All Star Game!

In honor of today's All Star Game (the 83rd, in fact!), I wanted to take a look back at other All Star Games.  They're a fun chance for baseball players to get together and have fun during these long summer days of baseball.

The All-Star games, otherwise known as the "Mid-summer Classic" are a nice honor for many players, Joe Mauer included.  Joe Mauer has been an All-Star pick a whopping four times!  The first was in 2006 followed by stints in 2008, 2009, and 2010.

The top player at the All Star Game earns a Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award.  This is like an honor on top of an honor and the recipient is clearly a top notch major league baseball player!  Past recipients include Willie Mays, Bobby Bonds, Ken Griffey, Sr., Cal Ripken, Jr., and Alfonso Soriano.  In 2011, the winner was Prince Fielder of the Milwaukee Brewers.

The All Star Game is held in a variety of venues.  In 2011, it was at Chase Field in Arizona; this year it will be at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.  Tune in to see some top-notch athletes compete in yet another year of great All Star baseball action!

Minnesota Twins versus Texas Rangers

Today marks the third game between the Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers.  If you're like me, this means that you're ready for new knowledge about the opposing team.  To keep today's game fresh, here are a few fun facts about the Texas Rangers that will help enrich your game watching experience!

*  The Texas Rangers baseball team was established in 1961 and have based in Arlington since 1972.

*  Their stadium, the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington (real creative name...) seats 48,194.

*  The Texas Rangers' CEO and President is Nolan Ryan.

*  The Texas Rangers are frequently known as "The Blue Crew."

*  George W. Bush was part owner of the team from 1989-1994 and is still a huge fan to this day.  In fact, his love of baseball is featured in the movie W which takes a look at his adult years, struggles, and triumphs.

These games may be away, but there are plenty of home games up ahead by the end of this week!  Get tickets today!

Joe Mauer: Football star

If only all of us were so lucky that we had two successful pro careers lined up and ready to go!  Joe Mauer has lived that experience.  His athletic prowess in baseball and football led to what must have been a difficult decision: should he head to the MLB draft out of high school or should be go play college football?

As a junior, Joe Mauer was the Cretin Derham Hall starter.  He continued again as a senior and by the end this two year stint, he had tallied 73 touchdowns with a senior year 62% completion total.

National outlets soon took notice.  In 2000, Joe Mauer made it into Sport Illustrated as a quarterback for the Cretin Derham Hall football team.  He was named as the 2001 Gatorade National Player of the Year in both football and baseball!  He was also an All-American according to Reebok and ESPN.

Florida State University soon came knocking.  They offered a scholarship for Joe Mauer to come play college football, but we know what happened next.  Joe Mauer instead entered the MLB draft and was 2001 draft number one pick who went straight for the Minnesota Twins.  Everything worked out beautifully for Joe Mauer and I for one am glad that he picked his hometown team instead of a college football team from Florida.  Someday he can go back and earn that college diploma, but for now he's right where he should be: the Minnesota Twins baseball team.

Happy Fourth of July!

With a patriotic day here, what better way to celebrate than by watching America's favorite sport: baseball!  The Minnesota Twins take on the Detroit Tigers today at 6:05 p.m.  Unfortunately the game is in Detroit, but you can catch it on TV (or maybe use this as an excuse to travel to Michigan; buy tickets now!).

I'll be up at the cabin, listening to the game on the radio if we get reception (and, I guess, if it's broadcast).  Hopefully Joe Mauer is able to catch a parade and see some fireworks later tonight.  It's not the fourth without those things!


Good luck to the Minnesota Twins today.  Go make our fourth of July memorable with a win over the Detroit Tigers tonight!

Video Games and Joe Mauer

I have never been much for video games apart from Duck Hunt, but so many guys I know are obsessed.  The headsets, the online chats, the hours of zombie like stares...it's crazy.

Joe Mauer is of that same gamer generation, but he was able to take it a step farther with an appearance in some computer/video games.  The MLB 10 and 11 games for PlayStation featured Joe Mauer on both covers, a huge honor for any baseball player!

