Twinsfest 2013 @twins

This year for Twinsfest was very special to me. I brought my oldest son Christopher (5) for the first time. My main goal was to get a wristband that would allow him to meet his favorite baseball player Joe Mauer. My mother was kind enough to babysit my two younger children until my wife was off of work so that Christopher and I could arrive as early as possible.
We were running behind but we still managed to each get a wristband for Mauer. We then went down to the field where some of the Minnesota Twins prospects were signing free autographs. My main goal was to meet Miguel Sano, Christopher waited patiently in the line while playing games on my phone and stopping to pose for a picture for me.

Christopher posing while waiting for Miguel Sano

As we waited in line Christopher's excitement grew wondering if his color (white) wristband would be called for Joe Mauer. As we waited we met a nice lady who talked about how she goes to twins fest every year, and has been a season ticket holder for the last 14 years. I enjoy waiting in the lines and meeting new people from all walks of life who share an interest in the autograph collecting hobby with me. 

At about 5:25 p.m. the Twins announced the wristband color for Joe Mauer, it was white! Christopher's eyes grew to the size of quarters as he realized he would finally be able to meet his baseball hero. We quickly went and bought a black big stick from the Fan HQ booth. (Fan HQ is a local store that hosts autograph signings, and sells a ton of merchandise in their store in Ridgedale Mall). We quickly went up what seemed like 200 flights or stairs to get into Joe Mauers line. 

Christopher Talking with Joe

 Christopher became more excited with every step we took getting closer to Joe. Finally it was almost his turn. I stood back taking pictures of Christopher interacting with Joe, handing him the bat, and talking with him. I am not sure exactly what they talked about but I do know that Christopher asked Joe "Would you please write MVP by your name"? Joe looked at his handler and asked for permission to do it. They made and exception for Christopher which made the experience even more special. As we exited a photographer stopped to get some information from me, and explained that the picture may be on www.twincities.com the Pioneer Press website.

 After I gave the photographer our information we headed back downstairs for some food. Christopher had cotton candy while we waited to talk with Brian Dozier. I vaguely know Dozier from some previous events I have met him at, and he agreed to stop and talk after his autograph signing session was over. We then went to meet Kyle Gibson whom I had interviewed earlier this year for this blog. He signed a baseball for my son, and then I introduced myself, asked him to sign a photograph. I thanked Kyle again for doing the interview and asked him how things went with his charity work. Every year Kyle and his wife go to South America and help build schools for areas that are in need of help. Kyle thanked me for asking and for helping him spread the word about his charity efforts.

After we finished with Kyle Gibson we went and waited a few minutes for Brian Dozier to finish his autograph session. Brian was being escorted by a security guard but had no problem stopping to talk for a few minutes. He asked me how things were and added "1st Major League HR!" to a couple of ticket stubs he had previously signed. I thanked him for his time and we headed to the children's play area.

The Twins do a great job of making this event more than just a chance to meet your favorite player. They had several different areas dedicated to kids. There was a section for playing home run derby with wiffleballs, a section to throw baseballs at the giant baggy that was in right field, a pitching section, and a section with about 4-5 jumperoos. Christopher had a blast playing in the jumperoos.

Christopher and I between his jumping sessions.

After we left we called mom so that Christopher could tell her all about meeting Joe before he fell asleep in the car. The excitement in his voice was such a wonderful thing for a father to hear. Knowing I was able to help him meet someone he considers a hero was such a great feeling.

I woke up the next morning and immediately checked the Pioneer Press website to see if his picture had made it to their site. I was so excited to find this picture online.

Christopher and Joe Mauer from the photographers perspective.

When my wife woke up I headed out to Brueggers Bagels to get some breakfast. I opened up the sports page of the Pioneer Press when I was there to find a picture in the paper of Christopher too!

Christophers picture in the paper.

This was definitely the most exciting and memorable to trip to Twinsfest to date. Not only did Christopher get to meet his favorite player but now we have these two different types of media to preserve his memory forever. I know this will be a Twinsfest that I will never forget, and I hope Christopher will always remember it as well.

The bat Joe signed for my son.

I would like to sincerely thank the Minnesota Twins for putting on such a fantastic event every year, Joe Mauer for making such a great memory for my son and family, Jean Pieri for capturing the moment of meeting Joe Mauer, Dustin Wiste for providing me with the tickets, my mother for babysitting, Kyle Gibson and Brian Dozier for being so outgoing and friendly. Together you all helped make this such a fantastic experience for my son and I.