Time to Go

Joe Mauer made baseball's #1 headline on Friday by announcing his retirement. After 15 seasons with the Twins, the first 10 as their catcher -- and one of the best in the business -- the St. Paul native announced his retirement.
Mauer was the "Face of the Franchise" during a decade and a half when the Twins made the post-season four times, but never won a round -- falling to the Yankees in the 2009 and 2010 ALDS and the 2017 Wild Card Game. He was a rarity among catchers, winning not just one but three American League batting titles. Widely respected around the game, his club's inability to reach the League Championship or World Series held him back from being a household name from coast-to-coast.
Declining production combined with his desire not to play elsewhere convinced Mauer it was time to go. He steps away a .306 lifetime hitter and an icon in his home town. Could any kid growing up a baseball fan ever really wish for more?

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