Road Hard
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Items that Defy Classification
Alaska and Arizona out, Minnesota in.
Four More
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
Justin Morneau’s 4 RBI and 21st home run of the season helped the Twins defeat the Oakland A’s 12 to 4 Sunday afternoon.
The 4 RBI raised Morneau’s season total to 108. He is second in the American League in RBI (Josh Hamilton - 117 RBI) and third in MLB (Ryan Howard - 115). The runs batted in were the 499/500/501/502 of Morneau’s career.
Morneau had a strong series in Oakland, hitting .412 and driving in 6 runs in the 4 games.
On Labor Day JMo rested. The Twins open a series in Morneau’s homeland on Tuesday vs. the Blue Jays.
20 - 100 - 500
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
Justin Morneau had a stat-filled Sunday.
Morneau collected his 100th RBI and 20th home run of the season. Morneau has hit 20+ HRs in four consecutive seasons. He has also driven in 100+ runs for the third straight season. JMo joins Harmon Killebrew as the only Twins to drive in 100+ in three straight seasons.
Morneau’s 20th home run of the season was the 130th of his career and moved him onto the top 500 home run hitters of all time list.
Play Ball! BC and The MVP
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Events, Stories and Features
Our friends at Play Ball! BC Magazine have put together a nice event for over 90 baseball players from British Columbia.
Six teams of kids from BC will be in attendance at the Monday, August 25th game between the Twins and Mariners in Seattle. Before the game, Justin Morneau will stop by to greet the kids and welcome them to the ballpark.
Check back to JustinMorneau.com in the upcoming weeks to view photos from the event.
Hot stretches
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stories and Features
Justin Morneau has become accustomed to seasons full of highs and lows.
Over the past few seasons, the Twins’ first baseman has gone through his share of really hot stretches only to then hit lulls that he found difficult to get past.
This year has been different. Instead, he’s had a season that he describes as “decently consistent.” Through the first 81 games, Morneau was hitting .306 with 63 RBI. It’s a season that hadn’t included any hot streaks through the first three months for Morneau.
(Click HERE to read the story)
Heavy pour
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Events
Twins slugger Justin Morneau kept the glasses filled during his bartending stint at Morton’s Steakhouse Sunday. Morneau and several of his teammates left the field after Sunday’s victory and moonlighted as the wait staff for a benefit dinner.
(click HERE to read the story and watch the video)
19 runs 19 home runs
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
Justin Morneau hit his 19th home run of the season during the Twins 11-8 win over the Seattle Mariners. After ending July on a hot streak, the homer was Morneau’s first in August. JMo also added an RBI single in the game, raising his season RBI total to 96.
The win was the Twins 70th of the season and allowed them to maintain their first place tie with the Chicago White Sox.
Setback for Canada at Olympics
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stories and Features
BEIJING – The Canadian Olympic Team’s medal hopes took a huge hit today as Canada would suffer another heartbreaking loss, this time at the hands of the United States by a score of 5-4 at the 2008 Olympic Summer Games.
(Click HERE to read the story)
Canada Shut Down By Korea
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stories and Features
BEIJING – The Canadian Olympic Team could not generate any offence today, as they could not solve the Korean pitcher and one hit was the difference as Canada would fall at the hands of Korea by a score of 1-0 at the 2008 Olympic Summer Games.
(Click HERE to read the story)
I like it here
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stories and Features
From TwinCities.com
The New York Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez, with his record $275 million contract, is hitting .313, eight points higher than the Twins’ Justin Morneau.
Rodriguez has 116 hits in 100 games, 21 fewer hits than Morneau, who has played in 119 games. Rodriguez has 27 home runs, nine more than Morneau, and 71 runs batted in, 21 fewer than Morneau.
Put Morneau in a Yankees uniform and he, too, would be overexposed. (click HERE to read the rest)
Canada Falls Short Against Cuba
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stories and Features
BEIJING – In what was a back and forth battle, Canada fell just short of a big upset in the 2008 Olympic Summer Games, dropping their second game of the tournament to Cuba by a score of 7-6.
(Click HERE to read the rest of the story)
Canada Opens Olympic Tournament with Win
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stories and Features
BEIJING – Canada got their quest for gold started on the right foot as they took care of business both offensively and on the mound with a convincing 10-0, eight inning mercy win over China in their opener at the 2008 Olympic Summer Games. (Click HERE to read the rest of the story).
Opening Day (Bejing Edition)
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stories and Features
As many of you know, our Justin Morneau is from Canada and has played with the Canadian National Baseball Team in Olympic Qualifiers and the World Baseball Classic. Team Canada is participating in the 2008 Summer Olympics in China. This is the last year that baseball is will be played in the Olympics as an official medal sport.
Baseball Canada’s Tom Valcke has arrived in China as a Technical Commissioner of baseball. The sports website www.knowthegame.ca/wordpress has asked Valcke to blog about his observations in China. Readers of the blog will have the opportunity to ask Valcke questions about all the hot topics involving Baseball Canada and Olympic baseball in general.
