Johan Santana makes his second career start tonight as the Twins opening game pitcher. Brad Radke has started the most Twins opening games, eight.
It was 20 years ago this month that the Twins opened the season on their way to the franchise’s first World Series championship. This was the opening day lineup: DH Dan Gladden, second base Steve Lombardozzi, center field Kirby Puckett, third base Gary Gaetti, first base Kent Hrbek, right field Tom Brunansky, left field Mark Davidson, shortstop Greg Gagne, catcher Tom Nieto and pitcher Bert Blyleven.
Talk at the Final Four in Atlanta included conversation that former Gopher coach Dan Monson is a candidate for the Long Beach State job.
Filmmaker and actor Spike Lee, a legendary New York Knicks fan, will speak from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday at Target Center. Lee will talk about community, the arts and basketball prior to the Timberwolves-Hornets game. Admission to hear Lee is included with the purchase of a game ticket.
Detroit Lions owner William Ford is expected to be Charlie Sanders’ presenter at his pro football hall of fame induction on Saturday, August 4 in Canton, Ohio. Sanders, the former Lions and Gophers tight end, will have a large group of friends in attendance including former Minnesota teammates from the 1967 Big Ten championship team.
The guess here is Gopher defenseman Erik Johnson will return to school for his sophomore season next fall. Johnson was the No. 1 draft choice of the St. Louis Blues last year.