The game itself worked its way into popular culture when Minnesota Twins announcer Dick Bremer used the official game tagline and said, "Well played, Mauer."  Is Dick Bremer a closet video gamer?!

Joe Mauer's athletic catch of a foul ball even made the MLB 11 video game introduction was it shows clips of Joe Mauer in all his best plays.

Back in 2009, Joe Mauer was an option of MLB players in the Backyard Baseball game, so that marks three years of video game appearances.  These will certainly be amazing memorabilia for Joe Mauer to show his future children someday when video games are archaic and virtual reality is the new thing!

Joe Mauer's Old Flame

Joe Mauer is now engaged to fellow Cretin-Derham Hall alum Maddie Bisanz, but at one point, he was romantically linked to Chelsea Cooley, a Miss Teen USA and Miss USA contestant.

Chelsea Cooley is about the same age as Joe Mauer and hails from Charlotte, North Carolina.  Joe Mauer dated Chelsea Cooley for just 6 months--really, not long at all--before calling it quits.

Joe Mauer's dad, Jake Mauer, only had positive things to say about Chelsea Cooley at the time and was quoted in a couple interviews as saying she was a nice girl.

Chelsea Cooley, Miss USA

Now that both Joe Mauer and Chelsea Cooley have moved on, they are starting lives with others.  Joe Mauer's engagement has been making headlines while Chelsea Cooley was reportedly married back in 2008.  Even if Chelsea Cooley was a positive girl, I personally am glad Joe Mauer is settling down with a hometown friend.

Joe Mauer's Day Off

Well, folks, today is June 28th.  To us, no big deal.  To Minnesota Twins baseball players like Joe Mauer, this is their one day off of work all week.  In fact, it's just their fourth and final day off in all of June.


Man.

When it's put in that perspective, it's hard to relate.  Few other sports or careers for that matter require such a time commitment.  Baseball games may be slow, but the travel and training required (up to 10-12 hours a day for Joe Mauer between warming up, training, weights, cool-down, care) is grueling.  The whole summer could pass without Joe Mauer being able to take a week and go to his cabin or just enjoy the view OUTSIDE of a ball park!

I know, I know.  Joe Mauer and fellow Minnesota Twins baseball players are paid very well for their work and it's an amazing chance to play in the big leagues.  But sometimes the other side is tough, too--lasting injuries, strained relationships from so much road time, not much time to just enjoy the summers at home with the people you love.

So, does the MLB schedule too many baseball games?  My sister would say yes.  She's not the biggest baseball fan in the first place, but has a point when she says that every game becomes less significant the more they are.  That's why football, for example, is much more interesting to her.  Each game is extremely important and high stakes in a relatively shorter season.

Exhausted baseball player...call for help!

I'm interested in your thoughts, Mauer on a Mission readers!  Is the MLB season too long?  Joe Mauer and I want to know. :)

Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau: BFFs

It's no secret that Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer are close friends.  Both players share the same initials (doesn't that make you best friends automatically?!) and the same adoration from millions of fans (especially women across the Midwest...and beyond!).

Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau shared a St. Paul townhome for many years, as we've covered before on this blog.  Through interviews and pictures, it's clear they balanced each other out--Justin Morneau was more laid back and messy, Joe Mauer a bit more reserved and tidy.  Apparently Justin Morneau would really have to persuade Joe Mauer to go out with friends after games and socialize.  And both were injured frequently in past seasons, missing big streaks of games, much to the disappointment of Minnesota Twins baseball fans.

Now that both Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau are in serious relationships, I bet they get together for evenings out as couples.  We're watching these two friends grow up before our very eyes (ahhhhhhh).

Joe Mauer's Potential Career Choices Post-Minnesota Twins

After learning about Joe Mauer over the years, I've come to realize he has the potential to step into many careers after his time with the Minnesota Twins comes to an end (sob).  After reading through many articles and online sites, I've realized Joe Mauer gravitates toward the arts.  Seriously!  Stay with me here.

