Last month, it was ruled that Target Field would remove the black spruce trees behind center field in order to give batters a clearer sight line. Well, last Monday the Minnesota Twins announced that the 14 black spruce trees will be donated to the Minnesota State Park system so fans will be able to see them back in their natural setting. Ten of the trees will be transplanted in Minnesota State Parks, two more will be planted near the entrance to the Target Field parking lot, one will be reserved for a season ticket holder contest and the last tree will be auctioned off to the general public via the team's website.
The Target Center, located right next to Target Field, are looking at making a $150 million renovation in upgrading. Part of the upgrading includes a year round restaurant that faces Target Field. The plans are to install a new restaurant along the 6th Street side of the building, facing Target Field, as well as a project with Target Plaza. These are just plans, which still need to be approved by the state legislature. The new renovations could begin before the end of this calendar year. Officials expect completion by the start of the 2013-14 Timberwolves season. It would be pretty neat for a restaurant to face Target Field.
The Minnesota Gophers baseball team will play all of their Big Ten home games in the 2011 season at Target Field. Minnesota will open Big Ten play on Friday, April 1 at 1:05 p.m. with a doubleheader against Purdue. The Minnesota Gophers were originally supposed to play 31 homes games in the Metrodome this season before the roof collapsed. I'm glad that Target Field could help out the baseball team, as they were picked to finish #1 in the Big Ten Preseason Polls.
Remember the trees that graced center field at Target Field? Well, they will be a memory because they will be taken out for the 2011 MLB Season. Twins President Dave St. Peter said Friday that the trees are coming out as part of a plan to help hitters see pitches better. According to the Star Tribune, "As the inaugural season went on, players began to mention that the trees swaying in the breeze interfered with their ability to lock in on pitches." The glare effected both Twins players and visiting players. Apparently the Seattle Mariners had a problem similiar to the Twins and they plan on using the same backdrop that the Mariners use. They hope it will help out with the glare.
Another number will be added to the Minnesota Twins retired numbers club. Bert Blyleven, the freshly elected Hall of Fame member will now have his number retired by the club. Bert wore #28 for the team and his number will be retired on July 16 against the Texas Rangers. Jesse Crain had previously worn number 28 but he joined the Chicago White Sox this past offseason. Congratulations to Bert Blyleven!
The Minnesota Twins have announced that Minnesota Twin legend Tony Olivia will be the newest member to join the statue collection outside of Target Field. The 8-Time All-Star will join the ranks of Kirby Puckett, Harmon Killebrew and Rod Carew who all have their own statues.
