If I was to make a list of my top 5 favorite Minnesota Twins ever, Joe Nathan would probably make the top 3. Maybe even the top 2.
Joe Nathan was an integral part of Twins GM Terry Ryan's claim to fame. Joe Mauer was rising through the ranks fast and A.J. Pierzynski was the odd man out. Ryan dealt Pierzynski to the San Francisco Giants in what will go down as one of the most lopsided trades in both teams' histories, for pitchers Boof Bonser, Francisco Liriano, and Joe Nathan. Prior to the trade, Nathan had proved to be one the the hottest relief, set-up men in the NL. But the Twins had other plans for him.
After losing "Everyday" Eddie Guardado to the Seattle Mariners, the Twins had an opening for closer. The plugged Nathan in the role in his first year with the team and he notched 23 saves in his first half of a season and was named to the All-Star team! He finished the 2004 season with 44 saves in 47 appearances, and instantly became a Minnesota fan favorite.
Over the next 5 years Nathan would establish himself as one of the best closers in baseball. In 2006, I got to see Nathan pitch over Spring Break in California, as he tossed an inning in a World Baseball Classic game in Angel Stadium, Anaheim. Later that season, Kelli and I went to a Twins game in Kansas City. We met Nathan before the game on the third baseline. He signed a few baseballs for us! In 2007, I was in attendance as Johan Santana struck out 17 Texas Rangers over 8 innings, and Nathan came in to slam the door in the 9th. Despite his nervous ticks, and the way he sometimes made me chew my fingernails off, he was my favorite part of every Twins game.
Nathan missed the 2010 season due to Tommy John surgery. He came back in 2011 and after a rocky start, blowing a handful of saves early in the season, removed himself from the closer role. Later in the season, Nathan found himself in the role again, long enough to become the Twins all-time leader in saves, passing Rick Aguilera, with 260 saves. The Twins declined his option after the season and Nathan became a free-agent, signing with the Texas Rangers, where in 2012, he returned to All-Star form at 37 years old, saving 37 games.
I hate seeing Nathan in a uniform other than a Minnesota one, but he made the right decision for him. He remains one of my favorite Twins to date and he has a reputation as a great through-the-mail signer. Already having a baseball signed from our meeting in Kansas City, I sent him an 8x10. His signature looks awesome on it!
Mailed: 6/4/12
Received: 6/22/12 (18 days)
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