guys are smiling, not so serious.. My husband says, it's probably because they have no ego and they really really love what they do. It is so hard to see that in allot of teams sometimes. Money seems to get in the way of working as a team. I love you guys, and thank you for bringing me back!
GO TWINS!
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Michael -
I'm in Fort Wayne, IN.
I recall watching you play at A level with the Wizards, your first season as a pro.
I miss the Wizards not being an affiliate of the Twins. ( I was born and raised in MN.)
I met your parents n our city's Visitor Center early on. They were great, and they were so excited about you playing baseball, except you mother still worried about you getting hurt. Moms...the never change.
The future is today...good luck in the playoffs...we'll be watching you from Indiana. Best of luck.
Dan O'Connell
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Clutch Cuddyer:
You guys have made everyone who's a TWINS fan so happy, and you are right it is so hard being a fan, my nails are gone....keep up the great team work and I'll be at the Dome cheering. My Dad in Florida is cheering also, your his favorite!
Win Twins Win!!!!!!
Caroline
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Cuddy-
Thank you so much for an amazing year! It's been so much fun watching you guys climb to the top. Every game I went to this season has been nothing short of fantastic. Thank you again for an amazing year! We are all proud of you guys!! Best of luck to you and the guys!
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I've been a Twin's fan all my life (from 1961). I've never enjoyed a season more. You guys play the game the way it should be played. How could anyone not root for you? No matter what happens in the post-season you should congratulate yourselves for a bannar year.
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Cuddy,
Your my hero! Good Luck in the World Series because your going all the way!!
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Michael,
I am soo excited for the Twins!! I am such a huge Twins fan, and going to school in Wisconsin is no fun because I don't get to watch the regular season games...but October baseball here we come. By they way congrats on the awesome hitting this year!! Good luck to all of you!! I knew you guys could get to the playoffs...I always have faith in the Twins!!
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Michael,
Since I can remember I have been a Twins Fan. Growing up in Kansas I was a bit of an outcast to proclaim that I was a Twins/Kirby Puckett fan since everyone was usually chanting George Brett. Kirby had all the heart in the world. When I found out about Puck's retirement I was sad, but I was devistated when I found out about his death. I actually got to see him play in person at the dome, it is something I will never forget. Now I imagine that he is still cheering for you guys every step of the way with that great smile of his. My grandpa, who died a few years ago, was also a huge Twins fan. I know he is cheering for you as well. Thank you to you and all of the other Twins that remind fans that baseball is still America's Pastime. The Twins have always been about Team, not money...something that I have always respected from you guys. I am so excited for all of you. I know you will all do great things in the coming weeks. My wife and I are so excited about this post season....just know you have some fans down in Kansas cheering for you. Thanks for everything!!
Matt Fischer
Emporia, KS
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Michael, You (and the rest of the team of course!) are amazing! Keep on keepin' on buddy!
When you feel like you've reached exhaustion, look inside for that extra push! Do it for Kirby (RIP #34) because you know he's watching over you guys! :D
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Cuddy!
I was there on Saturday and Sunday. After Saturday's loss, a lot of people would have lost hope and just go out and play an okay game, but not the Twinkies. You guys played amazing on Sunday and it was the best Twins game experience I have been to. Despite what happens in the Post Season your season was amazing. I do have hope and will be there sporting the #5. Go Twins, go #5, and thank you so very much for an awesome season.
Ashley
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Great going Cuddy!
We were there all weekend cheerin' you guys on. We being my 4 year old son and I (my husband stayed home to watch the Vikes - big mistake!!!). My little guy and I are huge fans and it's been so fun to watch you play - especially this year. He's convinced he's your biggest fan! Maybe we'll see ya in spring training! But until then whoop up on those A's for us!!!
Tara & Nico
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Awesome Job Cuddyer!! I am in Spain right now studying at a university, but I can definately say my Twins pride did not stay in Minnesota. I had to watch the game on Sunday on gameday and it was amazing. It is the only way I can stay up to date with the games over here. I just want to say congratulations and keep up the the great work.
Bryan de España
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Michael, I am a huge Twins fan and you are my favorite player. I just got back from the game today and your AMAZING TRIPLE in the ninth almost made me cry with joy!!!! Way to go! I truly believe that this Team will make it all the way. You've got to! Not only for yourselves, not only for the fans, but for KIRBY!!! You've got an angel with you and together you'll become the World Series Champs!
Thanks for an amazing season to the whole team!
