Memories of the Twins.......Thanks
Al,
As I read the message from Jim Hallman regarding the end of the Twins/Riversharks fastball tradition, I couldn't help but become saddened and emotional myself. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to be affiliated with this organization for 10 great years, and all the wonderful people that I played with and were coached by.
While the history of the twins is long in tradition, there are several characteristics that followed the team year in and year out. Commitment, hard work and chemistry. While the most recent twins teams have been very successful in achieving the ultimate fastball goal, one has to keep in mind that the previous players, coaches, sponsors and the numerous supportive community members are all but responsible for giving past and the most recent players the opportunity play the game we love.
I know that I can't possibly name or thank everyone associated to this great organization for the past 40 years, but during my tenor, several people made it possible for us to play men's fastball and relive our childhood dreams.
The entire Hallman Family
and most definitely Larry Lynch. Every fall after each season Larry would again look towards the future to ensure that a twins team would be fielded the following summer. He would constantly search for sponsorship, managers and players that best suited Twins fastball. Like some other fastball organizations, the Twins were often in a state of financial turmoil. However, Larry always seem to find a way to make our adventures continue. It reminds me of the World Championships in Sioux City Iowa in 1999, when in true Twin fashion, Larry had only booked the vans until the Wednesday of the tournament thinking that we would be eliminated in the first 2-3 games. However, after winning the first three games of the tournament including wins over Victoria and the host Sioux City, while the players celebrated Larry frantically called to make last minute arrangements to secure our transportation home with his own money. Don't worry Larry we know deep down you believed in us.
Twins fastball was about family and how appropriate that for the last years of existence, the Hallman Family graciously provided the financial and emotional support needed to keep our dreams alive. In sport, we have a tendency to look at stats, personal achievements and previous accomplishments when assembling a team. However, one aspect that is often overlooked and can not be measured is chemistry. Every Twins team that I was associated with seem to have an atmosphere of togetherness. Players chosen to wear this uniform seem to carry the same beliefs and desire to play for one another. While at times, we may have scraped like brothers, in the end hand shakes and embraces were a regular part of saying thanks to one another for not just the support and desire left on the field but the friendship and support that carried over to our personal lives.
I often think how fortunate we are to have had the opportunity to be on the same field with the best athletes and players from this sport. I recall my first year as a Twin, which was the first year that the "mighty" Toronto Gators led by Jack Firemen took to the diamond. While Dan Yantzi held us in every game, we were defeated by the Gators on approximately five occasions that year 1-0. I remember walking away from the diamond angry and frustrated, and wanting to win for not only each other but for Yantzi who was really our leader by example and a absolute pleasure to play with.
The memories that I carry with me will last forever, as well as the friendships. I could honestly sit and type for the next several days sharing memories and stories of this organization. All I can say is thank you for the thrill of a lifetime and a chance to meet the most genuine people ever.
While fans were often drawn to the park to watch the legends and talents of members from other teams, I was able to step onto the field with Twin players of the same caliber. I apologize now if I miss someone, but here are just a few people associated to the Twins family that I want to truly thank for their commitment and grit and keeping this tradition alive during my time with this club. I hope that others will share their memories and names of people (past and present) who should be proudly recognized for being a TWIN.
The Schnarr's-Jimmy, Jody and Jay
and yes even Jack Firemen and his Gators.
Thanks........Jeff "Spinner" Spencer
A Footnote:
I really enjoyed reading Spinner's tribute to the Twins and it brought back fond memories of so many great fastball fans, including:
Gordie Newman - Gordie rose to fame in 1995 when he joined the Twins in Sioux City as their score keeper (and kindly gave up his room to me at the brand new Comfort Inn. Gordie stayed at some flee bag with the Twins in another state.)
Mary Anne and Earl Stroh, who stand out in my mind as the most dedicated Twins fans of all time. Mary Anne has scored a ton of games for the Twins over the years as well.
AD
