Tony, the Killer, and Carew

Quite a list of sevens:

Lenny Green, 1961-64
Jimmie Hall, 1964-66
Frank Quilici, 1967-70
Paul Ray Powell, 1971
Jim Nettles, 1971-72
Jerry Terrell, 1973-74
Danny Walton, 1975
Dave McKay, 1975-76
Rob Wilfong, 1977-82
Larry Milbourne, 1982
Boomer Wells, 1982
Scott Ullger, 1983
Dave Meier, 1984-85
Greg Gagne, 1987-92
Denny Hocking, 1993-2003
Joe Mauer, 2004-08

It looks like at least one person has worn Twins #7 every season except 1986.

Scotty Ullger also has a birthday this week. He’s one of only two Twins players whose last name starts with the letter “U” - can you name the other?

Other sevens:

The Twins are 2-1 in post season Game 7’s - all of the games came in the World Series.

Chip Hale had seven home runs in his Twins career.

Eddie Bane had seven wins in his Twins career.

First let me say that I have no prizes, so this is only for pride.

There are 28 players who played for both Washington (original AL version) and Minnesota at some points in their careers. Three of the 28 were not with the franchise during the move. Name them. (For the purpose of this question I count the 1960 expansion draft as having taken place after the move - if you want to get technical you could add a fourth player to the list.)

Feel free to show off in the comments. Answers will be included with the “Twins History by the Numbers” when I get around to the number three.

It’s as simple as….who are they?

Congratulations to Jason Barrett for answering 8 out of the 10 questions for a total of 12 points. Jason was one of two persons to submit answers in the extended version of this month’s contest. I know this month was tough, but you gotta know your Twins to play with the big boys…and Jason does. Jason has won 18 autographed Twins baseball cards (courtesy of Twinkie). This month’s group will include signed Bowman rookie cards of Ricky Barrett, Angel Garcia, Garrett Guzman, Paul Kelly, Luis Maza, Errol Simonitsch, Brock Peterson, Jay Rainville, Kyle Waldrop, Luke Hughes, Dusty Goman, Justin Arneson, Eduardo Morlan, Frank Mata, Denard Span, Trevor Plouffe, Drew Thompson, Johnny Woodward.
Here are this month’s answers and links to the cards I got the blurbs from.

1. (NAME) was running away with all Southern League pitching honors last year when called to the Twins, June 21. Used mostly as a spot starter by Mgr (NAME), (NAME) was an All-Star in NY-Penn League, (YEAR), & Fla. State League, (YEAR). Pitched in Venezuelan loop last winter, was 7-5 with 1.75 ERA, allowed one run in last 27 innings. (Steve Luebber, 1972 Topps)
2. (NAME) tied a Major-League record (DATE) for the most consecutive base on balls, as a batter, in consecutive innings (4). Wearing glasses for the first time, he made a fine comeback during the (YEAR) season, ending with a ERA of 2.97. (Chuck Stobbs, 1961 Post)
3. The slender fast-baller has been plagued by illness and arm trouble during his brief major league career, but last season he finally put it all together to become a 20-game winner. Only 3 A.L. pitchers fanned more than (NAME)’s (TOTAL). (Dave Boswell, 1970 Topps)
4. Emerged as one of the A.L.’s top all-around outfielders in (YEAR). Ranked 10th in A.L. in total bases and slugging percentage. Led A.L. outfielders in double plays (TOTAL) in (YEAR). Hit for the cycle, (DATE) vs. (TEAM). Has played both leftfield and rightfield for Twins. Hit grand-slam homer (DATE) vs. Red Sox. (Gary Ward, 1983 Donruss Action All-Stars)
5. Though not reflected in his won-loss record, (NAME) was a much improved pitcher in (YEAR). Featuring control that borders on legendary, he has days when he dominates by simply pitching to contact. A case in point was (NAME)’s shutout of the (TEAM) on (DATE, when he allowed 8 hits but all were singles and he didn’t walk a batter. (Carlos Silva, 2007 Topps Update)
6. Entering the 2001 season, (NAME) was one of only nine major league pitchers to win at least 11 games in each of the last six seasons. Anchoring the Twins starting rotation, the right-hander has also netted at least a dozen wins for five consecutive seasons, including this year. (Brad Radke, 2001 Leaf Limited)
7. Played in 101 games in first full ML season at age 26 but with eight minor league seasons behind him. (Houston Jimenez, 1985 Fleer)
8. When (NAME) signed with Minnesota, he received the biggest bonus ever given to any Twin pitcher.Arm miseries curtailed (NAME)’s service in (YEAR), after he notched 4 out of 5 decisions. Last year, the righthander was used as a spot started as well as a receiver. (Jim Roland, 1965 Topps)
9. Twice had seven-game hitting streaks last year. Has played first, second, third base, shortstop and outfield in his career. Was the 1,134 player selected (??? round) in (YEAR). (Denny Hocking, 2003 UD 40-Man)
10. (NAME) stepped forward on offense in (YEAR) while bringing the Twins’ young pitching staff along on defense. With runners in scoring position, (NAME) upped his output to a .307 average. (Matt Walbeck, 1996 Collectors Choice)

