As of Friday the Twins had sold about 44,000 tickets for the season and home opener on March 31 against the Angels, according to Patrick Klinger, vice president of marketing. “We do expect a sellout and I would expect that will happen within the next week,” Klinger said on Friday.
Courtesy of Northwest Airlines, the Twins will be giving away four bobblehead dolls this season: Ron Gardenhire (May 4), Dan Gladden (June 20), Delmon Young (July 19) and Rick Aguilera (September 6).
Jodi Olson, who was Kirby Puckett’s fiancé prior to his death from a stroke two years ago, is helping promote a walk for the American Heart Association on Saturday, April 26 at Harriet Island in St. Paul. Stroke is among the leading causes of death for Americans. Jodi is raising awareness and funds for the association. More information is available at: https://heartwalk.kintera.org/twincitiesmn/jodiolson
Gopher football coach Tim Brewster said he’s “thrilled to death” to have Ted Roof as his new defensive coordinator. Gopher defensive players have already taken a liking to the former Duke head coach, Brewster said. Roof played college football at Georgia Tech where, according to Brewster, coach Bill Curry described the former linebacker as the “greatest” player he ever coached.
The Gophers open spring practice on March 27. Brewster said practices outdoors are open to the public. Fans can check the Gopher Web site www.gophersports.com for updates.
Starting quarterback Adam Weber, who played at about 215 pounds last season as a redshirt freshman, has added 13 pounds of “muscle,” according to Brewster. He said defensive tackle Eric Small who was about 265 pounds is now at 300. Among the junior college players who will join the Gophers for spring practice, Brewster mentioned defensive back Tramaine Brock, describing him as a “tremendously exciting player.”
Brewster and Saint John’s coach John Gagliardi will be headline speakers at the Minnesota High School Football Coaches Association’s clinic March 27-29 at the Doubletree Hotel in St. Louis Park and on the University of Minnesota campus. Speakers will also include representatives from the Minnesota Vikings, and area colleges and high schools, according to the clinic Web site. More information is available from https://www.mshsca.org/football/mfcclinic/Schedule.htm