Let's start with potential career number one: acting.  We've seen it time and again in the variety of commercials Joe Mauer has starred in.  He delivers his lines naturally and accurately, plus his good looks are made for the big screen.  Who knows?  He could be the next star of a blockbuster someday soon...perhaps a role similar to that of Jacob in Twilight?

A second career option post-Minnesota Twins baseball would be as a rapper.  According to a revealing Star Tribune article a couple years ago, Joe Mauer often raps even in front of fellow Minnesota Twins baseball players.  He also has a recording studio at his cabin in Minnesota!

Last but not least, perhaps Joe Mauer could be a singer.  Remember his lines in the Explore Minnesota commercial?  Listen again at 00:39.

Ok, yeah, maybe Joe Mauer should stick to catching for the Minnesota Twins for awhile.  Pretty sure he's found his calling.

Joe Mauer's nicknames

Minnesota Twins players often get lasting nicknames.  Kent Hrbek was Herbie, Paul Molitor was Molly and Kirby Puckett was Puck.

How come Joe Mauer seems to just be Joe Mauer?  (Not that there's anything wrong with that....I just wonder if he'll ever get something else, too!)

Nickname possibilities for Joe Mauer could include JM, though that cuts too close to fellow Minnesota Twins player (and former roommate) Justin Morneau.  Perhaps Joe Mauer could go by "7" since he proudly wears that number on his Minnesota Twins uniform.  Joe Mauer's last name is difficult to abbreviate like the Hrbek, Molitor, and Puckett brigade.  "Mauery" or "Mau" just doesn't have the same ring as "Puck."  In fact "Mau" conjured images of a certain Chinese dictator...not the kind of association a young Minnesota Twins baseball player would enjoy.

Looks like Joe Mauer will be just that--Joe Mauer--for his professional career.  Or, according to Sports Illustrated, American Idol.  Both are fine with  me!

Father's day for Joe Mauer's dad, Jake

Joe Mauer has a great set of parents and Jake Mauer is clearly proud of the three Mauer sons he's raised.  In honor of Father's Day, here's a quick haiku for all you Minnesota Twins baseball loving dads out there.

 The crack of a bat

Brings kids and dads together

At the baseball field.

Make sure to take the time and say you appreciate the dad in your life!  A couple of Minnesota Twins baseball tickets to go see Joe Mauer live and in action sure never hurt any blue-blooded Minnesota Twins baseball dad, right?!  Here's an easy place to pick up a pair for you and your dad (I like supporting local Minnesota companies!); it's a great last minute gift in case you put it off until now.  Just pick out a nice card and slip inside a print-out of your ticket confirmation.  

Minnesota Twins baseball for your dad = a perfect way to spend time together!

Minnesota Twins Home Game Tonight!

The Minnesota Twins baseball team takes on the Milwaukee Brewers tonight at Target Field.  I know I always profile Joe Mauer on this clearly named "Joe Mauer on a Mission" site, but today I thought I'd give a few fun facts about the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team to get us all pumped up for tonight's game.

*  The Milwaukee Brewers were established in 1969.

*  The Milwaukee Brewers have gone through four logo evolutions over the years.

*  Paul Molitor, former Minnesota Twins player and fellow Cretin-Derham Hall alum like Joe Mauer, had his number retired from the Milwaukee Brewers.  What an honor!

There you have it!  Now that you have a few facts under your belt, get ready to enjoy the game.  I'm watching it from home tonight, but maybe there are a few last tickets remaining.  Enjoy!

Joe Mauer, aka Joseph Patrick Mauer

I met a little boy the other day named Orion.  He was at a birthday party that also saw kiddie guests named Jasper, Thea, Porter, and Cain.  I mostly know this because the kids made name plaques for an activity and I was there to help paint their bizarre names across each tile.  It sure makes me appreciate the classic masculinity of Minnesota Twin baseball player Joseph Patrick Mauer.  Talk about a name that will weather the generations!

"Joseph" means "Jehovah increases" and is the 20th most popular name in the U.S.  The name is found everywhere from the Bible to the Minnesota Twins baseball roster and everywhere in-between: G.I. Joe, Joe the Plumber, and Joe Biden.  Yep, it's a pretty plain name, but it's a solid good guy name.

