Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
The Cities Blog
Brandt Williams

A few observations about Twins home opening day 2011

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

[image]

Twins fans gave probably the biggest round of applause during the pre-game introductions to Tsuyoshi Nishioka. Nishioka stood in uniform with his teammates along the 1st baseline with the help of crutches. The second basement took a hard slide from a Yankee base runner last night in New York. The slide broke Nishioka's left fibula. The fans kept cheering and clapping during Nishioka's introduction until he doffed his cap to the crowd and bowed.

The Twins say a team doctor examined Nishioka today and says his fracture doesn't need casting or surgery. He'll only need to walk on crutches until the soreness and swelling subsides.

You might have expected Joe Mauer's first at-bat at Target Field this season to inspire more applause. The ovation was a bit feeble - as if fans were like, 'meh.'

Justin Morneau got his 1,000th hit in the first inning. It was a dribbler that was bobbled by an Oakland infielder. When the scorekeeper announced to the pressbox that it was a hit and not an error, a couple sports writers laughed and wondered out loud if Morneau would want to take that one back.

Team just announced today's attendance at 40,714 - a sellout.

I was too hungry to wade through the crowds for eats, so I settled for a pressbox bratwurst. It's not fancy and doesn't come on a stick. But it's still good.