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!