Buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks

Posted Monday, April 6, 2009, at 5:26 PM

I never thought I'd see this day.

Growing up in Minnesota, the Twins were as much a part of my life as snowdays from school.

In my early childhood, the Twins were kings. My dad had a T-shirt that read "Twice" in the normal "Twins" logo. They'd won the World Series two times, and I believed they'd take the next 15.

I took my first trip to the Metrodome as a 10 year old, a reward for being a school crossing guard.

What I remember the most was 1) the wave 2) Kirrrrrrrrrr-by Puckett! and 3) the huge gush of wind that shoved you out the door, an effect of the air pressure to keep the dome from caving in, I think.

The next year, my dad and his buddy Randy hopped in a 1993 tan Toyota with me and Randy's daughter, my age. We sang "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" too many times for a 2 1/2 hour car ride and waved Homer Hankies out the window at anyone who would look.

What I remember most was 1) sneaking down to seats near home plate and 2) this dude standing in front of us waving his beer and shouting PA-THE-TIC! PAAA-THE-TIC! I guess the Twins were losing, but I didn't care. We waved our Homer Hankies all the way home, too.

As much as the team was a mainstay of Minnesota childhood, so was the Dome.

The off-white marshmallow top is like an industrial cloud painted in the Twin Cities skyline.

And along with the Dome was the Debate. Yes, whether or not to build a new stadium for the Twins. And whether or not to have a retractable roof.

In my mind, the chicken-or-the-egg question was more likely to be answered first.

And so it seemed.

Today is opening day for the Twins, facing off against the Seattle Mariners in the Dome. And the guy on the radio said they have a chance at the World Series. (I can already see the "Thrice" T-shirts.)

But today marks the last season under the parachute-like stadium cover -- which proved a bonus when it snowed this weekend.

Next season, the Twins will be playing outdoors on Target Field.

All this puts me in a bit of a nostalgic mood. Maybe I'll call up my dad and see if we can score some tickets.

My Homer Hankie is ready.

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I, too, have seen a lot of Twins games, including several at old Metropolitan in Bloomington in the Killebrew, Tovar, Carew, Kaat days. I will not be sorry to see the Dome go, for BB should be played in the sunshine!

I have toured (around) the new park and can't wait til next year (as a Cubs fan, that statement is imbedded). They shoulda used a retractable roof, though.

-- Posted by donpaulin on Tue, Apr 21, 2009, at 4:53 PM

Off beat...

Magdalene Landegent

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Magdalene Landegent Yes, I like hotdish and lakes. My idea of a fancy meal is a potluck. I don't call it "cold" until it's below zero outside. I pronounce one syllable words with three syllables. (Example: "No" is "Nooo-ah-uh") I am from Minnesota. But about nine years ago, I ventured across the border to come to Northwestern College. From there I landed in friendly Hawarden where I worked two years learning this newspaper business before rolling into Le Mars to work as reporter, then editor. I learn a lot of things while I'm trying to scoop out a story, but I learn even more when I'm off the beat -- and that's what you'll get a taste of in my blog. I tend to be a klutz, I admit to starting more than one fire on my stove, and I generally find myself to be the source of many an awkward moment. Add to that newly-married life, and I sometimes feel like a three ring circus. So gentle reader, enjoy. Advice is always welcome. Even from you, Mom and Dad.

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