Gordy Hagert's Page

Yo, Gordy, we left off writing about the Twins, and we will recommence writing about the Twins. Here are two signature blasts that might well define the Twins success this year: Kubel's slam against the Yanks, and his 3-run shot last night against the White Sox. Each occasion offered the team a chance to conform to prevailing expectations - and no one would have thought the less of them - but Kubes defied the naysayers and made two statements about this team's ability to seize the moment.

OK, you could give me grief for the pessimism expressed in my last message, particularly in light of the two recent wins, but you watch. My own flesh and blood will be at today's game . . . in short, curse of death. You watch, my beloved daughter, herself a diehard Twins fan and noted baseball maven, will spend her first day in the new stadium watching the Twins give away the last game of what should be a sweep. Baker will serve up a few Gopher balls and Drew Butera will take Mauer's place in the line-up and deliver two strike outs and a weak grounder to second. Her hot dog will be cold and some twit will spill her pop. There. And while I'm at it, the Vikings will probably draft Jimmy Clausen in the first and say what a great thing it was. The one guy I don't want them to pick. If I tuck my transistor radio under my pillow and stay up until 11:30 only to hear that the Vikes picked Clausen, I may call in sick. By the way, my Powerball ticket didn't win, and some doofus probably won the 252 mil. Don't laugh! I would have shared . . . with you, so my loss is yours as surely as a Twins' loss is pinned on all of us. Just another rotten day in a long line of stinking rotten days . . . a Jimmy Clausen type of day. Smile. And remember, today is the first day of the rest of your putrid existence.

Gord,

Yesterday's loss has me down. My son texted me when Thome came to the plate with bases loaded. I thought that if this were a revisitation of the baseball gods from 87 and 91, he'd send it out of the park, but, alas, mighty Casey struck out. My vibe right now is that while we have a good team, it may not be a supremely blessed team. You know the adage, "It's better to be lucky than good." Well, we don't have the luck.Hrbek in 87 would have hit the grand slam, or Gaetti, or Bruno. I'm thinking that at best this will be a revisitation of the '65 Twins, or maybe a Viking's NFC title game - close, but no cigar. Is it too early to rule out a series title?

You did it! I commemorated the day by adding a slide to my "Gord's Gold" album. Sweet weather, nice game . . . and you have a giant commemorative ticket. Life is good.

Great, I never walked the dog. The Twins lost - Gomez would have made it home in plenty of time. Does Hardy have feet made of lead? Anyway, if you check out my slide show, click on the individual pictures and advance manually to see the travelogue that goes with them.

I did leave a message for Drew, and your picture was on the page at the same time. In my book, that's a meeting!

Gordy,
Just posted a slideshow. Ooops, never walked the dog, and the Twins are probably up by seven in the third inning. Gotta go!

Oh, BTW, the Twins start in about half an hour - time enough for me to walk the dog. Oh, BTW again, log off the computer. It's gorgeous outside. Get the transistor radio fired up, grab the rake, and enjoy your yardwork as the M and Ms obliterate Markie B and the Chicago Has-Beens.

CS (Coach Supreme),
I hope Patrice realizes that what you are doodling on the napkin at the fancy restaurant that you took her to for a romantic dinner is a new defensive scheme for beating Chaska, and that just because you're sketching out line-ups doesn't mean you don't love her.

Meanwhile, when we're back at school on Monday, ask me about changing every doorknob in the house.

I spoke with Melissa Racz this afternoon and she is excited. She recognizes the coaching wisdom that will guide the team. I think the girls - if Melissa is to be believed - realize that the staff that is taking shape is pretty special. As Walt says, It won't be average. Walt will join in. You know he will if you ask him. Jeff G. has . . . how public is this exchange? You know that Jeff has marked the front of his trousers. This is a dream come true. I may have to attend a match or two. God will bless you because you are a good man. I hope that Patrice will bless you, too.