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Wally The Beer Man Moves On From Target Field

By Reg Chapman, WCCO-TV

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO)-- An Minnesota Twins era has ended.

Just days before the home opener at Target Field, WCCO-TV learned that Wally McNeil "the Beer Man" won't be back.

McNeil said that he is looking forward to a life without the Twins. However, even after a jury cleared his name, McNeil said he will still be selling beer to fans at Sneaky Pete's.

"Going to be there before and after all the home games as a celebrity beer tender," McNeil said.

Famous in his own right, McNeil has his own posters, trading cards and bobble heads.

Since 1982, McNeil was a well-known face in Twins territory, until he and other vendors were caught in a sting last September selling alcohol to underage drinkers.

"I just happen to be unlucky that day for some reason," McNeil said.

Delaware North Company, which manages Target Field's vendors suspended Wally indefinitely.

Wally said he will miss Target Field.

"I'm going to miss the action, the fans," McNeil said.

But if you look closely you will be able to see his familiar face at a Twins game.

As a visitor you will probably see me periodically, but there is a new adventure in my life," McNeil said.

His new adventure will include a slower pace: There are no stairs at Sneaky Pete's.

"I feel it is going to be a little easier on me. I'll be able to spend maybe a little more time at home with my wife," McNeil said.

He says he will move along with his life without looking back.

"I have no bad feeling for anybody, " McNeil said.

One thing you may not know about Wally, is that he is the co-owner of two horses: Wally's Choice and Mrs. Beer Man.

He plans on spending some of his new free time with them at the track.

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