Puppy Porch Follow Up
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Events
The pet adoption day sponsored by Puppy Porch and hosted by some of the Minnesota Twins Wives (and future wife) was a big success. A number of pets found new homes - but there are plenty of dogs still ready to join your team!
Visit PuppyPorch.com to learn more about the organization and to check out some of the dogs available. The next adoption dates are 8/16 and 8/30.
111 to 1
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
111 games into the 2008 season the Twins are back in first place. Francisco Liriano held the Cleveland Indians scoreless through 6 innings and recorded his first win in over 2 years.
Justin Morneau was the Twins designated hitter on Sunday. Morneau has played in all the Twins games this season, the only player on the roster to do so.
July showers bring Morneau Power
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
Justin Morneau absolutely owned July, and was a key contributor in the Twins finishing the month only a half game behind the White Sox in the AL Central. Highlights of Morneau’s month included:
- .360 batting average
- .473 on base percentage
- 6 home runs (4 after the All Star Break)
- 23 RBI (18 after the All Star Break)
- All Star Game Home Run Derby Championship
- Game winning run in the All Star Game
After his impressive post All Star Game surge, Morneau is creeping closer to the numbers he put up in 2006 on his way to winning the American League MVP Award.
2006: .321 ave, 28 HR, 88 RBI
2008: .320 ave, 18 HR, 86 RBI
From AaronGleeman.com (7/30/08):
Morneau has hit .320/.393/.526 with 17 homers, 26 doubles, 48 walks, 64 runs, and 82 RBIs in 106 games. At this same point during his MVP-winning 2006 season, he was hitting .319/.367/.596 with 28 homers, 20 doubles, 30 walks, 62 runs, and 88 RBIs. Given that offense is down seven percent across the league this year compared to 2006–a difference that equals 30 points of OPS or one-third of a run per team, per game–a good argument can be made for his current run being even more impressive.
Nostraonionus
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Items that Defy Classification
Back in June of 2007 we posted a link to a very amusing story on The Onion which referred to the Twins and Justin Morneau. Who could have known that a year later, and after Justin won the 2008 Home Run Derby, the clown-check presenter from State Farm would actually make the error referred to in The Onion’s story?
From The Onion….Minnesota Twins squandered a large late-game lead to the Brewers, but then won the game when Jason [sic] Morneau hit a walkoff home run….
Click HERE to read the whole story on The Onion)
Click HERE to watch the video (sorry - poor quality but MLB pulls all of their content off YouTube)
From home run porch to Puppy Porch
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Events
Join the-future-Mrs. Morneau, Mrs. Neshek and other Minnesota Twins wives and fiances at the Petco in Burnsville, Mn this Saturday, August 2nd from 11-3.
The Twins significant others will be joining the crew from Puppy Porch at a pet adoption event at the store. If you’re in the market to pick up a free agent pet, be sure to stop by the store and check out all the great animals needing homes.
Learn more about the non-profit, animal rescue group at www.puppyporch.com.
*Event attendees subject to change. Dogs shown not available for adoption but plenty of others are!
Brown bagging it
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Fan Stuff
For those interested in playing the Justin Morneau Autograph Lottery:
From Stephanee Neshek:
Just wanted to let everyone know that the Twins Wives Organization with be doing the Ball-In-A-Bag fundraiser before the game, starting at 6pm, this Thursday, July 31st at Gate F.
At the Ball-in-A-Bag Fundraiser, the wives will be selling baseballs autographed by members of the 2008 Twins. The fans will randomly choose from a selection of brown paper bags, each containing an autographed baseball from one of the 2008 Twins players and coaches. The cost is $30 per bag, and the money raised from this fundraiser will be donated at the end of the season to local charities designated by the Twins Wives Organization.
Hope to see some of you there 
FYI - Each player and coach signed 12 baseballs
Aloha Mr. Wedge
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
With two outs in the ninth, the go-ahead run on second base, and first base open, Cleveland manager Eric Wedge opted to pitch to Justin Morneau rather than issue an intentional walk. JMo made Wedge and the Indians pay when he delivered a double, scoring Alexi Casilla from second.
The Twins went on to add another run, and Joe Nathan closed the door as the Twins beat the Tribe for the second straight game. With the White Sox loss, the Twins are 2.5 games behind Chicago, heading into their series at the Metrodome this week.
Behind the scenes at the All Star Game
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Fan Stuff, Stories and Features
The Twins ran a cool behind-the-scenes blog at the All Star Game that includes some nice photos, press notes, etc.. Unfortunately I just ran across it today - not exactly timely - but it’s still worth taking a look at. Be sure to read the early posts to get all of the HR Derby coverage. Click HERE to check it out.
Yo quiero mi Morneau!
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Fan Stuff
Minor League Morneau, Major League Art
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Fan Stuff
The attached artwork of Justin Morneau was drawn by Mark Schneider, who met Justin many times during his seasons with the New Britain Rock Cats.
