Providing fans the opportunity to safely interact with their favorite Twins players, coaches and alumni from the comfort of their own homes, the back-to-back American League Central Division Champion Minnesota Twins today announced plans for Virtual TwinsFest presented by Your Local Northland Ford Dealers, set for 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 30. This daylong celebration of baseball and the Twins, featuring Q&A sessions, skills demonstrations and more, will be streamed live and free of charge, in its entirety, on the club’s social media platforms; additionally, some radio stations on the Twins Radio Network will carry the festivities beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Benefitting the Minnesota Twins Community Fund
Virtual TwinsFest is one of the largest 2021 fundraisers for the Minnesota Twins Community Fund (MTCF), with all proceeds benefitting MTCF efforts to improve lives and strengthen communities across Twins Territory. Opportunities to support the Community Fund will be available throughout the day on January 30, including by purchasing mystery bobbleheads or autographed baseballs (sales open at the beginning of the event and will be available while supplies last). Additionally, the Twins will hold an online auction; fans can bid on exclusive items, including memorabilia and future in-person experiences, by visiting twinsbaseball.com/twinsfestauction. The auction runs Monday, January 25 through Saturday, January 30.
Lastly, as part of Virtual TwinsFest, those who donate $50 or more to the Minnesota Twins Community Fund between today (Thursday, January 21) and Saturday, January 30 will receive a Twins/Caribou Coffee winter beanie as a gift (while supplies last).
All Virtual TwinsFest sessions are being conducted via Zoom, and viewing is open to everyone. Invitations to participate in select Q&A and interactive sessions will initially be sent to Twins Season Ticket Holders and Brand Partners only. Please find below the Virtual TwinsFest schedule and session descriptions as of January 21 (please note that session participants and times are subject to change). More information is also available at twinsbaseball.com/twinsfest.
Virtual TwinsFest Session Descriptions
“The Sandlot” Table Reading (9:00 a.m. to 9:25 a.m.)
“You’re killing me, Smalls!” Start your Virtual TwinsFest off on a hilarious foot with a trip to “The Sandlot” like never before. Twins players and staff, past and present, will bring a scene from this classic baseball movie to life during a table reading that features all your favorite characters: “Yeah-Yeah” (Luis Arraez), Timmy and Tommy (Tyler Duffey), “Squints” (Randy Dobnak), “Ham” (Mitch Garver), Smalls (Thad Levine), Benny “The Jet” (Royce Lewis), Bertram (Devin Smeltzer) and Kenny DeNunez (Tommy Watkins). Broadcaster Dave Lee will play the narrator.
The Universal Language of Baseball (9:30 a.m. to 9:55 a.m.)
No matter a player’s native tongue, there is one universal dialect on the diamond – the language of baseball! Join Twins starting pitchers José Berríos (from Bayamón, Puerto Rico) and Kenta Maeda (from Osaka, Japan) to gain insight regarding on-field and in-dugout communications, enhance your knowledge of the Spanish and Japanese languages, and enjoy some laughs and friendly banter between a two-time All-Star and the 2020 A.L. Cy Young Award runner-up!
Painting with T.C. presented by Target (10:00 a.m. to 10:25 a.m.)
Grab your paintbrushes, as Twins mascot T.C. will lead fans of all ages in an engaging and instructional paint-along! Follow along from home and create your own unique and personal Twins masterpiece, sure to be the highlight of any home gallery. Fans will provide their own art supplies, while T.C. will provide the instructions and laughs!
Hitting 101 with Ryan Jeffers and Justin Morneau (10:30 a.m. to 10:55 a.m.)
Whether you have a child gearing up for their baseball or softball season, or if you’re a weekend warrior looking to get a leg up on 2021, here’s your chance to get hitting tips from current Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers and Twins Hall-of-Famer Justin Morneau! Join us as Jeffers (who posted a .791 OPS as a rookie in 2020) and Morneau (the 2006 American League MVP and 2014 National League batting champ) take fans through a session in the cages, from setup and approach, to pitch recognition and swing mechanics.
