Twins Win! (or more so a Fan Win!) Spring training successes.

Today we followed our hearts and ended up at Hammond Stadium – home of the Twins for spring training.  We are going to play scrabble soon, so I will not bore you with the details, but will focus in on the highlights.

Joe Mauer batting practice 

After which we hung out with Brian Duensing in the stadium.  I was reminded too late that his wife is a teacher and we probably should have taken time to bond over that.  Next time. We watched Joe Nathan be interviewed, then got a photo with him (he was glad to see us – true fans – after some kid had the nerve to ask him to sign a Yankees hat!) 

We watched a little more of the practice on the other field, then joined the throngs of fans awaiting the end of practice and the walk to the clubhouse.  We are pretty sure that Tiffany got Mauer’s autograph because of the extended eye contact they shared earlier in the day.  Once that excitement was over, we saw that Pavano was being interviewed.  Amber and I re-lived our play-offs mustached memories and the genius idea was suggested to sharpie on finger mustaches for an epic photo opp.  He may have watched, looking amused, while he was interviewed, and so naturally he rushed over to have a picture with us.  This is probably our proudest photo moment of the day.  Ridiculous?  Yes.  AMAZING?  Yes.  We are genius fans.   We thought to ourselves, “Wow, our day truly is complete.  It really can’t get better than this.”

Then it did.

We were innocently eating a picnic lunch, (right outside the door of the club house) and who did we see over yonder, strolling up in a Pavano t-shirt and shorts?  Kev.  So we said, “Kevin, can we get a picture with you?”  He said yes, we exchanged some banter, and all was right with the world. 

We wrapped up our lunches, (not literally wrapped them up – more so finished up eating), hung out with Gardy for a bit.  (He promised to hand out flyers to all the players for our Presidents’ Day Party)  (insert sighs of happyness and joy here.)

p.s.  While we were playing scrabble and enjoying the evening, we reminisced about the day.  (When so much excitement occurs, it is never to early to begin reminiscing).  We decided that Joe was probably also playing scrabble that evening with some of his friends.  We decided the group would likely be Joe, Drew, Kev, and Pavano would be the fourth player – he just seems the type.  The game probably came down to being between Kev and Pavano – Kevin is after all taking college classes currently.  Even though Slowey is my favorite, I think I’ll put my money on Pavano for the win.

The ‘Stache

The Mustache has come back into popularity.  I do not personally have anything against the mustache, as I do not know if I would recognize my dad without one.  I (sometimes) support (sometimes secretly – sorry Pancho for not vocally promoting you) others having them.  Or I just don’t care that much.  Or I think you look creepy.  It really depends on your face.  However, regardless of my thoughts about how a mustache looks on your face, I recently gained a new respect for those brave souls who have a long term (or longer than 6 baseball innings) commitment to the ‘stache upon their face.

After my own personal encounter, I have learned firsthand some of the pitfalls, downsides, annoying parts, and joys of having a mustache.  If you have never had one, let me share with you:

1. Mustaches don’t always stick to your face.  Adhesive can wear off.
2. Mustaches make it nearly impossible to smile or show any facial expression, as they could fall off at any moment.
3. You become paranoid that your mustache is straight.
4. You also grow increasingly in your concern over whether your mustache is all laying in the same direction or of the hair is becoming a bit unruly.
5. Mustaches make it difficult to drink pop.
6. Mustaches shed.  Sometimes into said pop.
7. At times, one may inhale their mustache hair, causing you to wonder if now you have mustache hair stuck in your nose.  A most unpleasant feeling.
8. Mustaches do not ensure a Twins win.  Sorry Pavano.  I like your facial hair, but your team still broke my heart.
9. On the upside – you are pretty much always a crowd pleaser.  Even to your enemies (you are welcome Yankees fans, for bringing you such joy)

I’m guessing that you can relate to my experiences if you have ever grown a mustache for your own face.  While I will not be joining you in the facial hair world, I will may continue to support your attempts by baking you cupcakes.