Bruce Chen Strikes Out Joe Mauer

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Bruce Chen strikes out Minnesota Twins All-Star catcher Joe Mauer on three pitches at Target Field on June 10, 2010.

Minnesota Twins slugger Justin Morneau is on deck.

Joe Mauer’s Insane Behind-The-Net Foul Ball Catch

This was an absolutely insane catch. Joe Mauer reached around the net all the while keeping his eye and concentration on the pop-foul by Kansas City Royals’ Mitch Maier. The play occurred in the top of the 9th inning on June 10, 2010. I had a perfect view of the play, sitting seven rows behind home plate. The guy continues to amaze. Found at YouTube from MLBOnYT.

Outdoor Twins Baseball

I’ve been waiting since 1997, when the Twins started pushing for a ballpark, for the wonderful day I spent Sunday watching outdoor Twins baseball. Target Field is amazing:

The Joy Of Outdoor Baseball

Target Field - Minnesota Twins Ballpark
Photo courtesy of meetminneapolis.

I haven’t yet made it to a Twins game this year (and you know it’s killing me) but that hasn’t prevented me from thoroughly enjoying outdoor baseball played at Target Field.

I’ve been watching the Twins on TV (in glorious HD, of course) and it is an entirely different experience this year in our new ballpark. The first thing that struck me watching the games is that it sounds different. I don’t know why, but it seems like I hear more detail in the sounds of the game, the reaction of the crowd is more robust, individual fans’ catcalls seem to be more clear.

Most of all, though, the game is infinitely more visually compelling, starting with those wonderful throwback 60s-era home uniforms.

The Metrodome was visually bland but now we’ve got the brilliant green of the grass to look at. Shots of players are framed by a crowd that is much closer to the action, and therefore, to the camera as well.

The ever-changing shadows that creep across the field with the changing afternoon sun provide constant visual variety.

And, of course, shots of pop flies and home runs now include blue sky and the Minneapolis skyline. Glorious!

I can’t wait to experience it in person.

Target Field Tour – Minnesota Twins New Outdoor Ballpark

The Minnesota Twins open their new stadium on Monday afternoon against the Boston Red Sox. The team moves outdoors into Target Field this season after playing inside the Metrodome since 1982. Finally, outdoor baseball in Minnesota! Found at YouTube from AssociatedPress.

Allen Miller talks with Twins Executive Director of Public Affairs Kevin Smith about Target Field, the Twins new home starting in 2010. Found at YouTube from TheUpTake.

Tour Of Target Field

I absolutely cannot wait to watch some ball at Target Field.

The UpTake
‘s Allen Miller talks with Twins Executive Director of Public Affairs Kevin Smith about Target Field, the Twins new home starting in 2010.