Golden Bears Take A Swing at the Minnesota Twins

Not many college baseball programs get the opportunity to take the field against a professional team. But a Minnesota contest, Minnesota Twins vs. Golden Bears, has been an annual tradition since 2003 and takes place during the Twins February spring training in Fort Meyers, Fla.

This year’s match-up resulted in a 7-5 victory for the Twins after the Golden Bears held the lead in the sixth inning. Concordia head baseball coach Mark “Lunch” McKenzie said the Twins take grief for playing a Division II team, especially when the Bears make them earn the win. Newspaper articles of Concordia defeating the Twins 6-1 in 2005 grace the walls of McKenzie’s office.

McKenzie and assistant Jimmy Wiesner’s long-standing relationship with the Twins got Concordia’s foot in the door and Golden Bear Billy Mauer’s (’04) younger brother, Twins’ catcher Joe Mauer, helped cement the tradition.

Many players and parents have been moved to tears by the experience. Concordia second baseman, Jacob Waldman ’08, is one who values the opportunity. “It truly is a great gift the Twins give us,” Waldman said.
Concordia pitcher Kirk Ingram ’09 said picking Denard Span off of first base this year was the most memorable part of the experience. Ingram was even able to capture a few playing tips from Twins’ former manager, Tom Kelly; current manager, Ron Gardenhire; and pitching coach, Rick Anderson. “It was the chance of a lifetime,” Ingram said.

McKenzie admits the experience has been phenomenal for him too. “Coaching in a major league stadium against a major league team—it feels pretty darn good,” he said. “I’m happy that the Twins have allowed us to provide this opportunity.”

McKenzie said the 2008-2009 academic calendar may not allow for the Florida trip to coincide with the Twins 2009 spring training. “It’s been a great run,” McKenzie said. “I’m happy that we’ve been able to provide our players and entire Concordia community this opportunity over the past six years.”

2003 match-up pictured top to bottom: Brothers Billy Mauer and Joe Mauer. Golden Bears pitcher attempts to pick off Twins first base runner. Concordia head coach Mark McKenzie with Twins’ manager Ron Gardenhire. Golden Bears enjoy the lighthearted exhibition game against the Twins.