Joe Mauer and his grandfather Jake Mauer will play golf this fall in Florida despite the elder Mauer having macular degeneration. The eye disorder has left Jake blind in the right eye and with reduced vision in his left.
Jake told Sports Headliners he’s going to play golf using a special dark colored ball. In April he’s planning to visit the Mayo Clinic and be fitted with innovative eyeglasses that could improve both his reading and distance vision.
Jake’s vision has been declining and he seldom drives a car now. Earlier this year he announced he wouldn’t return to Canterbury Park in 2010 to sell the handicapping sheet he’s produced since the horse racing track’s inception in 1985.
That was an emotional loss and so, too, is not driving. Jake hopes the special colored golf balls and the new eye glasses will keep him on the golf course. “I’ve got nothing left if not for golf,” he said.
Jake had thoughts of being an 80-year-old tour guide at the new Target Field next year but that won’t be possible because of his vision. His spirits lift when he talks about his grandchildren including Jake Mauer, 30, who was recently promoted by the Twins to manage the Single-A affiliate Fort Myers Miracle (Florida State League). For the last two seasons Mauer managed the Gulf Coast League Twins.
The elder Mauer is hoping for good news in late November when the announcement is made about the 2009 American League Most Valuable Player. Joe, who won his third batting title last season, is considered a favorite to win his first MVP award.
Meanwhile, a panel of 12 USA Today reporters and editors voted Mauer AL MVP with 163 points, 56 more than runner-up Mark Teixeira of the Yankees received, according to a story in last week’s USA Today Sports Weekly. The Twins RonGardenhire finished second to Mike Scioscia of the Angels for top manager.