CONTEST EXTENDED

Wow, you guys either really suck at trivia, the questions were incredibly too difficult, you were entirely too apathetic or you could care less about winning 18 autographed rookie cards! Whatever the reason, we still do not have a monthly winner or a home for those 18 autographed cards. With all that being said, I’ve decided to extend the contest for another week. Here is the link to last week’s post and I’ve copied the questions below.

Questions (1 pt each): Something new this month. I’m going to provide you the text from the back of a player’s card (omitting certain key words) and all you have to do is tell me who the blurb is about.

1. (NAME) was running away with all Southern League pitching honors last year when called to the Twins, June 21. Used mostly as a spot starter by Mgr (NAME), (NAME) was an All-Star in NY-Penn League, (YEAR), & Fla. State League, (YEAR). Pitched in Venezuelan loop last winter, was 7-5 with 1.75 ERA, allowed one run in last 27 innings.
2. (NAME) tied a Major-League record (DATE) for the most consecutive base on balls, as a batter, in consecutive innings (4). Wearing glasses for the first time, he made a fine comeback during the (YEAR) season, ending with a ERA of 2.97.
3. The slender fast-baller has been plagued by illness and arm trouble during his brief major league career, but last season he finally put it all together to become a 20-game winner. Only 3 A.L. pitchers fanned more than (NAME)’s (TOTAL).
4. Emerged as one of the A.L.’s top all-around outfielders in (YEAR). Ranked 10th in A.L. in total bases and slugging percentage. Led A.L. outfielders in double plays (TOTAL) in (YEAR). Hit for the cycle, (DATE) vs. (TEAM). Has played both leftfield and rightfield for Twins. Hit grand-slam homer (DATE) vs. Red Sox.
5. Though not reflected in his won-loss record, (NAME) was a much improved pitcher in (YEAR). Featuring control that borders on legendary, he has days when he dominates by simply pitching to contact. A case in point was (NAME)’s shutout of the (TEAM) on (DATE), when he allowed 8 hits but all were singles and he didn’t walk a batter.
6. Entering the 2001 season, (NAME) was one of only nine major league pitchers to win at least 11 games in each of the last six seasons. Anchoring the Twins starting rotation, the right-hander has also netted at least a dozen wins for five consecutive seasons, including this year.
7. Played in 101 games in first full ML season at age 26 but with eight minor league seasons behind him.
8. When (NAME) signed with Minnesota, he received the biggest bonus ever given to any Twin pitcher. Arm miseries curtailed (NAME)’s service in (YEAR), after he notched 4 out of 5 decisions. Last year, the righthander was used as a spot started as well as a receiver.
9. Twice had seven-game hitting streaks last year. Has played first, second, third base, shortstop and outfield in his career. Was the 1,134 player selected (??? round) in (YEAR).
10. (NAME) stepped forward on offense in (YEAR) while bringing the Twins’ young pitching staff along on defense. With runners in scoring position, (NAME) upped his output to a .307 average.

