0
0
Twins’ Lucky Home Run Sausage Ritual: A Winning Streak
In a quirky turn of events, the Minnesota Twins embraced a new superstition that seemed to bring them luck on the baseball field. The phenomenon began when hitting coach David Popkins introduced a unique ritual involving an unopened summer sausage. Players were encouraged to tap the sausage before their at-bats, and the results were surprisingly positive.
During a game at Target Field on April 24, players Edouard Julien and Ryan Jeffers hit back-to-back home runs in the sixth inning. The momentum continued when Carlos Santana hit another home run in the eighth inning, leading to a remarkable winning streak for the Twins.
Following the initial success, Jeffers playfully tossed the sausage to a teammate in the dugout, sparking a viral sensation among fans and players. The ritual, while unconventional, proved to be effective as the team continued to secure victories.
The Lucky Sausage Goes on the Road
Not wanting to upset the streak, the Twins decided to take the sausage with them on their road trip. The sausage was carefully sealed in a plastic bag and hidden in a shoe to ensure its safekeeping. The team went on to win all six games during the trip, marking a historic achievement for the franchise.
With a recent 5-2 victory over Boston, the Twins extended their winning streak to 11 games, matching the third-longest streak in club history. Despite the absence of home runs during the game, the team’s performance remained strong, showcasing their determination and skill.
Behind the Scenes of the Ritual
Manager Rocco Baldelli shed some light on the mystery surrounding the lucky sausage, revealing that it was stored in the coaches’ room refrigerator until game time. The team’s commitment to the superstition was evident as they embraced the tradition while striving for success on the field.
The original sausage, a gift from Cloverdale Foods to infielder Kyle Farmer, became a symbol of luck and unity for the team. Supplier of the official bacon of the Twins and Target Field, Cloverdale Foods expressed their admiration for the team’s dedication to the ritual.
A Tradition of Unique Celebrations
The Twins have a history of incorporating fun and unconventional rituals into their game celebrations. From fishing gear to lucky sausages, the team’s playful attitude reflects their love for the sport and commitment to enjoying the game.
As catcher Ryan Jeffers aptly put it, “The season’s too grueling and baseball’s too hard of a sport to not have fun once in a while, right?” The Twins’ lucky sausage ritual serves as a reminder of the team’s camaraderie and their willingness to embrace superstition for the sake of victory.
Image/Photo credit: source url
