Monday, June 01

PITTSBURGH -- If you saw Grady Sizemore in the Twins’ clubhouse, you’d never know who he was. Nothing about his unassuming demeanor and quiet, businesslike manner would indicate that he was arguably the best player in baseball in the mid-2000s, or that less than two years ago, he was managing a Major League team. 

But that’s a big part of what makes Sizemore such a well-regarded coach. Yes, he’s done those things. He was a five-tool player, a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner in center field. Yes, he’s managed in the Majors.  

Fundamentally, though, Sizemore just wants to put in his piece as the Twins’ first-base and outfield coach. He wants to help his outfielders get better, and he wants to be part of the staff and the team.  

“I'm having a lot of fun doing this,” he said. “I like being over at first base. I like working with the outfielders. It's been a good process for me. I'm trying to be in the moment as much as I can. As much as I'm trying to give feedback and coach, I'm trying to receive as much from my coaches and players. I feel like I've been fortunate to have a good staff to learn from and players that are fun to work with.” 

Manager Derek Shelton was thrilled to add Sizemore to his first Twins staff. He was the hitting coach in Cleveland when Sizemore was at his peak, so he knows Sizemore better than most. 

“He’s so humble,” Shelton said. “He has as much humility as anybody I've ever been around. I was fortunate to coach Grady Sizemore, not the other way around, because he was such an elite player. There is so much in there. Some of my favorite times are when I get him out for breakfast, out for dinner and it’s just he and I, and you get him talking about the game. He sees so much.” 

Sizemore’s receptiveness and unselfishness have made him a huge hit with Twins outfielders. 

“He’s very selfless,” said Austin Martin, who is playing right field regularly for the first time in his career.

“He’s quiet until he needs to be vocal. It’s always good to have coaches like that. There’s so many different styles of coaching where you’ll have guys that are kind of constantly in your ear, telling you this one day, then the next day it’s something else. But for ‘G,’ he stays himself. He helps us get better. If he sees something, he’ll let us know. But as soon as we have a question for him, he has an answer immediately.” 

Josh Bell was drafted by the Pirates, came up through their Minor League system and spent his first four years in the Major Leagues in Pittsburgh. As a result, he’s acutely aware of the story and impact of the legendary Roberto Clemente. As the Twins’ series at PNC Park approached, he and Shelton – who managed in Pittsburgh for 5 1/2 seasons – discussed the possibility of a team outing to the Clemente Museum. 

Bell made a call and got it set up, and on Thursday evening upon arriving from Chicago, the Twins had a memorable team outing. 

“I know how special the museum is to Josh too, because I was here with him,” Shelton said. “It's a really cool place. Not only is it a museum, but it's got a wine cellar below and they bring pizza in from a really great local place. The fact Josh set it up and we had so many players attend, it's just a cool bonding thing. Any time you get a group of players and staff together, and it's just them and there's nothing else around, it's the best time they can have.” 

Bell explained that when you come up through the Pirates organization, the legacy of Clemente looms large over everything.  

“I think it starts in the Minor Leagues,” he said. “You go to Pirate City and there are pictures of him. … I think it’s kind of all-encompassing, being a Pirate and knowing his story.” 

The Twins and all of their Minor League affiliates, including in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League and Dominican academy, have begin their annual Minnesota Twins Week of Service, which actually this year spans two full weeks, through June 9. 

During the annual event, coaches and staff from throughout the organization volunteer in their communities with groups of their choosing, and the club donates to nonprofits of each affiliate’s choosing. The Week of Service debuted in 2022. 

Among the events will be a “Play Day With the Minnesota Twins” at Whittier Elementary and backpack and mental health kit packing at Target Field, both on Monday. 

Thursday marked the Twins’ second annual Autism Awareness Day event at Target Field. The club hosted about 100 people – kids with autism as well as their families, caregivers and educators – to partake of the ballpark experience on a day with lower stimulation than a normal game day. After going through ticket screening, finding seats and a tour, the participants watched the Twins’ game at the White Sox on the main video board.

This one comes courtesy of Tidal, which served up this five-song run for me this morning on the walk to the ballpark. Y’all be kind and look out for each other, OK? 

Spencer Davis Group, “Gimme Some Lovin’” 

Rare Earth, “I Just Want To Celebrate” 

The Hollies, “Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress)"

The Doobie Brothers, “China Grove” 

Golden Earring, “Radar Love”

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