Twins hire Justin Morneau as special assistant

Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN - After formerly announcing his retirement, the Minnesota Twins announced today that they have hired former Twin Justin Morneau as Special Assistant to Baseball Operations.
Morneau, 36, was drafted by the Twins in the third round of the 1999 First-Year Player Draft and played 14 seasons in the major leagues, including 11 seasons with the Twins from 2003-13. He also played for Pittsburgh, Colorado and Chicago-AL from 2013-16. The former first baseman played a key role on three different AL Central Division championship teams and won the American League Most Valuable Player Award in 2006. The four-time All-Star played 1,278 games in a Twins uniform, hitting .278 with 221 home runs and 860 RBI. Morneau's responsibilities will include, but not are limited to, helping position player development by focusing on transition programs and teaching an understanding of major league expectations, environment, and culture. He will also be involved in the amateur draft process and throughout the year as a resource for player acquisitions.
Additionally, he will ultimately be responsible for serving as a resource for players and coaches in the mental and fundamental aspects of the game. In his role as Special Assistant, he will join Michael Cuddyer, Torii Hunter and LaTroy Hawkins by participating in Spring Training, instructional programs, and visit all minor league affiliates throughout the season. He will work alongside the Baseball Operations staff and uniform personnel to ensure development in player understanding of culture, talent evaluation and organizational vision.
Morneau, a long-time advocate of local causes such as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, veterans homelessness and military families, will continue to play a part in supporting the Twins community efforts, being involved in charities and community work throughout Twins Territory.