"Patrick" means "noble, patrician."  Though it's Latin, it is often tied to Irish culture.  We have many Patricks in pop culture: Swayze, Dempsey, and Buchanan.  And who can forget St. Patrick's Day?

So there you have it: two thumbs up for Joseph Patrick Mauer, a solid name for a solid guy.  

Joe Mauer's Cabin

The last post here was about Joe Mauer's house and now we turn attention to Joe Mauer's cabin.  Like any good Minnesotan, Joe Mauer's cabin is here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes and according to his friends, it is not a little lakeside shanty, but an enviable manor.

Joe Mauer's cabin features a bunch of awesome amenities including a batting cage, movie theater, and bowling alley.  What a place!  Joe Mauer also loves recording raps, so the cabin comes with a recording studio, too.  Of course, Joe Mauer has plenty of surrounding land for hunting (and privacy, I'm sure), but if the weather is crappy, sounds like he'll be comfortable indoors!

Joe Mauer even imported mountains to flank his cab-mansion!

In a 2009 interview, Joe Mauer's dad Jake said the cabin is a place for Joe Mauer to be just that...himself.  It sounds like an awesome escape from the reporters and grueling Minnesota Twins baseball schedule.  If there's one place to sink money, it's definitely a lake spot and this one sounds like it can't be beat!

Joe Mauer's Old Digs

Well, I would definitely never admit to being creepy enough to type "Where does Joe Mauer live?" into Google search.  Never in a million years!  But, if I heard about someone who just might have tried something that stalker-ish, I can attest to the fact that many, many people have asked this question.

Most of the answers that pop up to that question reference Joe Mauer's former home once shared with fellow Minnesota Twins player Justin Morneau.  The most in-depth article about the house was published in 2006 from Sports Illustrated and that lucky, lucky reporter was able to take the grand tour.  Kirby Puckett and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles memorabilia was noted as well as the fact the guys mostly feasted on either Jimmy Johns or Davanni's before/after games.  Here's the accompanying slide show of now outdated yet still interesting photos.

Not Joe Mauer's townhouse...but classic St. Paul styling anyway.

As far as where Joe Mauer lives today, I'm not even sure if I believe most of what's out there so I'm content with guessing: Lake Minnetonka?  A gated suburban community?  Somewhere in St. Paul near where he grew up on Lexington?  If I were Joe Mauer, I'd prefer to be anonymous and avoid crazy fans from tracking me down in my rare time off.

Joe Mauer's Hairstyle

The Minnesota Twins usually have their hair hidden under hats or batting helmets and some even look a little funny without a ball cap in place.  Joe Mauer, though, looks great hat on or off, don't you agree?  Though Joe Mauer's sideburns get the lion's share of publicity, his Head and Shoulders styled 'do deserves attention, too.

Back in high school, Joe Mauer's hair length was a bit longer and a bit more blunt.  Gotta love the crooked bangs, too.

Joe Mauer's hair in the earlier years.

Joe Mauer has kept a similar no-fuss look over the course of his Minnesota Twins career.  However, today's haircut is definitely more fitting and grown-up.

Joe Mauer's sleek hair and long sideburns.

Not sure about you, but I do like Joe Mauer's spiky front look from his commercial spot.  Adds a little flair, though not super practical for under a catcher's helmet.

Joe Mauer's weekend look.

 The top men's haircuts of 2012 are definitely more androgynous and flowing, according to GQ Australia.  What would Joe Mauer look like with this sort of style?

Yeah, not a fan of that either.  I think Joe Mauer has it figured out--short, plain, and practical.  Suits him just fine!

The power of seven: Joe Mauer's lucky number

Years before I even knew Joe Mauer existed (yes, there was such a time), I landed independently and confidently on my favorite number: seven.  And then Joe Mauer popped up as a Minnesota Twin and the clouds parted, angels sang, and both my favorite number and new favorite Minnesota Twin were bound together in one amazing bundle of awesomeness.