A member of the Yale class of 2008, Mark’s artwork has been displayed in the Cannon Tunnell which connects the House and Senate office buildings in Washington, D.C. He also drew the official poster for the 2003 Eastern League baseball all-star game, hosted by the Rock Cats.
A special thanks to Mark for sharing his art with JustinMorneau.com!
Sleep for the next two days
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stories and Features
Check out this post All Star Game interview with Justin.
Morneau by a toe
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Events, Stats and Milestones
Justin Morneau entered the 2008 All Star game in the top of the 6th inning, replacing starter Kevin Youkilis at 1st base and hitting 7th in the batting order. Who would have known that he still had a full 9 innings of baseball ahead of him?
Morneau doubled in his first at bat, driving a Edinson Volquez pitch through the gap and to the wall. It was the 1st MLB All Star Game hit of Justin’s career. He later scored on JD Drew’s 2-run game-tying home run.
Morneau grounded out to pitcher Billy Wagner to end the 8th inning and grounded out again to end the 10th inning (with the bases loaded).
In the 12th inning, with a runner on third and 2 outs, Morneau was intentionally walked and took 2nd on fielder’s indifference. The inning ended when Ian Kinsler grounded out.
JMo lead off the bottom of the 15th with a sharp single up the middle off reliever Brad Lidge. He advanced to 2nd on Dioneer Navarro’s hit and to 3rd on a walk to JD Drew. Morneau ended the longest game in All Star history when he scored the game winning run on a Michael Young sacrifice fly, barely beating the throw from Corey Hart. (WATCH)
Justin’s updated All Star Game hitting stats: 2 for 6 (.333 ave) with a single, double, walk, and 2 runs scored (including a game-winner)
Home Run Kings
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Events, Stats and Milestones
Justin Morneau joined the impressive group of hitters below when he won the 2008 Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium.
- 1985 - Dave Parker
- 1986 - Tie - Darryl Strawberry and Wally Joyner
- 1987 - Andre Dawson
- 1988 - Rained Out
- 1989 - Eric Davis
- 1990 - Ryne Sandberg
- 1991 - Cal Ripken, Jr.
- 1992 - Mark McGwire
- 1993 - Juan Gonzalez
- 1994 - Ken Griffey, Jr.
- 1995 - Frank Thomas
- 1996 - Barry Bonds
- 1997 - Tino Martinez
- 1998 - Ken Griffey, Jr.
- 1999 - Ken Griffey, Jr.
- 2000 - Sammy Sosa
- 2001 - Luis Rodriguez
- 2002 - Jason Giambi
- 2003 - Garret Anderson
- 2004 - Miguel Tejada
- 2005 - Bobby Abreu
- 2006 - Ryan Howard
- 2007 - Vladimir Guerrero
- 2008 - Justin Morneau
Last man in, Last man standing.
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Events, Stats and Milestones
After being a last minute addition to the 2008 Home Run Derby field, Justin Morneau brought home the championship hardware. Morneau edged Josh Hamilton in the finals. Hamilton put on a record-setting show in round 1, but was outslugged by Justin in the championship round.
Morneau was his usual gracious self during the award presentation, deflecting the attention from himself and towards Hamilton’s performance.
HR Derby Items of note:
- Joe Vavra pitched to Morneau
- Justin represented Boys and Girls Club member Tiffany Alvarez
- Morneau’s first round HR total - 8
- Morneau’s second round HR total - 9
- Morneau’s final round HR total - 5
- Total HRs hit by Justin in derby - 22
- Quote before the Call Your Shot Challenge:
- Contestant: You don’t want to go the opposite way, do you?
- Morneau: No.
- Overheard on ESPN: I’m tired after hitting 9. How the hell did he hit 28?
- It’s Justin - not Jason.
Rank’em
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Events, Fan Stuff
ESPN is running a poll for fans to predict the All Star Game Home Run Derby order of finish. Check it out HERE and submit your rankings.
Derby Take 2
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Events
Justin Morneau will once again compete in the All Star Game Home Run Derby. Morneau was added to the 2008 field today. He is the only repeat performer from the 2007 competition that took place in San Francisco.
Justin joins Josh Hamilton, Evan Longoria and Grady Sizemore from the American League. National League representatives include Lance Berkman, Ryan Braun, Dan Uggla and Chase Utley.
The 2008 State Farm Home Run Derby begins at 7pm central time and will be aired on ESPN.
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5 4 5
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
The Twins comeback victory and Justin Morneau’s huge game took some of the sting out of the Twins recent 3 game losing streak.
Justin was 5 for 5 with a walk and delivered the game winning home run in the top of the 11th inning (WATCH).
It was Justin’s second career 5 hit game. The first came against Boston on September 16, 2006 during Morneau’s MVP Season.
The 5 hits raised JMo’s batting average to .324. The HR was Justin’s 2nd in as many games and 14th of the season.