Catcher Kurt Suzuki staying home to represent Minnesota Twins at 2014 All-Star Game
MINNEAPOLIS — Another year, another Minnesota Twins catcher in the All-Star Game — only this time it’s not Joe Mauer.
Kurt Suzuki earned his first All-Star selection of his eight-year career, and it comes in his first season with the Twins. He won’t be alone in representing Minnesota when Target Field hosts of this year’s All-Star Game. Twins closer Glen Perkins will join him as Perkins earns the second All-Star nomination of his career.
For Perkins, this year’s All-Star Game has special meaning for the Stillwater, Minn., native to be able to play in the midsummer classic in his hometown. For Suzuki, the fact that it’s his first All-Star appearance will give it extra meaning.
“I don’t know how to describe it. It’s kind of surreal right now,” Suzuki said on Sunday. “I’m just kind of trying to soak it all in and have a good time with it and enjoy myself.”
Suzuki wasn’t voted in as a starter, but was chosen as a reserve. Though he was viewed as more of a defensive specialist when the Twins signed him to a one-year deal this offseason, Suzuki has been arguably one of Minnesota’s best hitters. Through Sunday’s game, he’s batting .306 with 34 RBI in 72 games.
One of Suzuki’s best offensive seasons came in 2009 with Oakland when he hit .274 with 15 homers and a career-high 88 RBI. Suzuki thought he had a shot at making the All-Star Game that season, but it wasn’t meant to be.
Now he gets to do so in his new home ballpark.
“It’s my first one, so I don’t know what it’s going to be like, but I’m assuming it’s going to be pretty fun with the home crowd behind you,” Suzuki said. “This is my home team. It’s going to be exciting.”
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