~Maura
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Cuddy - what can I say? Tough loss today but nice work on the Dome-friendly triple! Hopefully we'll get a few more of those tomorrow - and a win. Tough one today but the 2006 Twins thrive on having people think they are down and out.
Thanks too so much for blurbing "The King's Game" for me the other week and for taking a look at the book. (It's a baseball novel for those on here who don't know.) As an author & journalist who has covered MLB for the past 10 years I can honestly say the 2006 MN Twins are the nicest group of players and the closest knit team I've ever seen - MN or otherwise. I was talking to the Star Tribune's Jim Souhan the other day in the locker room - he's covered the Twins since the mid-1990s I think, and even he said it's the nicest, most fun Twins team he's ever covered. He said this is a special group, a special team, and they just keep amazing everybody. Cuddy you are one of the main reasons - on and off the field. I've never been in a locker room where there are NO EGOS - not one. Not Santana, not Morneau, not Mauer - all this talent and everybody is down-to-earth and cordial, whether you're a fan, media person, clubhouse guy, whoever. That is REALLY rare in pro sports - trust me!
I still believe the 2006 Twins are a team of Destiny, and being down 0-1 or even 0-2 won't worry me. You guys are going to win the World Series!
John Nemo, author, "The King's Game"
http://thekingsgame.mlblogs.com/
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Michael,
So close! Today, once again, you made it a game that wasn't over 'til it was over.
We are huge fans of yours and of the whole team. We love the never-say-die spirit and great comaraderie that you exhibit. Thanks for all the thrilling moments this season and go get 'em tomorrow!
Angela and Travis
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michael, tough losse today santana had his stuff working. We just didnt get the bats never got going today. I still beleive in the twins with all my heart you can never give up on this team. i think it has to win it all. Good luck tomorrow
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Great effort today, Michael. I was there today and I will be tomorrow and for Game 5, unless we win the next three, of course. The best thing about the 2006 Twins is the heart and never-say-die attitude. The national press is still not giving you guys a chance, and I would give ANYTHING to see you prove them wrong. The Twins are a much better team than the A's, and if we give Johan a chance in Game 5, we'll be off to New York, and we'll shock the world there too. Keep playing your heart out, and keep proving them all wrong!
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Cuddy,
Watching the Twins has definitely been awesome this year! My friend & I have been to 14 games and we're hoping to get to at least one post season game (as a college student this is very hard with a tight budget). We were there on Monday (9/25) and on Sunday when you guys clinched the Division. We stayed the whole time to cheer on the Royals and it was amazing to see you guys celebrate (again)! Hope all the best to the Twins. No one deserves it more.
*Brittany*
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Hi Michael!
I am sure with how busy things are with baseball you won't even have time to read all these comments! I am a HUGE twins fans and have grown up all my life with the twins around me. My family has been to all of the games we can make. Though I am living in IL now, I still stay true to my Twins - depite all the White Sox fans out here. I am sad I cannot be in Minneapolis to cheer the team on. Good luck with the ALDS - You are such a fun team to watch this year! Now you are the team that everyone is out to beat. There is so much talent on this year's team...let's use it all the way to the Series!
Lynnea
Yorkville, IL
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Hello Michael~
Congratulations on the Divison Title! I am a huge Twins fan and you are one of my favorite players. You guys did such an awesome job this season. Good luck to you all!!
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Cuddy, you're amazing. Congrats on the Title! I'm proud of ya! Way to stay patient at the plate and tough on D. Frank Thomas won't ever run on you, now! I can't wait to watch tomorrow's game. You have been so much fun to watch this season along with the rest of the team. Best of luck in the ALDS, I'll be wavin' my homer hanky! Keep it up Michael!
Love,
Suzy from
http://babesthatlovebaseball.blogspot.com/
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Hey Michael,
I think what you said about how stressful it can be for fans is completely true! I don't think I've been that nervous, excited, and just totally overwhelmed as I was on Sunday! It's crazy to think that baseball can do that to you.
You guys are great and I've enjoyed every minute of this season. Thanks for playing your heart out. You guys deserve to be in the Hormel Row of Fame!!!
Take care,
Jaime in Rochester
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Cuddy,
No matter what happens here it has been a great season. Thanks for the thrills and entertainment.
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Micheal,
Good job the past week. I know you guys lost the last 2 games, I am sorry about that. I am rooting for you all to do the best you can now. Good luck with the rest of this series, over all the team had a great season!!!!!
