Circle Me, Bert!

Photograph of a girl holding up a Circle Me, Bert! sign at a Minnesota Twins game
Circle Me, Bert!

Hall of Fame pitcher Bert Blyleven, a former Minnesota Twins pitcher and their current television color commentator had a habit of circling fans on screen. And fans, of course, have reacted by bringing Circle Me, Bert! signs to the ballpark.

Michael Cuddyer Drives In A Run

Minnesota Twins OF/IF Michael Cuddyer knocks in the Twins first run en route to a 8-1 victory over the Texas Rangers on Saturday, June 11, 2011. During a complete game performance, pitcher Scott Baker gave up only one run on five hits. Rookie centerfielder Ben Revere went 2-5, scoring two runs and making a highlight reel diving catch of a fly ball in center and shortstop Alexi Casilla had three hits and scored two runs, one on a wild pitch. Michael Cuddyer RBI from David Erickson.

Light Rail

Minneapolis Light Rail
Minneapolis Light Rail

I admit to being highly skeptical that light rail would work in the Twin Cities.

You had to convince me–someone who loves to drive (Seriously? I get to do this every day? For free?!?)–to get out of my car and take a train, with a bunch of other people?

No way.

Then, during a trip to Washington, DC, I tried their subway system and I was sold. I’d totally use light rail, if the Twin Cities built such a system.

Well, years removed from that revelation, I finally took my first light rail ride two weeks ago from my office in Bloomington to three blocks from Target Field. It was a breeze and I imagine I’ll be doing a lot more of it once the Central Corridor system connects Minneapolis to Saint Paul.

In the meantime, I’ll need to endure this (still, no pain, no gain):

Light Rail Construction on University Avenue
Light Rail Construction on University Avenue In Saint Paul

Jim Thome, Bottom Of The Ninth

Minnesota Twins designated hitter Jim Thome takes the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals on June 10, 2010 at Target Field, and strikes out.

Joe Mauer Flies Out To Right Field

Minnesota Twins starting catcher Joe Mauer flies out to right field against Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Bruce Chen in the bottom of the third inning during a home game on June 10, 2010 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota.