Game #16 Twins at White Sox, 5/22/12

You have never seen me excited until you have seen me at a Twins game. It's not because I love the Twins more than the Cubs, although maybe I do. It's because I never get to see them. So I make every effort to see them when they come to Chicago. I never thought I would be Twins fan, but in my eleven years living in Minnesota, they won me over. Sadly, this is the first season in 16 years that I did not see a Twins game in Minnesota.

Meghan was in town for the series. She is the only person who loves the Twins as much as I do. She probably loves them more. Half of the players were brand new, but Meghan knew them all.

We got to the park early, but we were hungry, so we ordered Jimmy Johns and had them deliver it. We got in trouble for having it delivered to the players' parking lot, but we were really hungry so it was worth it.

We saw Matt Capps outside. He smells really good.

Inside, we raced to be the first to the visitor's dugout. We were rewarded with seeing all of our old favorites, particularly Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. They are used to seeing me at the games in Chicago and greet me like an old friend. I like to brag about that.

I've learned a system with Joey. While everyone is screeching out his name, I wait for him to go through his routine. He comes in from the field, grabs a drink, maybe sits for a while, then gets up to hit. Only when he is walking toward the field do I call his name, and I don't screech. I just say, "Hiya, Joe." And he smiles and almost always signs, as long as people aren't too pushy. He is my favorite.

 Here's Jamey Carroll signing.

Here's Wayne, the equipment manager. He's been with the team for years! He has a cool backstory. But he always remembers me and is always friendly. I love him.

Here's Drew Butera. So good to his fans. Actually, most of the Twins are awesome signers and photo posers. But Drew is always giving bats and gloves away to kids. He also does a lot of charity work for animals.

Ben Revere. He and Meghan are best friends.

Yes, this is Justin Morneau, who always makes time for me.

 Me and Denard Span. I call him my chocolate lover. He is so beautiful.

 Jamey Carroll

 The starting lineup

 I want this job

Justin Morneau's flexibility makes him an outstanding first baseman.

 Brian Dozier has beautiful hair.

 Josh Willingham is on fire.

 Little Drew.

 John Danks catches the ceremonial first pitch

 Kevin Hickey was honored before the game.

I wish he could catch every day, but I'd rather have him healthy. Still, he is a phenomenal catcher.

 Gordon is ready to go.

 You can kind of see Paulie's black eye from the Samardzija pitch.

 Mauer singled in the first but he was stranded.

 Morneau, please never get a concussion again.

 Stud.

 Gordon Beckham started off with a home run.

 Robin was super excited about the homer.

No more damage was done, though.

 Morneau started off the second with a walk.

 Doumit got a double, moving Morneau to third.

 Casilla doubled sending home Morneau and Doumit. Then Jamey Carroll singled, driving in Casilla, and Carroll went to second on the throw.

 Denard singled to drive in Carroll.

 Joey was up

 He walked--look how politely he hands his bat off! But the inning ended and the Twins were up 4-1.

 P.J. Walters was great, only allowing the one run in the first inning and one more in the ninth. He pitched the whole game.

Even the great Paul Konerko couldn't get things going.

 The Twins beat the Sox 9-2.

 Morneau had a great night, hitting a three-run homer.

 Kevin Hickey's jersey, which hangs in the dugout now.

All of my photos may be found at: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150887916733786.415469.511233785&type=3