If there ever was a question about how Minnesotans felt about Justin Morneau – even after he was traded away from the team – it was answered Thursday afternoon.
The #VoteMorneau Twitter drive was the top trending item in Minnesota most of the day.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to bring the beloved former Twins first baseman back to Minnesota for the Midsummer Classic.
A Windy City sweep! @ARizzo44 (8.8 million votes) and Chris Sale (6.7 million) win #FinalVote sponsored by Experian. pic.twitter.com/ioQwE5SKKK
— MLB (@MLB) July 10, 2014
With the All-Star Game coming to Target Field on Tuesday, Morneau’s great start to the season had him in contention to make the team. He was hitting .313 with 13 home runs and 59 RBIs.
Morneau had been leading the way in the final fan vote earlier this week, but according to MLB.com he slipped behind Chicago’s Anthony Rizzo on Wednesday.
The vote was still close heading into Thursday Twitter voting however, prompting fans of Morneau’s current team (Colorado) and former team (the Twins), plus teammates, to launch the #VoteMorneau Twitter drive with just hours remaining. The effort picked up momentum throughout the day, as fans and some other Minnesota professional athletes jumped on board to help.
It just wasn’t quite enough to break Rizzo’s momentum though.
It wasn’t all bad news for Morneau. He was chosen to represent the National League in the Home Run Derby on Monday night.
Here is a quick summary.
LAST CHANCE: Tweet with #VoteMorneau to vote @JustinMorneau back to MN for the @AllStarGame. pic.twitter.com/FAyTd3hJHv
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 10, 2014
RT THIS! You gonna be today's #VoteMorneau Champion, winner of @mcuddy3's suite? 10 minutes to place last votes! pic.twitter.com/Cr6qQ1IQYt
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) July 10, 2014
Zach Parise wants to see Justin Morneau in the @AllStarGame do you? #VoteMorneau pic.twitter.com/EzEWBiCaU3
— Dustin Morse (@morsecode) July 10, 2014
RT:@MLBONFOX Joe Mauer leading charge to get ex-Twin Justin Morneau voted to the #ASG http://t.co/sBWqDQKHgT
— FOX 9 Sports (@Fox9Sports) July 8, 2014
