Twins announce plans for Tom Kelly Day
Pre-game ceremony planned to honor Kelly prior to Saturday, Sept. 8 game against the Cleveland Indians
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, Minn. ¡V The Minnesota Twins today announced plans to recognize former Twins Manager Tom Kelly prior to the Saturday, Sept. 8 game against the Cleveland Indians. During a special pre-game ceremony, the Twins will retire number 10, which was worn by the two-time World Series champion. The first 10,000 fans will receive a commemorative mini-oar, featuring Kelly¡¦s famous quote: "We're all in this boat together. Everybody grab an oar."
"Few, if any individuals have had as much direct impact on the success of the Twins franchise as Tom Kelly," said Twins Owner and CEO Jim Pohlad. "Over a 41-year career with the Twins organization, Tom has helped ensure high standards on and off the field and has always demonstrated the utmost respect for the game. It is our honor to celebrate Tom's remarkable career by forever retiring his famed No. 10." Fans are encouraged to arrive early for the special pre-game ceremony, which will start at approximately 5:45 p.m. Emceed by legendary Twins broadcaster John Gordon, pre-game elements include:
• A welcome and introductions from other Twins retired numbers
• A presentation from the Irish Baseball Hall of Fame
• A special video tribute to Tom Kelly
• Jersey presentations
• Speeches from Andy MacPhail, Kent Hrbek, Ron Gardenhire, Jim Pohlad and Tom Kelly
• Presentation of a special gift from the Twins
• A ceremonial first pitch thrown by Tom Kelly
• Play ball at 6:40 p.m.
Several former Twins alumni will be in attendance including Bert Blyleven, Tom Brunansky, Randy Bush, Sal Butera, Rod Carew, Ron Coomer, Dan Gladden, Eddie Guardado, Kent Hrbek, Corey Koskie, Gene Larkin, Tim Laudner, Scott Leius, Paul Molitor, Jack Morris, Al Newman, Tony Oliva, Mike Pagliarulo, Frank Quilici, Brad Radke, Jeff Reardon, Rick Renick, Dick Such, Kevin Tapani and Frank Viola.
*subject to change.
Kelly, 61, joins Harmon Killebrew (No. 3 -- 1975), Rod Carew (No. 29 -- 1987), Tony Oliva (No. 6 -- 1991), Kent Hrbek (No. 14 -- 1995), Kirby Puckett (No. 34 -- 1997) and Bert Blyleven (No. 28 ¡V 2011) as the seventh Twin to have his number retired by the organization. The Twins, in conjunction with all of Major League Baseball, retired Jackie Robinson's No. 42 in 1997.