Target Field: More Than First Game Lost By and For Minnesota Twins

Let me start by stating up front, as a Minnesota Alumni, I bleed Maroon and Gold.

John Anderson, Minnesota Head Coach, has done a tremendous job coaching the University Men's Baseball Team. In 2009 he became only the 39th coach win 1,000 games in Division I College Baseball.

"First and foremost I would like to thank the Minnesota Twins organization and Pohlads for giving us the opportunity to be part of the experience of bringing outdoor Major League baseball back to the state of Minnesota," said Anderson.

The Gophers should not have been the team to open Target Field.

With a 9-1 loss to Louisiana Tech last weekend, a lot of "firsts" were stolen from the team that will call Target Field home for 81 games this year.

Some people may ask what's the difference, it's only an exhibition game.

Recall back in 1981 when the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome opened:

Pete Rose had the first base hit in the Metrodome. 

Kent Hrbek had the first Metrodome home run.

These are names with resonance in baseball and significance to Minnesota Twins fans.

Mark Threkeld and Clint Ewing mean little to baseball fans in Minnesota.

With no disrespect to Louisiana Tech players Threkeld, who has the first hit at Target Field and Ewing, with the first home run, it just seems inappropriate that a Minnesota Twin did not even have the opportunity.

Said Ewing after the game, "To be able to hit the first homer here is something I will think about whenever I watch Twins' games in the future, and something I can tell my grandkids about."

Now the questions will have to be:

Which Major League player had the first hit at Target Field?

or

Which Major League player had the first home run at Target Field?

Even with the amended questions, who would have thought the answer to both would have been Denard Span.

With a spring training batting average of .308 as the Twins' lead off hitter, Span had a great shot of getting the first hit, especially after Carl Pavano set the Cardinals down in order in the top of the first. 

With names like Pujols, Morneau and Mauer in the game, it would seem unlikely that Span, who hit eight homers in 2009, would have the chance for the first Target Field home run.  

With a great running catch to right center field in the top of the first off the bat of Albert Pujols, Span had memorable opening game for Target Field.

Unfortunately when his grandchildren do a Google search in 20 years, Denard Span may not be the first name listed. 

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