What baseball-themed gifts brought you the most joy?

When it comes to myself and Christmas gift memories, I was almost the literal embodiment of the N64 kid—it truly was all about the video games. I have a specific recollection of getting a Super Nintendo from my grandparents one year and playing Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest deep into the night. A similar scenario played out when I uncovered a Nintendo ‘64 under the tree a few years later, with Mario Kart ‘64 and (somewhat inexplicably) Clay Fighter ‘63 ¹⁄₃ being the late-night targets.

Starting at about the age of 11, however, many of my gifts began to take on a baseball theme. My Dad once got me a set of old-timey player baseball cards, and the amount of baseball history books I have received over the years is almost un-countable.

Strangely, though, I only have one really vivid memory of a Minnesota Twins Christmas gift. The closest I can guess/remember, it happened in 1996—which would have made sense considering that was the year I fell in love with the sport. That Xmas, I tore open what was likely the biggest package under the tree and found a Minnesota Twins winter starter jacket.

I was only able to locate one picture of this coat in action...

...but I very much remember wearing it until it literally fell apart or I grew out of it (I’m 6’8”, so probably the latter). For a burgeoning Twins fan, it was a badge of honor to be able to proclaim my baseball loyalties even during the harsh, cold, baseball-less winter months.

How about you—any other great Twins or baseball-in-general memories from “Christmases long, long ago” out there?

Also, please help me settle a debate: