Mauer 'all over the place with emotion' after Hall of Fame call
Joe Mauer became just the fourth player to spend the majority of his playing career with the Twins to be elected to the Hall of Fame on their first ballot Tuesday.
Speaking with MLB Network after Tuesday's announcement, Mauer said he was "all over the place with emotions."
"It was unbelievable," Mauer said of the moment he learned he was in. "I kind of laid low during that time of a possible call and just spent it with family. I had to sneak into my office because the number is growing of friends and family down here in my basement. Definitely thrilled to get that call. Very emotional. Obviously leading up to today you reflect on all the people that have had an impact on your career and who you are as a man. A lot of emotions. It's been a whirlwind, that's for sure."
Mauer received votes on 76.1% of ballots cast by members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Four fewer votes and he wouldn't have made it. He said he has "a lot of 'thank-yous' ahead" of him after being inducted into Cooperstown.
"I'd say it starts with family, number one," Mauer said. "That's why it's emotional. My dad, my grandpa. I lost them, my dad the past year and my grandpa a couple years ago. It all starts with family and the support I've received from them. Then you go right to your extended family. Your coaches. Your teammates. Obviously this is an individual award but there is so many people I need to thank for helping me get there, challenging me and pushing me to be great."
MLB Network surprised Mauer with an appearance via Zoom from his former teammate Justin Morneau.
Mauer now joins former Twins Paul Molitor, Dave Winfield and Jack Morris as St. Paul natives to be elected to the Hall of Fame.
"I had a couple guys but No. 1 was Kirby Puckett," Mauer responded when asked who his favorite Twins were growing up. "He was my guy. Just the joy he had for the game. Kent Hrbek was another Twin that I loved. Then getting to play for a manager Paul Molitor. Being a St. Paul guy and the St. Paul guys in the Hall. Getting to join that group Paul, Dave Winfield and Jack Morris, really means a lot to me. I'm excited to see them and shake their hands."
Watch the full clip below...
