Tim Laudner's baseball career is a testament to perseverance and dedication. From his early days in Minnesota to his pivotal role in the Twins' 1987 World Series victory and his later career as a baseball analyst, Laudner has left an indelible mark on the sport. This article explores his journey, highlighting key moments, challenges, and triumphs.
Early Life and Draft
Tim Laudner's journey began in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, where he honed his skills at Park Center Senior High School. In 1976, he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 33rd round but chose not to sign. Instead, he pursued higher education at the University of Missouri. After four years, his baseball aspirations led him to the Minnesota Twins, who selected him in the 3rd round of the 1979 draft.
Minor League Success
Assigned directly to the AA Orlando Twins, Laudner quickly adapted to the professional level. In his first season, he hit .241 in 45 games. The following year, splitting time between Orlando and Single-A Visalia, he showcased his power potential with 12 home runs despite a .227 batting average.
1981 proved to be a breakout year for Laudner. Back with the Orlando Twins, he achieved remarkable success, hitting 40 home runs and batting .284. His outstanding performance earned him league MVP honors and a call-up to the Twins in August. In 14 games with the major league club, he added two more home runs to his impressive season tally.
Major League Career
Despite his minor league dominance, Laudner struggled to replicate his 1981 performance in the major leagues. Nevertheless, he became an instrumental part of the Twins' success, particularly in 1987.
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1987 World Series
Laudner played a crucial role in the Twins' 1987 World Series victory. In Game 2, he hit a home run and drove in two additional runs with another hit, contributing significantly to the team's win. During the season, he served as a valuable asset, hitting .191 with 55 hits, 16 of which were home runs.
1988 All-Star Season
In 1988, Laudner had an exceptional year, achieving career highs in nearly all statistical categories, including games played and at-bats. His outstanding performance earned him a spot on the American League All-Star team, marking his only appearance in the Midsummer Classic.
Utility Role and Final Season
In 1989, Laudner's final season in the majors saw him transition into a utility role, backing up Brian Harper. He played various positions, including first base, catcher, and designated hitter, showcasing his versatility and willingness to contribute wherever needed.
Career Statistics
Across 734 games over nine seasons, Laudner posted a .225 batting average (458-for-2038) with 221 runs, 77 home runs, 263 RBIs, and 190 walks. Defensively, he recorded a .985 fielding percentage, demonstrating his reliability behind the plate.
Transition to Broadcasting
Since 2008, Laudner has transitioned into a career as a baseball analyst, providing his insights and expertise on Fox Sports North and Fox Sports Wisconsin. His experience as a player and his deep understanding of the game make him a valuable voice in the broadcasting world.
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Challenges and Setbacks
Throughout his career, Laudner faced various challenges, including injuries and illnesses that impacted his performance. In one instance, a viral infection caused him to lose around 15 pounds, setting back his training and conditioning.
Overcoming Illness
"Today was kind of my first day getting on the field a little bit, moving around, and it was a good day. That [viral infection] really did push me back quite a bit. When it was all said and done, I lost around 15 pounds. I'm feeling a lot better now. I'm getting my strength back and my weight back, so hopefully I can get back on the field. You've got to get back into baseball shape."
This quote illustrates Laudner's determination to overcome adversity and return to the field after a debilitating illness. Despite the setback, he remained focused on regaining his strength and getting back into baseball shape.
Laudner's Perspective on Teammates
Laudner's insights into his teammates provide a glimpse into the dynamics of a baseball team. His comments on Paul Molitor, a Hall of Fame player, highlight Molitor's character and contributions to the game.
Laudner on Paul Molitor
"There were plenty of characters on those Brewer teams - Gorman Thomas, Pete Vuckovich, who became a movie star - but Molitor had character," Tim Laudner said. "He was just a flat-out good ballplayer: 3,000 hits, runs well, plays anywhere you want."
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Laudner's assessment underscores Molitor's all-around talent and his ability to contribute in various ways. He recognized Molitor's character and his dedication to the game.
Junior Ortiz: A Goofy but Valuable Teammate
Another teammate of Laudner's, Junior Ortiz, was known for his unique personality and contributions to the team. Ortiz, acquired by the Twins in 1990, was considered a good defensive catcher with a decent arm.
Junior Ortiz's Impact
In 1990, Ortiz had his best season, batting .335 with a .384 on-base percentage. Although he didn't hit any home runs, his OPS+ was above average at 112. Ortiz was also known for his positive attitude and clubhouse presence.
The Junior/Joe Mystery
One of the more memorable moments involving Ortiz was when he shaved his beard and changed his name to Joe in an attempt to improve his hitting. While the name change didn't last, it added to Ortiz's reputation as a fun and quirky player.
Twins' Struggles and Other Players' Performances
The provided information also touches on the struggles of the Twins as a team and the performances of other players during a particular period.
Team Performance
The Twins faced challenges in scoring runs and maintaining a competitive offense. Ranking last among AL teams in several offensive categories, the team struggled to find consistency at the plate.
Individual Performances
Despite the team's struggles, some players stood out for their individual performances. Jason Kubel, for example, thrived in the middle of the lineup, hitting .347/.400/.504 with three homers and 10 doubles in 34 games.
Injury Concerns
Injuries also played a significant role, impacting the team's roster and performance. Tsuyoshi Nishioka's fractured fibula and Trevor Plouffe's hamstring injury were among the setbacks the Twins faced.