Ground is Broken

By AH! Staff

Just after the 2001 baseball season, Bud Selig announced Major League Baseballs planned contraction of two teams. On a cold November afternoon, Twins fans gathered in the Metrodome parking lot for a rally, cursing the names of Bud Selig and Carl Pohlad.

But less than six years later, Twins fans gathered again to hear Bud Selig tell them that the future of the Minnesota Twins is safe for the next two or three generations.

All of this because of a ballpark.


The ceremony included Hennepin County officials, many past and present Twins greats, Twins officials, and Carl and Bud themselves. After speeches were given, Ground was finally broken, as there were seven rounds of shovelers, with fireworks booming after each dig.


This picture, taken from just inside of third base, shows about how Nick Punto will see the skyline when he's playing in. Perhaps between now and 2010, he'll learn to bunt.


Michael Cuddyer and Joe Mauer were interviewed by Dick Bremer. When Dick asked Mauer his thoughts on the new ballpark, Mauer replied, "well, it's huge, you know."

On the other hand, Cuddyer was eloquent, and Gardy was funny. But Kent Hrbek stole the show, as he proclaimed upon walking to the podium, "I didn't bring up a piece a paper or a speech or anything, I just came for the beer!" And then he cracked one open.


After heartily booing that snake in the grass Bud Selig, Mark Waters and Andy Bresnahan pose for a photograph.

Marney Gellner and Michael Haas.
Two hearts beat as one.

There was a large media contingent as well. The ceremony was broadcast on KSTP as well as FSN. Haas reports that, "It's a good thing Gellner had her mic turned off, because some of the things she said to me were too hot for tv"

The next time we step foot on this plot of land, we'll be watching baseball in a brand new major league stadium.