In a script straight out of Hollywood, the Minnesota Twins drafted hometown St. Paul hero Joe Mauer from Cretin-Derham High School with the number one pick of the 2001 Draft.
As with any love story, there may be a moment or two where the relationship is rocky, but for the Twins and Mauer, the last 13 seasons are full of happy endings.
Since breaking in with the Twins in 2004, Mauer has owned the Twin Cities. He is a hitting machine. With three batting titles, including a .365 mark in 2009 that saw him lead the AL in OBP and slugging percentage along with winning the MVP, he will go down as one of the best hitting catchers ever.
A solid defensive catcher, he won three Gold Gloves in a row between 2008-10. With a good arm, he threw out 33 percent of base stealers before numerous concussions forced him away from catching.
Beloved in Minnesota, his better days are behind him. Still, as a first baseman he remains a good hitter for average and is the face of the franchise.
Although there are three players above him on the list, Mauer could not have delivered more the Twins in his 13 years. His 49.4 WAR does not determine his value to Minnesota. His ability to perform everyday on a team lacking in the win department will make him a favorite for life.
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