Watch CBS News
A pair of former Twins returned to Target Field as part of Tuesday's All-Star game. Carlos Gomez came to the Twins in 2008 as part of a trade for ace left-hander Johan Santana. He quickly earned a reputation as an energetic – if quirky – young player.
Baseball is referred to as America's favorite past time, but for four days it's been Minnesotans who've celebrated the game like no other.
So many of the players on the All-Star team are familiar to Minnesota fans. One of them is not only a former Twin, but he grew up here too. Pat Neshek cut his teeth as a middle reliever for the Minnesota Twins, with his strange and effective delivery.
Tuesday was an amazing day to be in downtown Minneapolis. Even people who weren't going to the All-Star Game Tuesday evening could still soak up some of the energy from it throughout the day. Including during the big All-Star Red Carpet parade that happened before the big game.
We're used to a Twins catcher playing in the All-Star Game, but there's a new one this time around.
It's hard to blame Neil Johnson, a retired high school teacher from Shakopee, if he's a little numb and starry-eyed this week. Johnson is one of 30 educators from around the country who were chosen by Major League Baseball as "All-Star Teachers."
A former Twins slugger came home Monday night, while the man currently leading the Twins in home runs tried to show off his skills for a national audience. Justin Morneau returned to Target Field for the first time since being traded last August, and was greeted with a rousing ovation. Something he thought he was prepared for based on the number of Twins fans who were in Denver over the weekend for the series between the Rockies and Twins.
Oakland's Yoenis Cespedes became the first repeat winner of the All-Star home run derby in 15 years, powering his way past Cincinnati's Todd Frazier by a whopping 9-1 in the final round Monday night. Ken Griffey Jr. took the title in 1998 and 1999.
Fans at the Home Run Derby experienced a little wind, a little cold and even a little rain at one point, but very few people seemed to mind. Whether it was their first All-Star Home Run Derby experience or one of many, fans were excited to see it back in Minneapolis, at Target Field.
Mike Matheny had quite the choice for the National League's All-Star starter. There was his own Adam Wainwright, the St. Louis Cardinals ace with a 12-4 record and a 1.83 ERA.
It's not just the baseball stars who are going to get the chance to shine in both Monday and Tuesday night's games. Among the many other players in the game are the umpires and one happens to be a local. Jeff Nelson wanted this assignment.
The choice for the final spot on the National League home run derby squad was easy for captain Troy Tulowitzki. Justin Morneau, his Colorado teammate, had the chance to go back to his baseball home in Minnesota.
Derek Jeter was an elite shortstop winning World Series not long after many of baseball's current greats were born.
Some are tucked away, others, out front, all working to roll out the welcome mat to baseball fans this week. "It's just bringing our Minnesota Nice and spreading it to people who are here for the All Star Game," Tara Olson Medina, of Spong, said.
Even with more than 90 losses for three straight seasons, the Minnesota Twins have averaged more than 30,000 fans a game since Target Field opened in 2010. The ballpark itself is clearly part of the draw. "I love the architecture," Jessi Oeltjen of Spring Valley said. "I'm a design buff, so just the architecture, the design, the layout. Once you get inside, there is not a bad seat in the house."
