Author: David Shama

Compliments are often few and far between for the Metrodome but even the critics can’t deny the facility has provided an extraordinary home field advantage for the Minnesota Twins.  The Twins have the best home record in baseball with 50 wins, 24 losses.  That home record has helped Minnesota to the best overall record in baseball since June 8– 65 and 29.  During that period the home record is 34 and 15. 

The Twins have won two World Series, in 1987 and 1991.  In each series the Twins never won a game on the road and never lost at home.  During the regular season of 1987 the Twins won almost 70 percent of their home games.   

The dome’s lighting, ceiling, speakers, artificial turf and crowd noise can be real or imagined demons to opposing teams.  And don’t forget the visual distraction of all those beloved Homer Hankies waived by fans from every part of the dome.

The Twins plan to make Homer Hankies available for the 2006 playoffs.  Those little “devils” and the other distractions opposing players will face probably provide the best home field advantage in major league baseball. 

“The game (of baseball) is so much mental,” Twins pitching coach Rick Anderson said.   “I think the other team comes in here and thinks, ‘Oh, boy, the dome.’ Once you get a few people in here it gets so loud, and that’s a big edge for us.” 

Twins outfielder Michael Cuddyer said he understands if some players are intimidated by the dome.  “You take all the elements with artificial turf, the roof, the fans, the loudness (and) it’s a pretty intimidating place for a visiting team to come in and play,” Cuddyer said. “It’s exciting to play here. The fans get into it. With the style of baseball we have played over the last couple months it’s hard not to get into it.” 

Anderson remembers walking on the field a couple of years ago with Johan Santana prior to the start of a playoff game and the huge crowd gave the Twins’ star pitcher a standing ovation.  “That sent a chill down my spine,” he said.

Affection for his home town of St. Paul provided incentive to Vikings center Matt Birk to open Matty B’s Supper Club earlier this year.  “I love St. Paul and I want to see St. Paul thrive,” Birk said. 

Matty B’s is located at 353 Wabasha Street in downtown St. Paul.  The restaurant was a popular hangout for years when it was Gallivan’s.  The place has been given cosmetic changes, plus “elbow grease,” Birk said. 

Birk has three partners who prefer to remain anonymous.  “They have made me the face of the restaurant, even though I am not very good looking,” he joked.   

Birk has no previous restaurant experience but was drawn to the business by the challenge.  He talked about wanting something to challenge him during the months he isn’t playing football.  He sees similarities to the restaurant business and football including preparation, hard work and producing a product people enjoy.  “In the end it’s all about your customers,” he said.  “It’s flattering when people walk through the doors to your establishment and want to spend their hard earned money.  That’s an obligation on us that we have to make them leave happy.” 

During the off-season Birk is at the restaurant “all the time.”  This fall you will probably see him there on Monday, Tuesday and Friday nights.   

What does Birk enjoy eating at his place?  “I am a big fan of the meat loaf,” he answered. “I also like the pot roast and if I am really hungry I order the pork chops.  They have a pork chop plate with two man sized pork chops (that) seems to fit well in my belly.” 

Does he pay for his meals?  “I don’t pay,” he said. “I just tip.”

On a team where almost everyone seems to have a turn as the hero of the moment, 35-year-old Phil Nevin may be next in line.  Acquired by the Twins from the Chicago Cubs on September 1 to provide power and run production, Nevin’s playing time has been limited on a roster filled with younger and currently more productive players.  The right handed hitting first baseman has had just 30 at bats, with six hits, no home runs and one RBI.  Known as a home run hitter, Nevin homered 41 times for San Diego in 2001 and as recently as 2004 hit 26 for the Padres.     

His role as more of a spectator than participant is one he accepts.  Nevin talks about being ready for designated hitting against left handers and occasionally giving Justin Morneau “a rest” while he plays first base and Morneau DH’s.  “I know there’s going to come a time during the season where I am going to be in a position to help this team out and win a game or two, and hopefully then again in the playoffs,” Nevin said.

Nevin has been impressed with the quality of people in the Twins’ locker room.  Teammates have made his late season transition to a new team much easier than it could have been and he talks about joining a “great group of guys.”   

At his age and being a free agent after this season, Nevin’s run with the Twins may be only for 2006.  Plus, in the future he’s interested in playing more.  “I would like a chance to play everyday next year but I am not worried about that right now,” he said. 

Nevin started the season with Texas where he hit 9 home runs in 176 at bats before being traded to the Cubs on May 31.  With the Cubs he homered 12 times in 179 at bats.