Honoured
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Fan Stuff, Stats and Milestones
Justin Morneau was inducted into the Baseball Canada Wall of Excellence tonight during the Baseball Canada National Team Awards Banquet and Fundraiser.
Morneau is only the second player inducted into the Wall of Excellence, following another 33 - Larry Walker - who was inducted in 2008.
To read the The Canadian Press coverage of the event, as well as an update on Morneau’s recovery from a stress fracture in his back, click HERE.
Visit JustinMorneau.com in the coming weeks for photos from the event.
30 and 100
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
Justin Morneau’s 8th inning home run off Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay on Wednesday was JMo’s 30th of the season. The HR also delivered Justin’s 100th RBI of 2009.
Morneau became the first player in Twins history to drive in 100 runs in 4 consecutive seasons. Harmon Killebrew knocked in more than 100 runs in three straight seasons from 1969-1971.
Justin has hit 30 or more home runs in 3 of his 6 seasons in the Majors.
4 eyes 2 home runs
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
Justin Morneau slugged 2 home runs in the Twins 10-1 pasting of the Los Angeles Angels (of Anaheim). For the first time I recall, JMo wore sunglasses while hitting during a regular season game (he wore them in Spring Training in the field - not sure about at bat). The extra eyes paid off as Justin took over the American League home run lead with 26 on the season.
Mass production
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
Justin Morneau set a career high for RBI in a single game by knocking in 7 runs against the Oakland A’s last night. Morneau belted a grand slam and a three run homer to take over the AL RBI lead with 78. JMo leads fellow Canadian, Jason Bay, by 6 RBI.
Outside of Morneau’s massive performance, we must agree never to speak of that game again.
2009 All Star Game recap
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Collectibles, Events, Items that Defy Classification, Stats and Milestones
Justin Morneau entered the 2009 All Star Game in the bottom of the 6th inning. Morneau replaced starter Mark Texeira at 1B and was inserted into the lead-off spot in the batting order.
JMo took two throws from former teammate Jason Bartlett to record the 2nd and 3rd outs of the bottom of the 6th inning (Albert Pujols and Justin Upton).
Morneau’s first at-bat came in the top of the 7th inning. After falling behind National League pitcher Francisco Cordero 0-2, Morneau worked the count even at 2-2 before lining out to 3rd baseman Ryan Zimmerman.
In the top of the 9th, Morneau faced single-season saves leader Francisco Rodriguez and ripped his first pitch to deep left center field. Phillies outfielder Jayson Werth made a nice running catch to record the out and end the inning.
Morneau manned first base as Yankees closer Mariano Rivera finished off the NL.
Bank on it
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
Justin Morneau was named the Bank of America American League Player of the Week for the week ending July 5.
JMo went 12 for 25 at the plate and walloped 4 home runs - including 3 HR in consecutive games. Morneau drove in 8 runs during the week, raising his season total to 69 (one behind AL leader, Jason Bay).
This is the second time Justin has been named Player of the Week. He was first named on July 9, 2008.
3rd Timer
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Fan Stuff, Stats and Milestones
Justin Morneau was named as a reserve to the 2009 American League All Star today. Morneau will be joined by teammates Joe Mauer and Joe Nathan in St. Louis. Justin will be making his third straight appearance in the Midsummer Classic.
JMo will most likely be invited to defend his Home Run Derby crown.
Check back to JustinMorneau.com regularly to keep up with the latest All Star Game updates.
Buck and a half
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
Justin Morneau hit his 150th career home run as the Twins beat the Cardinals in St. Louis to wrap up interleague play. The 3 run HR was JMo’s 17th of the year and raised his RBI total to 61.
The Twins have now won 3 consecutive series on the road and finished the 2009 interleague schedule with a 12-6 record.
Click HERE to watch Justin’s 150th career home run.
Streaked
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
Justin Morneau’s consecutive games played streak ended today at 319 games. JMo appeared in every Twins game since June 27, 2007. Morneau was held out of the lineup due to “general soreness”.
Going into today, Morneau had the second longest streak in the majors behind Ryan Howard of the Phillies (343). Howard missed today’s game because of the flu, leaving Adrian Gonzalez of the San Diego Padres as the current leader (275).
The Twins are off tomorrow so a new streak will have to start Tuesday when the Twins travel to Milwaukee to take on the Brewers.
Major League Debut - 6 years later
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
Hard to believe it’s been this long, but as of today, Justin Morneau has been playing in The Bigs for 6 years.
Morneau made his Major League Debut on June 10, 2003 against the Colorado Rockies. JMo batted clean-up and singled in his first at-bat off Rockies starter Jason Jennings. Morneau collected one more hit and finished the game 2 for 4 (the Twins only had 3 hits in the game).
Justin’s stats since 2003:
- 792 Games
- 2908 AB
- 831 Hits
- .286 Ave
- 176 2B
- 13 3B
- 149 HR
- 577 RBI
- 439 Runs
- 4 SB
Can we tour?
