Major League Baseball announced today that Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer will serve as the 2014 All-Star Ambassador.
The Twins will host the All-Star Game this summer at Target Field. The July 15 game will be preluded by the Home Run Derby, Futures Game and other festivities.
“It’s exciting that this year’s All-Star events will be held in the Twin Cities, and I’m proud to be a part of it all,” Mauer said. “Our fans are incredible, and they are going to be treated to a week of baseball events and activities that they will never forget.”
Previous All-Star Ambassadors include Torii Hunter, Albert Pujols, Justin Upton, David Wright and Derek Jeter.
In addition to Mauer serving as Ambassador, Twins greats Rod Carew, Bert Blyleven, Tony Oliva and Paul Molitor were named spokespersons for the T-Mobile All-Star FanFest, which will be located at the Minneapolis Convention Center from July 11-15. Mauer and company will help raise awareness for every event taking place during the All-Star week, according to KARE 11.
Mauer has been named an All-Star six times during his 11-year career. But this will be his first season away from catcher, and being voted or selected an All-Star as a first baseman offers up some stiff competition.
Chris Davis of the Orioles, Edwin Encarnacion of the Blue Jays, Prince Fielder of the Rangers, Pujols with the Angels and even Eric Hosmer of the Royals all figure to put up big numbers this year.
Through 13 games Mauer is hitting .278 with one home run and five RBI – a very slow start in Mauer’s world.
Four generations of #mntwins All Stars — Blyleven, Molitor, Oliva and Mauer — 2014 ambassadors pic.twitter.com/9LDbEhurVM
— Brian Murphy (@murphmedia_) April 17, 2014
