It was a summer to remember for members of the Twins Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Junior All-Star team. For the first time in Twins RBI program history, the team captured the regional tournament championship and won a berth to the RBI World Series. In late July, the Twins Community Fund, along with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and the City of St. Paul Division of Parks and Recreation, hosted the 2008 RBI Midwest Regional Tournament. The tournament featured 17 teams from 10 cities including Chicago, Denver, Kansas City, Milwaukee, St. Louis, and Seattle. The Twins Community Fund sponsored a team in each division: senior boys (ages 16-18), junior boys (ages 13- 15) and girl’s softball (ages 16-18). Teams were made up of players from the Twins RBI leagues in both Minneapolis and St. Paul. The senior boy’s team completed the tournament with a 2-1 record and narrowly missed out on the opportunity to play in the championship game. The girl’s softball team finished the tournament with a 1-3 record with some very close losses. But the story of the tournament was the junior boy’s team that went a perfect 4-0 to claim the regional title and to qualify for one of the eight spots in the RBI World Series. In August, the team traveled to the Major League Baseball Urban Youth Academy in Compton, Calif. The team played against teams from Los Angeles, the Dominican Republic, Anaheim and Jersey City. Although games were close, the team finished the tournament with a 0-4 record. Despite the losses, the team had a great experience. “I will remember and cherish the memories of this experience. It was great to see the style of baseball played around the United States and the Dominican Republic,” said first baseman Tony Olson. Along with playing in the tournament, the team was treated to a game at Angels Stadium, a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood and a surprise visit in the dugout from Hall of Famer Dave Winfield, a former Twin and St. Paul baseball legend. The team also took part in opening and closing banquets, where players heard former Negro Leaguers and Dodger legends Don Newcombe and Lou Johnson talk about their struggles and triumphs in their careers. Also on hand at the closing banquet was Sharon Robinson, daughter of Jackie Robinson, who spoke about her father’s struggle and ultimate triumph in breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball. RBI is a worldwide Major League Baseball initiative for youth ages 13-18. Founded in 1989, the program is designed to provide baseball and softball opportunities in inner cities, while also increasing self-esteem and encouraging academic participation and achievement. RBI serves more than 125,000 youth in 175 cities. Since 1996, the Twins Community Fund has sponsored the Twins RBI League and in Minneapolis and St. Paul the program serves more than 6,000 youth. Twins Junior RBI Team Participates in RBI World Series Minnesota Twins Baseball Club | Minnesota Twins Community Fund 34 Kirby Puckett Place, Minneapolis, MN 55415 • 612.375.1366 (phone) • 612.375.7480 (fax) • www.twinsbaseball.com Members of the Twins RBI softball team prepare for a game during the regional tournament Volume 17 - Fall 2008 Official Publication of the Minnesota Twins and the Twins Community Fund The Heart of Twins Territory Twins In the Community Members of the senior boys team watch the game unfold. All three Twins RBI teams had a great showing at the 2008 RBI Regional Tournament.
Transcript
It was a summer to remember for members of the Twins Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Junior All-Star team. For the first time in Twins RBI program history, the team captured the regional tournament championship and won a berth to the RBI World Series.
In late July, the Twins Community Fund, along with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and the City of St. Paul Division of Parks and Recreation, hosted the 2008 RBI Midwest Regional Tournament. The tournament featured 17 teams from 10 cities including Chicago, Denver, Kansas City, Milwaukee, St. Louis, and Seattle.
The Twins Community Fund sponsored a team in each division: senior boys (ages 16-18), junior boys (ages 13-15) and girl’s softball (ages 16-18). Teams were made up of players from the Twins RBI leagues in both Minneapolis and St. Paul.
The senior boy’s team completed the tournament with a 2-1 record and narrowly missed out on the opportunity to play in the championship game. The girl’s softball team finished the tournament with a 1-3 record with some very close losses.
