Cooperstown comes to Joe Mauer

View a video clip from the program

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. – Joe Mauer’s thoughts are never far from home.

But when the Minnesota Twins All-Star appears on the next episode of Homecoming with Rick Reilly on Saturday, he’ll receive a double dose of home – thanks to Baseball Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson.

Mauer, who has generously several items to the Cooperstown museum throughout his career, is interviewed at his alma mater, Cretin-Derham High School in St. Paul, Minn. As part of the show, Idelson brought along Mauer’s bat that he donated to commemorate his 2006 American League batting title. The bat is currently part of the collection of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in baseball’s home of Cooperstown, N.Y.

Mauer recently signed a contract extension that will keep him in Minnesota through the 2018 season.

“I’m happy here, and I’m looking forward to the upcoming season,” Mauer said. “I’m trying to win, and I think we can do that.”

An audience of more than 3,500 people greeted Mauer – the only big league catcher ever to win at least three batting titles – at the taping of the show. The show also features a fun surprise involving the Hall of Fame and Mauer.

In addition to Saturday’s 4 p.m. EDT airing on ABC, Homecoming with Rick Reilly featuring Joe Mauer will be re-aired on Monday, April 12, at 8 p.m. EDT on ESPN.