Bonus Question (5 pts): 1/2 pt for every correct card you identify. In other words, which card did I find the blurb from?

Welcome to this month’s TwinsCards.com trivia contest. For official contest rules, please click HERE. This month’s winner will receive 18 autographed Twins baseball cards (courtesy of Twinkie). This month’s group will include signed Bowman rookie cards of Ricky Barrett, Angel Garcia, Garrett Guzman, Paul Kelly, Luis Maza, Errol Simonitsch, Brock Peterson, Jay Rainville, Kyle Waldrop, Luke Hughes, Dusty Goman, Justin Arneson, Eduardo Morlan, Frank Mata, Denard Span, Trevor Plouffe, Drew Thompson, Johnny Woodward.

Please email your name and answers to trivia@twinscards.com. Answers must be received no later than 2400 EDT, Thursday, 20 March. Entries received after that will not be eligible for the monthly prize. Winners will be announced next Friday, 21 March. The comments section has been turned off so that the answers cannot be compromised.

Questions (1 pt each): Something new this month. I’m going to provide you the text from the back of a player’s card (omitting certain key words) and all you have to do is tell me who the blurb is about.

1. (NAME) was running away with all Southern League pitching honors last year when called to the Twins, June 21. Used mostly as a spot starter by Mgr (NAME), (NAME) was an All-Star in NY-Penn League, (YEAR), & Fla. State League, (YEAR). Pitched in Venezuelan loop last winter, was 7-5 with 1.75 ERA, allowed one run in last 27 innings.
2. (NAME) tied a Major-League record (DATE) for the most consecutive base on balls, as a batter, in consecutive innings (4). Wearing glasses for the first time, he made a fine comeback during the (YEAR) season, ending with a ERA of 2.97.
3. The slender fast-baller has been plagued by illness and arm trouble during his brief major league career, but last season he finally put it all together to become a 20-game winner. Only 3 A.L. pitchers fanned more than (NAME)’s (TOTAL).
4. Emerged as one of the A.L.’s top all-around outfielders in (YEAR). Ranked 10th in A.L. in total bases and slugging percentage. Led A.L. outfielders in double plays (TOTAL) in (YEAR). Hit for the cycle, (DATE) vs. (TEAM). Has played both leftfield and rightfield for Twins. Hit grand-slam homer (DATE) vs. Red Sox.
5. Though not reflected in his won-loss record, (NAME) was a much improved pitcher in (YEAR). Featuring control that borders on legendary, he has days when he dominates by simply pitching to contact. A case in point was (NAME)’s shutout of the (TEAM) on (DATE), when he allowed 8 hits but all were singles and he didn’t walk a batter.
6. Entering the 2001 season, (NAME) was one of only nine major league pitchers to win at least 11 games in each of the last six seasons. Anchoring the Twins starting rotation, the right-hander has also netted at least a dozen wins for five consecutive seasons, including this year.
7. Played in 101 games in first full ML season at age 26 but with eight minor league seasons behind him.
8. When (NAME) signed with Minnesota, he received the biggest bonus ever given to any Twin pitcher. Arm miseries curtailed (NAME)’s service in (YEAR), after he notched 4 out of 5 decisions. Last year, the righthander was used as a spot started as well as a receiver.
9. Twice had seven-game hitting streaks last year. Has played first, second, third base, shortstop and outfield in his career. Was the 1,134 player selected (??? round) in (YEAR).
10. (NAME) stepped forward on offense in (YEAR) while bringing the Twins’ young pitching staff along on defense. With runners in scoring position, (NAME) upped his output to a .307 average.