Chillin’ with the Skipper (11:00 a.m. to 11:25 a.m.)
Ask any Twins player, and they’ll gladly tell you that the Target Field clubhouse has the most relaxed, positive vibe in baseball – all emanating from the manager’s office. Now’s your chance to kick back and chill with 2019 American League Manager of the Year Rocco Baldelli, as he riffs on life, the Twins, philosophy and, yes, perhaps even Phish.
Fun on the Farm with the St. Paul Saints (11:30 a.m. to 11:55 a.m.)
Fun is good! The Twins are thrilled to welcome the St. Paul Saints as the club’s new Triple-A affiliate, bringing baseball fans throughout the region a collaborative, historic and exciting partnership. Join the legendary Mike Veeck, Saints President & Co-Owner, as he shares stories from his wonderful and truly unique baseball journey. Saints Executive VP & General Manager Derek Sharrer will also take part in this interactive conversation about Triple-A baseball at CHS Field!
Town Hall with Twins Leadership (12:00 p.m. to 12:55 p.m.)
Join us to talk Twins, and learn how the back-to-back A.L. Central Division Champions are approaching 2021, during this “Town Hall” with club leadership – Executive Chair Jim Pohlad, President & CEO Dave St. Peter and President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey. Hosted by Twins broadcaster Dick Bremer, this Q&A is an opportunity to get the inside scoop on all things Twins!
Kids Takeover presented by Pentair (1:00 p.m. to 1:25 p.m.)
Play Ball – it’s time for the kids to run the show! Kids of all ages who dream about sitting in the dugout and talking baseball with their favorite player will enjoy this interactive chat with Twins outfielder Jake Cave. Hosted by radio personality Cory Hepola, this Q&A gives our youngest Twins fans the opportunity to talk directly with a Major Leaguer!
“Talking Twins” Fan Forum (1:30 p.m. to 1:55 p.m.)
The back-to-back A.L. Central Division Champion Minnesota Twins have their sights set on a third-straight title in 2021. Join Twins play-by-play voice Cory Provus as he hosts this interactive fan forum with current Twins players (participants TBD).
Shop Talk with Torii Hunter, Joe Mauer and Kirk Cousins presented by U.S. Bank (2:00 p.m. to 2:25 p.m.)
Three athletes, each of whom have reached the peak of their profession, sit for a candid conversation on successes, failures and life outside of their sport. Featuring Twins legend Joe Mauer (recruited by Florida State University to play quarterback) and current Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (a high school standout as a pitcher and third baseman), and hosted by Twins Hall-of-Famer Torii Hunter (also a star high school QB), this roundtable discussion is sure to delight any Minnesota sports fan!
A Gardy Party with Ron and Toby presented by Gray Duck Vodka (2:30 p.m. to 2:55 p.m.)
As the Twins’ beloved and fiery manager for 13 seasons, Ron Gardenhire led Minnesota to 1,068 wins and six division championships. Now, Ron’s son Toby is carrying on the Gardenhire family legacy as an up-and-coming skipper in the Twins minor league system – and is set to manage the Triple-A St. Paul Saints in 2021. Hosted by radio personality Chad Hartman, join us as father and son share some laughs, swap dugout stories and talk life, baseball and the Minnesota Twins.
Getting Real with J.D. (3:00 p.m. to 3:25 p.m.)
Few Major Leaguers play the game with the unbridled enthusiasm of Twins third baseman Josh Donaldson. Entering his second season with the Twins, the “Bringer of Rain” will reflect on becoming a father for the first time, his approach to 2021, and the passion that has made him a fan favorite. Twins broadcaster Dan Gladden – himself a clubhouse leader for Minnesota’s two World Series titles – will host this candid conversation with the player who hopes to be the spark behind the Twins’ next world championship.
Tim McGraw Set (3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Virtual TwinsFest will close with a special musical performance by legendary singer and songwriter Tim McGraw. The three-time Grammy Award winner performs three of his memorable hits in a stripped down, intimate setting as part of his recently-released project McGraw Machine Hits: 2013-19.
(info courtesy of Twins)