Hey all!

Long-time reader finally joining the crowd. Absolutely love the activity and material here and feel this is definitely the "ultimate" online Twins community. As stated in my profile, I've been a fan since 2000 and there's no sports team in the world that can top these guys as my number one team. In order to get acquainted with everyone, I'd like to ask: Who is your favorite Twins player of all-time, and what are your best and worst moments in your fan careers?

My all-time favorite player is easily Rod Carew. He is not only far and away the greatest player in franchise history, but he embodies all of the best elements of Minnesota Twins baseball: Utter class, flawless hitting mechanics, superb chemistry with the fans, and the right balance between individual achievement and team chemistry.

My best moment thus far is easily, easily the moment Carlos Gomez slid across home with a flood of Twins behind him in Game 163. To say that game was an emotional roller coaster is like saying people drive fast at the Indianapolis 500...I went through more ecstatic highs and devastating lows in those 12 innings than some fans feel in entire seasons. It seemed inevitable that we would lose, especially down 5-4 in the 10th (and having to see Bobby Keppel save a crucial moment even though he proved me wrong). Casilla's game-winner was sweet release from a nerve-shattering ride...

And then comes the worst. I'll keep it quick: The 9th inning to the end of game 2 of the subsequent ALDS in New York. I kid you not, I would rather be driven through Afghanistan by Nick Nolte than ever experience something like that again.

But hey, that was then, and this is now, and I've got a feeling like never before about this year's squad!

Take care,

Marshall Garvey