Target Field moved to tears as Joe Mauer plays catcher again in what might’ve been his final game

Fans were moved to tears as Joe Mauer’s career with the Twins might’ve ended where it started: playing catcher. 

Mauer started Sunday’s 5-4 win over the White Sox at first base before putting on catcher’s gear for the first time since Aug. 19, 2013, catching one pitch in the ninth inning before coming out of the game to a standing ovation. 

Now catching for the Minnesota @Twins, #7, JOE MAUER pic.twitter.com/gg9FDKVevX

— FanDuel Sports Network North (@FanDuelSN_NOR) September 30, 2018

Mauer won three batting titles playing catcher for the Twins, making him the only player in American League history to do so. His catching career came to an end because of concussions in 2013, forcing him to move to first base where he’s been a Gold Glove-caliber defender ever since. 

“I don’t even know if I can talk right now to be honest,” Mauer said after the game on Fox Sports North. “What an unbelievable atmosphere. 

“This really means a lot to me, to be out here and play for you guys.” 

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Despite the fanfare, Mauer said he’s still undecided about retiring. 

“It’s a big decision but either way it’s a good decision,” he said. “I’m going to take the time to think about it and we’ll go from there.” 

Just as fitting was Mauer’s final at-bat: an opposite-field line drive splitting the outfielders in the left-center-field gap for a double, the 428th of his career – the most in Twins history. 

In possibly his final at-bat, @Twins' Joe Mauer hits an opposite-field double because OF COURSE HE DOES. pic.twitter.com/8bLawODfAo

— FanDuel Sports Network North (@FanDuelSN_NOR) September 30, 2018

Special moment at Target Field as @Twins' Joe Mauer steps to the plate pic.twitter.com/q1E43PmAI0

— FanDuel Sports Network North (@FanDuelSN_NOR) September 30, 2018

Mauer’s special day at the ballpark began with his twin daughters, Emily and Maren, running on the field to greet him at first base.

Oh, Joe. We're all crying. 😭😭😭 #MNTwins https://t.co/SkmEoil1Db

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) September 30, 2018

We’ll have much, much more if this indeed the end of Mauer’s career.