Pioneer Press columnist Charley Walters had a big league career lasting less than two months with the Twins in 1969. A change in major league baseball pension policy now includes players with minimal playing time so recently Walters received a check for $540 that he plans to frame. He and other players who previously hadn’t been part of MLB’s pension program will receive annual checks in future years.
When Mariano Rivera broke Trevor Hoffman’s career major league saves record this week it prompted some thought about an all-time baseball team. Here’s an offering: Rivera as the closer, Sandy Koufax starting pitcher, Johnny Bench catching, Lou Gehrig first base, Rogers Hornsby second base, Cal Ripken shortstop, Mike Schmidt third base, Babe Ruth right field, Willie Mays center field and Ted Williams left field.
White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski, a former Twin, was voted the “meanest player in baseball” in a major league baseball players poll, according to the September 19 issue of Sports Illustrated. In another poll, ex-Twin Jim Thome, now with Cleveland, was voted MLB’s nicest player, according to the magazine.
The three leading rushers per game in the Big Ten are quarterbacks, Michigan’s Denard Robinson (153), Nebraska’s Taylor Martinez (128) and Minnesota’s MarQueis Gray (109.33). Those averages place them third, eighth and 23rd among NCAA leading rushers.
The North Dakota State team the Gophers play tomorrow night at TCF Bank Stadium is 2-0 and ranked No. 12 nationally in the FCS coaches poll. Minnesota is 7-1 all-time against North Dakota State but lost to the Bison in 2007 and needed to block a field goal in 2006 to win. The Bison roster is loaded with Minnesota natives and Gophers coach Jerry Kill expects North Dakota State to “play their best game” tomorrow.
The 1-2 Gophers lost to nationally ranked USC and were upset by New Mexico State before needing a blocked punt that was returned for a touchdown to defeat Miami (Ohio) last week. “We are still a long way from being very good,” Kill said.
Gophers cornerback Michael Carter was a much anticipated Florida recruit when he signed with Minnesota in 2009. He started six games his first two seasons but hasn’t played in the first three games this year. Kill said there are no discipline problems with Carter and although he isn’t unhappy with him, “just maybe I expect more at this point in time.”
Although the Lions have lost 19 of the last 22 games against the Vikings since 2000, Detroit will be about a three point favorite on Sunday here. Kevin Seifert from ESPN.com reports this is the first week since the Vikings started playing at the Metrodome (1982) that Detroit has been favored in Minneapolis.
Vikings offensive tackle Phil Loadholt and his fiancée Shannon have a son named Cameron born on September 6.
Rookie Vikings defensive tackle Christian Ballard played with former Cretin Derham-Hall star Broderick Binns at Iowa. Ballard believes Binns, a defensive end, will be drafted by an NFL team next season and praises his friend’s work ethic. A large wing span is another Binns asset and can help provide leverage on offensive players. “He has the longest arms I’ve ever seen,” Ballard said.
Toby Gerhart had a 41-yard pass reception and rushed twice for 36 yards last week against the Bucs. With a year’s NFL experience now, Gerhart is more confident about himself and comfortable in the Vikings’ system. He said he didn’t “enjoy” last year that much.
Budget cuts at WCCO-TV mean that starting next month, part-time sports reporter Eric Nelson will no longer be working for the station. Nelson also works for WCCO Radio.
Tomorrow afternoon’s Wild preseason game in Pittsburgh against the Penguins will be on the NHL Network. The Wild plays its first home preseason game tonight versus Columbus.