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Minnesota Twins Retire Joe Mauer's No. 7 Jersey

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A Twins legend will forever be remembered at Target Field.

As Joe Mauer said Saturday in his speech, the first time he wore the No. 7 was at the age of 18, playing rookie ball in Tennessee just after getting drafted No. 1 overall by his hometown Twins. He said he didn't care what number was in the locker, he was just happy to be a pro baseball player. Now, his No. 7 is immortalized in Minneapolis.

Joe Mauer
(credit: CBS)

Mauer lived the dream. He grew up watching and rooting for the Twins from his home in St. Paul, was then drafted by them and never played for another team.

And after 15 years, the Twins bestowed Mauer with their highest honor Saturday evening.

"My family kept me grounded. They supported me no matter the outcome of a game. They believed in me and rooted for me from my first T-ball game to my very last here at Target Field. My wife held down the fort and took incredible care of our daughters so I could go out and live my dream," Mauer said during the ceremony.

Mauer was one of the best to ever wear a Twins uniform. He won an MVP, three Gold Gloves, three batting titles and the admiration of Twins fans. Mauer also holds the team record for doubles.

Mauer's number went up in leftfield stands, between Jackie Robinson and former Twins manager Tom Kelly. Mauer will be the third Minnesota-born Twin to have his number retired by the team, joining Kelly and Kent Krbek.

No player will wear No. 7 for the Twins again.

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