"Today's St. Paul Saints were formed in 1993 in the Northern League, one of several "other" leagues not affiliated with Major League Baseball. The Saints are known for promotions that are over-the-top even by the standards of minor-league baseball. The principal owner, Mike Veeck, is the son of legendary major-league owner Bill Veeck, who was best-known for outrageous promotions as owner of the St. Louis Browns and Chicago White Sox. Comedian and actor Bill Murray is also a part owner.A major factor in the continued success of the Saints in the face of the Twins' presence is the fact that Midway Stadium, the Saints' home field, is an open-air facility; many Twins fans have bemoaned the unfairness of being forced to go indoors to watch a baseball game on a warm Minnesota summer evening. Another is the love of tailgating by fans in the Twin Cities metropolitan area - the Metrodome, situated in the middle of downtown Minneapolis, has little space available for tailgating.
The St. Paul Saints won four championships in the Northern League: 1993, 1995, 1996, and 2004. The most recent championship was arguably one of the Saints most memorable games. In the decisive Game 5 at St. Paul's Midway Stadium, St. Paul trailed the Schaumburg Flyers 6-3 entering the bottom of the ninth. A leadoff double and two quick outs had the Flyers on the edge of their seat. A double by the Saints' second basemen, and it was 6-4. The next batter sent a base hit up the middle and it was 6-5. Three consecutive singles later and it was knotted up at 6. A walk to load the bases and a new pitcher set the stage for Marc Mirizzi. On a 1-1 pitch, Mirrizi struck a cannon to left field, just fair, for a grand-slam, walk-off championship clinching home run to win it for the Saints 10-6." (The St. Paul Saints, History, Wiki)
Wow, that is quite a play-by-play account!
ReplyDeleteI really like the mural in the photo.
We have the Cape Cod League here - I guess that would be an equivalent league.
This is a very cool mural! Once you really look at it, there is a lot going on.
ReplyDeleteSo much joie de vivre in that mural! From what you are writing about them, I can understand that they are such a beloved team. Makes me want to go out to the ball game. :-)
ReplyDeleteI am not really familiar with baseball but that picture looks great!:)
ReplyDeleteGosh, that's some mural. Don't know about baseball but interesting photo.
ReplyDeleteNow I should find out why they are called Saints (don't know a thing about baseball).
ReplyDeleteRe: Political Waters by Eric Dolin, I can't believe neither library has it!? It's a three-year old book.
I just checked B&N online, they have it. See here. So, you might be able to get the store to get it for you.
Now, if you still have a stack of books you haven't read... Ahem... ;)
This is a great piece of art on the wall. I like the colors and there is so much going on in it. Thanks for all the information.
ReplyDeleteA collorfull mural
ReplyDeleteBaseball is all a mystery to Australians but I played softball though at school and loved it.
ReplyDeleteLove the mural on the wall!!
Are there any Svens and Oles playing baseball?
ReplyDelete