Last night, the Minnesota Twins clinched the American League Central Division title for the second straight year with a 6-4 win over the Cleveland Indians, coupled with a Chicago White Sox loss to the Oakland Athletics. The Twins’ closeness on and off the field helped secure their postseason appearance.
Asked about the need for a strong clubhouse, all-star catcher and team leader Joe Mauer said it was extremely important. “We look at it as a big family,” Mauer says. “We start off in February and hopefully you play ’til November, but that’s a long time to spend with these guys.”
One competitive bonding activity that the reigning AL MVP and his fellow Twins enjoy is gaming. “When you have a little bit more time in the clubhouse, guys will throw on a video game here and there, and it’s another thing to compete at,” Mauer says. “I enjoy playing and competing with friends on things like that. Bonding—(even if) it’s playing a little video game—that’s huge.”
Although the Twinkies are a bit banged up heading into the playoffs, the hunt for October is over. Players can rest up while maintaining their tight clubhouse before facing their first-round opponent.
Watch Joe Mauer explain what it feels like to play for his favorite childhood club, and check out more of the hometown hero’s exclusive interview with STACK.

Photo:  minnesota.publicradio.org