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Fan Stuff, Stats and Milestones
Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer toured the new Target Field yesterday afternoon. To read all about their adventures at the StarTrib site, click HERE.
Here’s an interesting nugget from the story:
According to Baseball-Reference.com, 106 of Morneau’s 147 career home runs entering Wednesday, were to right or right-center. - That’s 72%.
Tag Team Dept.
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
From ESPN.com:
Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau have six games left this month to break the record for teammates homering the most times in the same game in a single calendar month.
Mauer and Morneau have already gone deep in the same game six times this month. The record, according to the Sultan: seven, by Dusty Baker and Steve Garvey in June 1980 and by Alex Rodriguez and Rafael Palmeiro in August 2003.
You May fans will be thrilled to know that Mauer and Morneau are the first duo to do this six times in the merry month of May.
4-run home runs
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
Justin Morneau’s 7th inning grand slam last night was the 5th of his career.
Below is the recap of JMo’s slams to date:
- 9/30/05 against Detroit Tigers - Jamie Walker (WATCH)
- 6/14/06 against Boston Red Sox - Manny Delcarman (WATCH)
- 4/25/08 at Texas Rangers - Kevin Millwood (WATCH)
- 9/5/08 against Detroit Tigers - Armando Galarraga (WATCH)
- 4/24/09 against Milwaukee Brewers - Mitch Stetter (WATCH)
I’m 50! (14, actually)
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Fan Stuff, Items that Defy Classification, Stats and Milestones, Stories and Features
Justin Morneau was named among the Top 50 players currently playing in MLB. Morneau was ranked 14th in The Sporting News survey.
The list was selected by a panel of 100 Hall of Famers, major award winners and other baseball personalities.
Albert Pujols topped the list. JMo’s Minnesota Twins teammate Joe Mauer ranked 39th.
To check out the whole list, click HERE.
Birthday Boy Bombs
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
Justin Morneau turned 28 years old today. JMo has hit 142 home runs to this point in his career. Only Miguel Cabrera has more HR among active players who are 28 or younger (Cabrera is 26 and has 183 HRs).
Justin can add to his homer total tonight when the Twins play their first game in the new Yankee Stadium.
Slugger
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
Justin Morneau received his 2008 Silver Slugger Award before the 4/18 Twins vs. Angels game at the Metrodome.
Lousville Slugger rep Chuck Strong presented the award to JMo. The Silver Slugger Award is presented annually to the top hitter by position in the American and National Leagues. Justin has been chosen to two Silver Slugger teams (2006, 2008).
Check out the JustinMorneau.com Photo Gallery for exclusive photos from the event.
Italy gives Canada the Boot
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Events, Stats and Milestones
Justin Morneau went 4 for 5 at the plate but it wasn’t enough as Team Canada fell to Italy in the World Baseball Classic. The loss knocked Canada out of the WBC.
Morneau hit .444 (4 for 9) in two tourney games with 2 doubles, a RBI, a run scored and a walk.
MVPs in the WBC
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
Justin Morneau is one of six former MVPs who will be participating in the upcoming World Baseball Classic:
- Morneau - Canada
- Ichiro Suzuki - Japan
- Dustin Pedroia - USA
- Jimmy Rollins - USA
- Chipper Jones - USA
- Ivan Rodriguez - Puerto Rico
Morneau and Team Canada open the WBC vs. Team USA on Saturday, March 7th in Toronto.
E-Me
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
Somehow we neglected to mention the following story, released in late December, 2008:
Justin Morneau was named the Canwest News Service male athlete of the year, in a year-end poll of writers, columnists and editors at Canwest newspapers across Canada.
Morneau’s 214 points edged out equestrian star Eric Lamaze (129 points) and triathlete Simon Whitfield (119). Points were awarded on a 10-6-3 basis.
Also receiving votes were baseball players Rich Harden and Ryan Dempster, hockey players Jarome Iginla and Martin Brodeur, diver Alexandre Despatie, swimmers Ryan Cochrane, speed skaters Denny Morrison and Jeremy Wotherspoon, wheelchair racer Dean Bergeron and tennis player Daniel Nestor.
1st Lady
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
From Charley Walters on 1/13:
After getting married to Krista Martin of Winthrop, Minn., at a church in Edina last Saturday, Twins first baseman Justin Morneau and his bride held an elaborate reception for about 350 family members and friends at Landmark Center in St. Paul. The men in the wedding party, including teammate Joe Mauer, wore white tuxedoes.
A host of current and former Twins attended, including Nick Punto, Mike Redmond, Glen Perkins, Jesse Crain, Brenda Harris, Boof Bonser, Pat Neshek, Corey Koskie and manager Ron Garderdenhire.
Hall Pass
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
“Sully” penned (or typed) an interesting blog entry on potential Hall of Fame candidates currently active or recently retired. Our buddy Justin was in group three - “Young Stars Worth Keeping an Eye On.” Sullivan had the following to say about JMo:
One MVP in the books and nearly with a second one, Morneau is putting up elite numbers and isn’t even 28 yet.
