Joe Mauer’s athleticism and desire to win are highlighted in a cover story about the Twins catcher in the April 26 issue of Sporting News Magazine. Mauer said “I’d like to think so,” when asked if he could have been a starting NFL quarterback had he chosen a football career. Mauer said there’s nothing better than if the Twins can qualify for the World Series.
In the magazine’s same issue, new Iowa basketball coach Fran McCaffery identifies Minnesota as part of his recruiting target, noting the state’s many college prospects and that the Gophers are the only Division I program in the state.
With Delmon Young hitting .245 and Jason Kubel batting .169, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire might be tempted to give more at bats to 39-year-old designated hitting specialist Jim Thome who has three home runs in 34 plate appearances.
Former Twin Carlos Silva is 2-0 with a 0.95 ERA for the Cubs. He has a career ERA of 4.66.
Bloomington native Cole Aldrich, who played college basketball at Kansas, threw out the ceremonial first pitch before yesterday’s Twins-Royals game in Kansas City. John Bell Wilson, who talks regularly with former NBA coach Bill Fitch, said Fitch believes the 6-11 center will be among the first 12 selections in the June NBA draft.
Aldrich’s agent is Jeff Schwartz, the same representative used by Kevin Love of the Timberwolves.
Gene Allen will throw out the ceremonial first pitch on Wednesday and be inducted into the CHRISTian Sports Commission Hall of Fame prior to the Gophers-North Dakota State baseball game at Newman Outdoor Field in Fargo. Allen, a North Dakota native and Twin Cities attorney, was the founder and co-owner of the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks. He led the drive to bring minor league baseball back to Fargo and build Newman Outdoor Field, home to the RedHawks, North Dakota State and the Maury Wills Museum.
Canterbury Park doesn’t open for live racing until May 14 but the Shakopee racetrack will be a popular site to watch Saturday’s Kentucky Derby. Post time is 5:24 p.m. and the race will be televised by NBC.