But the story of the tournament was the junior boy’s team that went a perfect 4-0 to claim the regional title and to qualify for one of the eight spots in the RBI World Series.
In August, the team traveled to the Major League Baseball Urban Youth Academy in Compton, Calif. The team played against teams from Los Angeles, the Dominican Republic, Anaheim and Jersey City. Although games were close, the
team finished the tournament with a 0-4 record.
Despite the losses, the team had a great experience. “I will remember and cherish the memories of this experience. It was great to see the style of baseball played around the United States and the Dominican Republic,” said first baseman Tony Olson.
Along with playing in the tournament, the team was treated to a game at Angels Stadium, a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood and a surprise visit in the dugout from Hall of Famer Dave Winfield, a former Twin and St. Paul baseball legend.
The team also took part in opening and closing banquets, where players heard former Negro Leaguers and Dodger legends Don Newcombe and Lou Johnson talk about their struggles and triumphs in their careers. Also on hand at the closing banquet was Sharon Robinson, daughter of Jackie Robinson, who spoke about her father’s struggle and ultimate triumph in breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball.
RBI is a worldwide Major League Baseball initiative for youth ages 13-18. Founded in 1989, the program is designed to provide baseball and softball opportunities in inner cities, while also increasing self-esteem and encouraging academic participation and achievement. RBI serves more than 125,000 youth in 175 cities. Since 1996, the Twins Community Fund has sponsored the Twins RBI League and in Minneapolis and St. Paul the program serves more than 6,000 youth.
Twins Junior RBI Team Participates in RBI World Series
Members of the Twins RBI softball team prepare for a game during the regional tournament
Volume 17 - Fall 2008Official Publication of the Minnesota Twins and the Twins Community Fund
The Heart of Twins TerritoryTwins In the Community
Members of the senior boys team watch the game unfold. All three Twins RBI teams had a great showing at the 2008 RBI Regional Tournament.
2 Twins in the Community
On a beautiful September day, Twins first baseman Justin Morneau and his fiancée Krista Martin, arrived at a dilapidated baseball field in northeast Minneapolis with good news to share. Joined by representatives of the Twin Community Fund and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Morneau announced the renovation plan for the field at Northeast Park as part of the Justin Morneau Fields For Kids program.
Students from Pillsbury Elementary School and interested neighborhood residents gathered to learn that Morneau donated $11,000 to the project. That’s $100 for each of his 110 RBI from the 2007 season. The Twins Community Fund contributed $10,000 as part of its yearly contribution to the city’s RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) grant program.
Renovations will include new outfield fencing and fence painting, seeding and top dressing for the outfield and the addition of foul poles in left and right fields.
“I always had a place when I was growing up and I want other kids to have the same type of field to look forward to
playing on as I did,” Morneau said. “This is just one small way I can give back.”
Field number 8 at the corner of 14th Ave. NE and Buchanan St. will be renumbered to field number 33 in honor of Morneau’s contribution.
Field Gets $21,000 Upgrade Thanks to Morneau and the Twins Community Fund
Twins players put down their gloves and put on server’s aprons on Aug. 17 when they participated in the Celebrity Waiter Event at Morton’s Steakhouse in Minneapolis. The event was hosted by Michael Cuddyer and Morton’s, with proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Club of the Twin Cities.
Players worked as waiters while Michael Cuddyer wowed guests with magic tricks and Justin Morneau served drinks behind the bar. Proceeds from ticket sales and both the silent and live auctions raised about $35,000 for the Boys and Girls Club. Players and guests alike had a wonderful time, enjoying a night of great food and raising money for a worthy cause.
Players and wives who participated in Cuddyer’s Waiter Event included Scott and LeAnn Baker, Brian Bass, Boof Bonser and Jessica Clark, Craig Breslow, Jesse and Becky Crain, Michael and Claudia Cuddyer, Adam and Jennifer Everett, Jason and Blake Kubel, Justin Morneau and Krista Martin, Nick and Natalie Punto, Mike and Michelle Redmond, and Kevin Slowey.