Bonus Question (5 pts): 1/2 pt for every correct card you identify. In other words, which card did I find the blurb from?

Trivia will still be posted today (Friday), but probably won’t be ready until Friday evening. Sorry for the inconvenience.

This month’s winner will receive 18 autographed Twins baseball cards (courtesy of Twinkie). This month’s group will include signed Bowman rookie cards of Ricky Barrett, Angel Garcia, Garrett Guzman, Paul Kelly, Luis Maza, Errol Simonitsch, Brock Peterson, Jay Rainville, Kyle Waldrop, Luke Hughes, Dusty Goman, Justin Arneson, Eduardo Morlan, Frank Mata, Denard Span, Trevor Plouffe, Drew Thompson, Johnny Woodward.

The winner of this month’s trivia contest is Michael Braunger. Michael was one of three individuals to score 14/15 pts. The other two entrants who scored 14/15 were last month’s winner, Bret Freyer and newcomer Rick Sullivan. Congratulations to you all. Michael was randomly selected from the three highest scoring entrants and will receive a 1966 Twins Media guide. Congratulations Michael! Here are this month’s answers and links to the cards where I found the questions/answers.

*Interestingly enough, all three entries that scored 14/15 missed the same question and that was the one asking for the ’70s era pitcher that had a no wind-up motion. Even more interesting than that was that all three answered Jim Kaat. I have video footage of Kaat from the 1965 World Series and he definitely has a wind-up. Because all three answered the same, it won’t affect the outcome of the contest, but I forwarded my question to several historical experts and none of them could say that Kaat had a no wind-up motion. The answer, Dick Woodson, not only has that blurb appear on his 1974 Topps card, but also in one of the Media Guides. If someone has documentation of Kaat having a no wind-up motion, please let me know.

1. Despite pitching 9 games and 43 innings for AAA Portland, this former Twins pitcher once tied for the team lead in strikeouts? ANSWER: Mark Guthrie
2. In his only All-Star appearance as a Twin and with the AL clinging to a 3-2 lead in the ninth inning, he drove in an insurance run with a single and later stole second and scored on an error. Who is he? ANSWER: Matt Lawton
3. This player was named to the TOPPS all-rookie team, led the team in outfield assists and hit .440 against the Blue Jays…all in the same year. Who is the player and in what year? (1/2 point for each correct answer) ANSWER: Hosken Powell, 1980
   
4. In 1991, he became the first pitcher to pinch-hit in a World Series since 1956? ANSWER: Rick Aguilera
5. Peter Gammons once said this, “One week into Spring Training, Twins personnel were comparing ( ) to Will Clark, but some were wondering if signing Dave Winfield might not close the door on this wondrous ( ) product. He is the rarest of Cleon Jones type - bats right, throws left - and can play first, right or left. His natural hitting skills go way beyond the .271 he hit in Orlando in his first full season. Kirby, Herbie, Shane…and now ( ). Hitters like this 6-5 product just don’t come along very often.” Who was he speaking about? ANSWER: David McCarty
   
6. Which former Twin was a football hero at Purdue? ANSWER: Bernie Allen
   
7. Although he didn’t play baseball in high school, this player was spotted by Twins’ scout Herb Stein while playing Sandlot Baseball in New York City. Which Twin was it? ANSWER: Rod Carew
   
8. Which ’70’s era pitcher had a “no-wind-up” pitching motion? ANSWER: Dick Woodson
9. This former Twins’ coach, homered in his first big-league at-bat. Who is he? ANSWER: Rick Renick
10. This former Twin was the nephew of a former Twins manager. Name them both. ANSWER: Roy Smalley and Gene Mauch

Bonus Question (5 pts): This player was a first-round pick of the Twins. His brother was also drafted in the first-round by the Twins…only 3 years later, but never made it to the big leagues. What was the last name of these brothers? ANSWER: Soderholm

Next month’s give away: 10 Autographed Twins Cards

Welcome to this month’s TwinsCards.com trivia contest. For official contest rules, please click HERE. This month’s winner will receive a 1966 Minnesota Twins Media Guide.

