The Twins’ community relation team brought its “takeover” program to Inner Park in Circle Pines for a game between the 13U North Star Cougars and a team from Soderville.
“We might not be the best team, but I think it’s cool that the Twins came out and picked our team,” said third baseman Linden Sombrio, 13. He admitted he was nervous.
The players may have had good reason for some butterflies. The Twins crew brought a multimedia presence, including a camera operator and a huge replay screen, a DJ spinning music, the Target Field public address announcer, the Target Field organist, and even a Target Field food truck.
“It never gets old,” said Jackson Kirchoff with the Twins’ Community Relations. “Just seeing the looks on these community members’ faces and the kids’ faces–this is what it’s all about.”
“I guarantee you that these kids playing tonight are going to talk to their grandkids about (this game),” said Coach Mike Sombrio.
Twins great and former American League All-Star Terry Steinbach threw out the first pitch, and the public address announcer introduced each team before the game.
“This is kind of our ‘Field of Dreams’ tonight,” said Mike Sombrio.
Kirchoff said the Twins try to find teams he says display characteristics that go beyond just success on the field. He said the takeover program only goes to one youth baseball and one youth softball game per season.
“We look for teams that display high degrees of integrity, respect,” he said.
Linden Sombrio said he isn’t sure why his team was selected for the honor.
“(Maybe) it’s just the way we stick together?” he said.