Other special guests included: former Wild hockey player, Mark Parrish; Twins television broadcaster, Dick Bremer; Minnesota Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year, Calvin Gilkey.
Cuddyer Waiter Event Benefits Boys and Girls Club of the Twins Cities
Justin Morneau high-fives students from Pillsbury Elementary School, who were on hand for the field dedication.
Twins pitcher Craig Breslow gets serving tips from a Morton’s employee.
Former Twins greats visited the team’s booth at the 2008 State Fair to visit with fairgoers.
The alumni, including Tony Oliva, emphasized to the youth in the crowd how important education is for success both on and off the field. Fans then
got a treat when the former players played some yard ball
with young fairgoers and signed autographs.
In a new location near the International Bazaar, the
Minnesota Twins Experience was as popular as ever. “It’s great that former players come out to talk to kids about staying in school,”
said one visitor. “The positive interaction playing yard ball between alumni and kids is also fun to see.”
The Minnesota Twins Wives’ Organization collected more than 1,400 pounds of new and used baseball equipment for Minnesota military families and troops who are serving in Iraq. The equipment drive was held in conjunction with Twins Military Appreciation Day on July 5.
“We’re proud to recognize the sacrifice our soldiers make
every day and we are pleased to be part of sending this sporting equipment to our troops,” said Natalie Punto, wife of Twins infielder Nick Punto.
In early September, Becky Crain, Claudia Cuddyer, Dejie Guerrier, Natalie Punto, the Minnesota Army National Guard and DHL staff members gathered at Holman Air Field to pack and ship nearly 700 pounds of new and used baseball, hockey, basketball, lacrosse and ping-pong equipment for troops in Iraq.
The hope is that in down time, the troops will have an activity that reminds them of home. The remaining equipment will be distributed among Minnesotan’s military families.
This season, the Minnesota Twins Wives Organization raised more than $63,000 for local and national charities. The organization, made up of Twins players’ and coaches’ wives and fiancées, raises money throughout the year for charities that help and support families and children. To learn more about the Twins Wives’ Organization, please visit: www.twinsbaseball.com/community.
Twins in the Community 3
Minnesota Twins’ Greats Take Time to Visit the State Fair
Tony Oliva signs autographs at the Twins booth at the Minnesota State Fair.
Twins wives help pack and ship nearly 700 pounds of athletic equipment for troops in Iraq.
More Than 1,400 Pounds of Sporting Equipment Donated to Military Families and Troops
4 Twins in the Community
The summer of 2008 marked the 47th year the Twins and the Twins Community Fund have offered free youth baseball and softball clinics. This year, the program served more than 3,000 kids in 37 communities in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.
Created in 1961 by Twins scout Angelo Giuliani, the program serves as a way for the ball club to promote the games of baseball and softball to boys and girls through-out the region. Since the program’s inception, more than 800,000 youth have taken part in Twins clinics in the Upper Midwest and Southwest Florida.
The Play Ball! Minnesota Youth Clinics are available to participants and com-munities free of charge. Funding for the Play Ball! Minnesota Youth Clinics is provided by the Twins Community Fund and Great River Energy.
The Play Ball! Minnesota Youth Clinics format, which focuses on throwing, hitting and base running, was developed by Twins Senior Advisor to the General Manager Terry Ryan and former Twins executive and current Arizona Diamondbacks Special Assistant to the General Manager Bob Gebhard.
The clinics provide quality hands-on instruction for boys and girls ages 6-16. The format is broken down into two 1 ½ hour sessions. The first session is for youth ages 6-9 years old and the second session is for youth ages 10-16. Participants are divided into three groups and rotated between hitting, fielding and throwing stations.
Applications for summer 2009 host communities will be available in January on the Twins Web site www.twinsbaseball.com/community.
