The next five, ten, maybe even 15 years will be spent debating whether Joe Mauer belongs in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, but no matter what he’s garnered the respect of his peers on the field and in the locker room.
Mauer wrote a letter to Twins Territory announcing his retirement on Friday and it spread quickly across the baseball world, drawing reaction from his teammates and MLB foes – and we’re sure there will be even more reaction when Mauer holds a retirement press conference at 4 p.m. on Monday.
But as Padres first baseman Eric Hosmer, who battled Mauer and the Twins frequently during his days with the Royals, said: “Nothing but respect Joe! You were an MVP on and off the field.”
Not bad for a couple kids from Minnesota. It was an absolute honor to share the field with this guy for 17 years. #JM7 pic.twitter.com/CXru7rC3bQ
— Glen Perkins (@glenperkins) November 10, 2018
Joe Mauer. You have always gotten it! Great career!! Better person!! You know who you are and have stayed true to your values!! Congrats on a great career. Your next chapter is going to be that much better!!
— Frank J. Viola, Jr. (@FrankViola16) November 9, 2018
Joe Mauer. Great player. Better person. Best of luck in your next chapter
— Phil Hughes (@PJHughes45) November 9, 2018
https://twitter.com/MikeyY626/status/1061054893144895490
Words can’t even begin to describe how incredible it was to suit up next to #7. Joe Mauer made the people around him want to be better. He will be missed in our locker room. #LEGEND #7 #MinneJoeTa
— Matt Magill (@magillmlb) November 10, 2018
Congratulations to the @Twins Joe Mauer on a First Class Hall of Fame career ! The fans love you, the kids admire you and your peers respect so much about you! Enjoy your next chapter Joe!
— RyanDempster (@Dempster46) November 9, 2018
https://twitter.com/GreekGodOfHops/status/1061040419906015232https://twitter.com/dbremer_pxp/status/1061057785142673410
Congratulations to the Saint Paul kid on an amazing career. #ThankYou7 pic.twitter.com/9sS6eizHIX
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) November 10, 2018
It was truly an honor to share the field with #7….Joe IS the definition of a true professional in every way possible. Everyone who shared a clubhouse with him is better for it and baseball won't be the same without him #MinneJoeTa
— Tyler Duffey (@TheDoof13) November 10, 2018
Nothing but respect Joe! You were an MVP on and off the field. Good luck with the next chapter. https://t.co/M4QXDqZ5dQ
— Eric Hosmer (@TheRealHos305) November 9, 2018
It was an honor to be your teammate, Joe.
This man is one of the best people I’ve ever met and a true professional. I’ve learned so much from just watching him play. You’ll be missed in that clubhouse brother. https://t.co/NkPUIzFmf0
— Trevor May (@IamTrevorMay) November 9, 2018
