Single women might be sobbing from Minneapolis to Montreal but Justin Morneau is about to become a married man. He marries girl friend Krista next month.
Morneau is the recipient of the Tip O’Neill Award given by the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and awarded annually to the Canadian player judged to have excelled in individual achievement and team contribution while adhering to baseball’s highest ideals. It is the second time in three years that Morneau has won the award. O’Neill was a native of Ontario and acclaimed major league player in the 1800’s. The former U.S. speaker of the House was named after the famed Canadian.
Forward Craig Smith has started each of the last four games for the Timberwolves and averaged 14.5 points and 5.8 rebounds. He has also made 61.1 percent (22-of-36) of his shots. The Wolves are 0-4 since Kevin McHale took over from Randy Wittman as coach and play in Sacramento tonight.
Apple Valley’s Varmah Sonie won the Mr. Football award announced yesterday afternoon at a banquet that recognized 10 finalists. Sonie, a defensive back, wide receiver and kick returner, was Apple Valley’s most valuable player on defense, offense and special teams, according to Mr. Football committee member Jim Dotseth. A three year member of the committee, Dotseth said the competition for the honor of being recognized as the state’s best prep player was the closest he’s seen.
Tim Murray, Murray’s restaurant owner, is already planning his annual summer major league baseball stops. The itinerary calls for visits to new baseball stadiums in New York and Philadelphia.
Local author Ross Bernstein is excited about three new sports books available for holiday sales. “Sixty Years & Sixty Heroes” starts with 1948 and goes through 2008 featuring a memorable Minnesota event and a major contributor to the success. “Slap Shot,” with forewords by Bob Costas and Gordie Howe, is the story of St. Paul’s Dave (Killer) Hanson, one of the infamous Hanson brothers from the movie “Slap Shot.” “The Code” describes “unwritten rules” of baseball specific to subjects like performance enhancing drugs, stealing signs and brush-back pitches. Learn more at www.bernsteinbooks.com