Twins teammates Joe Mauer and Joe Nathan, and former Twins Johan Santana and Torii Hunter were also mentioned in the entry.
If you’re interested in Hall of Fame caliber baseball in and outside of the North Star State, check out his post HERE.
International Male
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
Justin Morneau was named The Canadian Press male athlete of the year for 2008. Morneau topped a survey of Canada’s sports editors and broadcasters with 99 points to win the Lionel Conacher Award, named for the all-rounder voted Canada’s athlete of the half-century in 1950. Pittsburgh Penguins captain and 2007 winner Sidney Crosby was second with 82 points, followed by Olympic stars Eric Lamaze (81) and Simon Whitfield (78).
“Any time you can beat out a hockey player in anything in Canada, it’s an accomplishment,” said Morneau. “It’s pretty cool, especially with the people who have been named to this award.”
Click HERE to check out the full story.
The Tip Tops Off Great Season for Morneau
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones, Stories and Features
Justin Morneau was named the winner of the Tip O’Neill Award. The award is given annually to Canada’s best ballplayer. Morneau also won the award following his MVP season of 2006 and became one of only 4 players to win the award multiple times. Larry Walker won the award nine times throughout his career.
“I’ve got a long way to go to match Larry - he’s a Hall of Famer in my books,” said Morneau. “But anytime you want to mention my name in the same sentence as his, that’s cool with me!”
To read The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame’s complete story click HERE.
Tip the Vote
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
Justin Morneau is among the finalists for the 2008 Tip O’Neill Award. The award is presented each year to the a Canadian born player “judged to have excelled in individual achievement and team contribution while adhering to baseball’s highest ideals.”
To place your vote for JMo click HERE.
Other MLBers being considered for the award include Ryan Dempster, Rich Harden, Jason Bay and Joey Votto.
Morneau was the Tip O’Neill Award Winner in 2006. The photos below are of Justin being presented the award (courtesy of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame).
Runner Up
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Fan Stuff, Stats and Milestones
Justin Morneau missed out on winning his second American League MVP Award today. Morneau received 257 points and was edged out by Dustin Pedroia of the Red Sox who received votes totaling 317 points. Morneau received 7 of the 28 first place votes. To read the complete story at MLB.com, click HERE.
JustinMorneau.com is gathering fan messages to send to Justin in the wake of of his MVP runner-up finish. Click HERE to send Justin a personal message.
All notes will be sent to JMo at the end of November.
Crossed Fingers
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
The 2008 American League Most Valuable Player will be announced today at 1pm CST. Justin Morneau is among a handful of players in the running for the award.
Check back to JustinMorneau.com later in the day for updated information.
Ag Slugger
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
Justin Morneau was named to the 2008 Silver Slugger team today. This is the second time Morneau has been a member of the Silver Slugger team. He last made the team in 2006 - his MVP year. As he did in 2006, teammate Joe Mauer joined Morneau on the 2008 American League team.
Louisville Slugger presents the Silver Slugger Award to the top hitters by position in the AL and NL. Major League managers and coaches vote for the players they think are the best offensive producers.
To view the complete American and National League Silver Slugger Teams click HERE.
To view the complete Periodic Table of the Elements click HERE.
Legacy Award
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
Justin Morneau and Albert Pujols are this year’s recipients of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum’s Oscar Charleston Award which is presented to the MVP of each league. Twins teammate Joe Mauer won the Buck Leonard award, presented to the batting champion of each league.
For the full list of 2008 Legacy Award Winners and to read the rest of the story, click HERE.
Awards Season
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
The MLB Awards season begins this Monday and runs through Tuesday, November 18th when the American League MVP is announced. Justin Morneau, Dustin Pedroia and Francisco Rodriguez are all in the mix for the AL MVP this year.
- Monday (11/10) - AL and NL Rookies of the Year
- Tuesday (11/11) - NL Cy Young Award
- Wednesday (11/12) - AL and NL Managers of the Year
- Thursday (11/13) - AL Cy Young Award
- Thursday (11/13) - Silver Slugger Team
- Monday (11/17) - NL MVP
- Tuesday (11/18) - AL MVP
Morneau is a This Week in Baseball Best Hitter nominee. You can vote for Justin by clicking HERE.
Root, Root for the Away Team…
Posted by JustinMorneau.com in Stats and Milestones
Twins fans are suddenly Tigers fans, as we wait at least one more day to see who will win the 2008 AL Central Division championship. Detroit travels to Chicago to face the Sox tomorrow in a make-up game from a rain out earlier this year.
Tigers win - Twins in the playoffs.
Sox win - Twins fly to Chicago to face the White Sox on Tuesday.
Click HERE to listen to Justin Morneau talk about facing the White Sox.
Go Tigers!