2008 Play Ball! Minnesota Clinics
This summer, more than 11,000 children participated in the Minnesota Twins Summer Reading Incentives program. More than 45 libraries and public schools in Minnesota and Iowa took part, distributing 7,400 bookmarks, posters and 2008 Twins ticket vouchers.
The incentives were used as rewards in different ways. Some libraries gave them to children who matched or surpassed the reading requirements. One library conducted
weekly drawings: if a student read a book, they put their name into a box for a prize. Another library with more than 850 participants used the bookmarks as a incentive to sign up for the Summer Reading Program, the posters as prizes for completing the program, and the vouchers as prizes for various contests.
This year, the Minnesota Twins partnered with the Hennepin County Library system and MELSA, an alliance of all public libraries in the seven-county metro area. The Minnesota Twins Summer Reading Incentives Program provides incentives and rewards for youth reading programs at area schools and libraries.
To learn more about the Minnesota Twins Summer Reading Incentives Program, call the Minnesota Twins at 612.375.1366.
Record Number of Children Participate in 2008 Summer Reading Incentives Program
More than 3,000 youth attended a free Play Ball! Minnesota Clinic this summer.
The Twins Community Fund, in partnership with the Toro Corporation and the Pohlad Family Foundation, recently approved 15 Fields for Kids grants totaling $66,250. Established in 1999, the Fields for Kids program makes monetary contributions to improve the condition of youth baseball and softball fields. Since its inception, more than $1.3 million has been granted to help renovate 372 ballfields in the Upper Midwest, Southwest Florida and Latin America.
The Twins Community Fund has awarded 49 Fields for Kids grants totaling $223,760 in 2008.
A list of September Fields for Kids grantees follows. Applications for 2009 Twins Community Fund grant and scholarship programs will be available in January at www.twinsbaseball.com/community.
Twins in the Community 5
Twins Community Fund Approves $66,250 in Twins Fields for Kids Grants
September Fields for Kids Recipients
Organization City, State Grant Amount Delano Youth Baseball
AssociationDelano, Minn. $5,000
Essig Baseball Club Sleepy Eye, Minn. $5,000
Hudson Boosters Hudson, Wis. $5,000
McLeod West Public School Brownton, Minn. $5,000
Melrose School District #740 Melrose, Minn. $3,000
Rush City School District #139 Rush City, Minn. $5,000
St. Alphonsus Catholic School Brooklyn Center, Minn. $5,000
St. Anthony Baseball Association St. Anthony, Minn. $2,250
Upsala Ballpark Association Upsala, Minn. $5,000
Walker-Hackensack-Akeley Community Ed. Walker, Minn. $5,000
Warren Summer Recreation Warren, Minn. $5,000
Winthrop Park Board Winthrop, Minn. $5,000
TOTAL $66,250
The mission of the Minnesota Twins Community Fund is to enrich local and regional communities by providing resources for the healthy development of children and families through an association with baseball and softball and the Minnesota Twins.
Twins Community Fund Mission
Community Members
Kevin Cattoor, ChairHeadwater SystemsTwin Cities, Minn.
Julianne ByeMinneapolis YWCATwin Cities, Minn.
Billy CollinsSt. Paul YWCATwin Cities, Minn.
Julie CravenHormel Austin, Minn.
Mark DienhartUniversity of St. ThomasTwin Cities, Minn.
Brent GishNational Indian Impacted Schools AssociationMahnomen, Minn.
Roger MoeNational Strategies, Inc.; Former Minn. State Senate Majority LeaderErskine, Minn.
Ron Nelson3M, RetiredTwin Cities, Minn.
Lea B. OlsenTwin Cities, Minn.
Mark SchiffmanHimle HornerTwin Cities, Minn.
Jim SenskeNew Ulm Baseball Association New Ulm, Minn.
David SteadMN State High School LeagueTwin Cities, Minn.