-Mary from Minneapolis
PS: I wish I was at the dome on Saturday, unfortunatly I live in WI cause im in school, it was pretty cool that you guys watched the Detriot game in the dome with the fans.
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Michael,
You're right! I will admit that it is stressful being a fan! It does have it's ups though! The night that you guys got into the playoffs..I couldn't stay still for the whole 9th inning (the Twins were ahead and I had a good feeling that you'd win)! I was soo happy for you guys! You've done a great job this year and good luck in the rest of the series against OAK!
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It's Cuddy's Buddy here-
I hope that you don't have the opportunity to be a fan and not a player for many years to come! However, if that time comes, you have a seat next to Jenn and I. You know how professional we are about being fans! There is a science to it. I'm glad you recognize that we go INSANE on a daily basis with having no control over what happens! FUN...it's all about FUN!
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Hi Michael
Just wanted to say that if there's one team that can do this down 0-2 it's the twins. Not many teams can say they pulled pack 12.5 games on a team that went 95-67. Wow. Brad Radke will pitch great, and I'd love to say you guys get lots of runs and come back for Game 5. I'm amazed everyday at the way guys like you hit balls traveling 95 mph. 400 ft or whatever it is, lets see you guys do it some more. GO TWINS!
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Michael,
Man what a magical season Cuddy! Keep it going today, your the right magician for the job. I'll be at Hubert's watching the game(wish they had bigger t.v.'s). SEE YOU ON SUNDAY!!
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DJ Cuddles (as Batgirl readers say),
I've been a Twins fan for years, just like everyone else here, but this group of guys has been the most fun to watch of them all. The chemistry that you all have with each other spills out of the clubhouse and really engages/unites the fans, and I think that is a beautiful thing. Everybody has been fantastic this year, the turnaround was downright inspiring, and it has been wonderful seeing you do so well out in RF. I don't think I've cared so much about a team before. Many thanks to you all for that.
It's been a real ride so far. I'll see you guys back at the Dome on Sunday!
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I am so looking forward to the game on saturday. I spent all week trying to find tickets and finally a friend showed up with tickets for my son, kirby and i to go to saturdays game. i have been saying for months that you are going all the way this year. you all have made it a really fun season to watch and we look forward to it going all the way. want you to know that you have some of your biggest fans in the bay area!!!
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Cuddy
Thanks for the great season, too bad it ended so early!! Hope to see you out there next year. Have a great time off. See you at the dome!!
Take care
Jennifer from Rochester
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hey cuddy,
Sorry about the loss...but you guys have a great season and i enjoyed watching every game i could. But too bad the season came to an end so early. o well you guys played great this year and I hope to see you next year.
Take care in the off season...
Sasha from Hawley
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Michael,
As a college student, it's fun to see the younger fans really get into the game. Thanks for a great season! It's been very exciting to watch all of you guys play this year. Can't wait for the '07 season to start!
Annie
p.s. I have to make up classes for going to the games on Tuesday and Wednesday.
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I just want to say thanks for a great game on October 1st I was there. You guys should be very proud that you could come back to win the division.
I have to throw this in I love Joe Mauer and I glad he got the batting title. Good luck next season.
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Hey Michael...
It sure was an exciting year watching all the veterans, and young players gel and become a team...I was fearful that with some of the acquisitions in the off-season the chemistry wouldn't be there...but after the roster change by Gardy in June, the team really clicked...I was wondering after watching Detroit beat New York if we (the fans and perhaps the Twins), wished for the wrong thing. Perhaps winning the division wasn't the best thing as it sure looked like New York was flat during the playoffs, and perhaps they would have been a better team to play initially...perhaps it would have built some confidence into the unseasoned players, and maybe would have been more prepared for either Detroit or Oakland...
Anyway, it was a great season, many, including ALL the analysts from ESPN left the Twins for dead in July despite being the hottest team in baseball...it's just too bad it had to end the way it did...can't wait for next year!! Congrats on a great season Mike...
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hi micheal.
I was'nt into baseball before but when I wachet one of your games I started likeing them even more. I have only been to two of the games this season.
and the second game my sister and me got to sit above your dug out. and we got boof and matt to wave at us!! and we got luis to look and smile at us.we treid to get you to look at us but you never did. and we tried to get mike (redmond) to look at us at the end of the game but he did`nt. (and on this game you won)
well bye ~jessica~
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Hey Michael,
I just really hope that you guys will do good this season.
Im going to try to watch every game that you guys do.
and my family and I are probly going to go to one game of yours a month.
so thats about it bye
~Jessica~
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