Please email your name and answers to trivia@twinscards.com. Answers must be received no later than 2400 EDT, Thursday, 14 February. Entries received after that will not be eligible for the monthly prize. Winners will be announced next Friday, 15 Feb. The comments section has been turned off so that the answers cannot be compromised. I’ve turned it up a notch this month, so good luck…they ain’t easy.

Questions (1 pt each)

1. Despite pitching 9 games and 43 innings for AAA Portland, this former Twins pitcher once tied for the team lead in strikeouts?
2. In his only All-Star appearance as a Twin and with the AL clinging to a 3-2 lead in the ninth inning, he drove in an insurance run with a single and later stole second and scored on an error. Who is he?
3. This player was named to the TOPPS all-rookie team, led the team in outfield assists and hit .440 against the Blue Jays. Who is the player and in what year? (1/2 point for each correct answer)
4. In 1991, he became the first pitcher to pinch-hit in a World Series since 1956?
5. Peter Gammons once said this, “One week into Spring Trainin, Twins personnel were comparing ( ) to Will Clark, but some were wondering if signing Dave Winfield might not close the door on this wondrous ( ) product. He is the rarest of Cleon Jones type - bats right, throws left - and can play first, right or left. His natural hitting skills go way beyond the .271 he hit in Orlando in his first full season. Kirby, Herbie, Shane…and now ( ). Hitters like this 6-5 product just don’t come along very often.” Who was he speaking about?
6. Which former Twin was a football hero at Purdue?
7. Although he didn’t play baseball in high school, this player was spotted by Twins’ scout Herb Stein while playing Sandlot Baseball in New York City. Which Twin was it?
8. Which ’70’s era pitcher had a “no-wind-up” pitching motion?
9. This former Twins coach, homered in his first big-league at-bat. Who is he?
10. This former Twin was the nephew of a former Twins manager. Name them both.

Bonus Question (5 pts): This player was a first-round pick of the Twins. His brother was also drafted in the first-round by the Twins…only 3 years later, but never made it to the big leagues. What was the last name of these brothers?

The winner of this month’s trivia contest is Bret Freyer. Bret was the only one to score a perfect 15 pts and wins a 1976 Twins Yearbook. Congratulations Bret! Here are this month’s answers and links to the cards where I found the questions/answers.

1. What Twin made his major league debut on September 1, 1990 against the Detroit Tigers? ANSWER: Pedro Munoz
2. Cristian Guzman set a Twins record with 20 triples in 2000. Whose record did he eclipse? ANSWER: Rod Carew
3. Who is the only player in MLB history to win batting titles in his first two seasons? ANSWER: Tony Oliva
4. Whose favorite players included Ernie Banks, Willie Mays and Billy Williams and may have become a policeman if he hadn’t become a professional athlete? ANSWER: Kirby Puckett
5. Which former Twin studied accounting at St. John’s University? ANSWER: Frank Viola
6. What former Twins pitcher has a brother, Scott, that is a current MLB pitcher? ANSWER: Willie Eyre
7. Who was the first player in Twins history to hit a pinch-hit grand-slam? ANSWER: Julio Becquer
8. Which former Twin holds the record (tied) for most home runs in his first two MLB games? ANSWER: Tim Laudner
9. In 1991, this pitcher ended the Rangers’ 14-game win streak. Who is he? ANSWER: Scott Erickson
10. Which Twins manager hit .333 in 28 lifetime World Series games?ANSWER: Billy Martin

Bonus Question (5 pts): This former Twin was once the Southern League MVP after posting .284 average with 42 HRs and 104 RBIs. Which Twin was it? ANSWER: Tim Laudner

Next month’s give away: 1966 Twins Media Guide