Why is the number seven so popular?  Where do we find references to the number seven in our culture?  Let's take a peek at some of the things that make number seven so cool.

First, it's Joe Mauer's number.  Clearly rad.

Next, it's the number of days in the week.  And could this week all in red for Minnesota Twins home games look any sweeter?

Third, it's the title of a movie: Se7en.  I've never even watched it yet I'm biased in its favor simply because of how cool it looks to put "7" in place of a "v".  Original.  And seven-licious.

And lastly, we've got Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.  Classic Disney and good memories from childhood.  Wonder if Joe Mauer ever watched this movie when he was growing up?

So there you have it...four reasons why seven is awesome.  Help bring the total to seven!  What are a few more reasons why seven is so cool???

Minnesota Twins away game tonight

In honor of a fresh new month, I've decided to post the Minnesota Twins June baseball schedule here.  You're welcome!

As you already know, the Minnesota Twins are over in Cleveland for the weekend to take on the Cleveland Indians.  I'm hoping this means a pretty easy three wins, but I've crossed my fingers and wished for the same thing before with no luck.  So, we'll have to wait and see how it goes, but I'll be root-root-rooting for my Minnesota Twins home team and hope you will, too.

By the way, I'm seeing lots of red home games on here.  In case any of them tickle your fancy, pick up some tickets soon.  June is (in my humble opinion) THE month to see Minnesota Twins home games at Target Field.  The weather is fresh and warm, the potential of summer lies ahead, and Minnesota Twins baseball is the perfect complement to any afternoon or evening in Minneapolis.  Enjoy!

Joe Mauer's Endorsements

We've taken a look at Joe Mauer's prolific acting career (oftentimes with the leading lady as his mom Theresa Mauer!), but let's examine a few of the products Joe Mauer has endorsed in the past.

Of course, we must start with good old Kemps dairy products.

I'm a huge milk, ice cream, cheese consumer and I love Kemps products so this is the best of both baseball and food worlds for me!  Joe Mauer and Kemps have been partnering since 2010 though it really feels longer.  I guess that's testament to how prominent the Kemps and Joe Mauer ads have been in the past couple years.  This endorsement makes sense to me as both Joe Mauer and Kemps have strong ties to St. Paul, Minnesota.  And when I pick up a box of ice cream sandwiches, I have the added pleasure of seeing my favorite Minnesota Twin on the box!  Bonus.

Other past endorsements included predictably sports oriented products (Nike and Gatorade) but the Head and Shoulders endorsement really threw me for a loop.  Joe Mauer does seem like a no-nonsense guy so he probably isn't dabbling in higher-end hair care products.  However, out of all the things he could promote, it's surprising Head and Shoulders made the final cut.  Oh well.  The commercials are entertaining.

Impersonating Troy Polamalu

Joe Mauer has earned a reported THIRTEEN MILLION from endorsement so I guess the guy knows what he's doing.  This led Bloomberg Businessweek to rank him as 19 out of 100 sports endorsing spokespeople.  Crazy. 

A rant about Joe Mauer's BMI

I was surprised to learn recently that Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer is a whopping SIX FOOT FIVE INCHES TALL!  What?!  I figured he was more in the upper 5, lower 6 foot range, but nope.  Six foot five.

Joe Mauer weighs in at 230 pounds, according to his Minnesota Twins official roster profile.  Since it's nearing bathing suit time and BMI online calculators are top hits right now (according to Google) let's compute what that Joe Mauer's BMI comes in at.

Here's the BMI calculator I'll use.

Ok...input data....and here we go.

Yep.  As suspected, the BMI calculator confirms what I suspected it would: Joe Mauer is apparently overweight with a BMI of 27.27.  (An overweight range is from 25-29.9.)

Joe Mauer's body double according to BMI calculations.

When will the nutrition/exercise/doctor/fitness group of America start adjusting the BMI to take into account lean muscle mass?!?!?!  With their measurements, nearly all the Minnesota Twins players are overweight...and let's not even get started on the Minnesota Vikings football team!