The Core Four of Minnesota

 If you were to go up to any intense baseball fan and ask who the core four were, you would most likely get an answer of Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera, and Derek Jeter. All teams have had there great players and fans have there favorite players for all kinds of reasons. Take Minnesota for example. They had great players over the years and each one left their mark in the Twins history. Someone might like Tony Oliva, or Kirby Puckett, or even Ricky Nolasco for all I know. I have my 4 players that I like the most and even though they didn't play in the same era, these players stand out to me as the authors of the Twins history book.

1. Kirby Puckett

Puckett IMO is the best player to put on a Twins uniform. He batted .318 in his shortened career and was probably the kindest man on the field. Always with a smile on his face, he just was great for the team, great for the fans, and great for baseball. He will always be a major part in the Twins history for his contributions to their 2 World Series titles, and for the contributions he made to the communities of Minnesota off the field.

2. Harmon Killebrew

Harmon was the first big player the Twins had play for them since the move from Washington. He was a major part in their pennant run in 65 and the great seasons to come. With a astonishing 573 home runs, he was known for his mammoth shots, earning the nickname, "Killer." His most historic blast was his 520 foot bomb in Metropolitan stadium, now famously marked by a red chair in the Mall of America.

3. Joe Mauer

Joe Mauer, (also nicknamed Baby Jesus, which I didn't know of until recently,) was a bright spot of the 2000's for Minnesota. One half of the modern day M&M brothers, (the other half was Justin Morneau,) he was the best catcher in the American League. With 1 MVP and 3 batting titles he was the star of the team, playing his entire career with the Twins, a rarity for the time. Hopefully these great stats lead to a Hall of Fame induction.

4. Rod Carew

Rod Carew along with Killebrew and Tony Oliva, (who along with Kent Hrbek I thought should make this list,) were the powerhouse that made up the late '60s Twins. His high batting averages were not uncommon for him, leading to 7 batting titles, including one in 1977 with a .388 BA, the highest since Ted Williams' .406. He was also the first Panamanian player to go into the Hall of Fame, and the previously mentioned Mariano Rivera was the second.

That is my core four. 4 great players to play for the same team. Now I am going to go look at it in a collection point of view.

1. Kirby Puckett: 248 cards

2. Harmon Killebrew: 119

2. Joe Mauer: 119

4. Rod Carew: 69

What a coincidence that it's the same as my rankings! ;). These players along with so many others connect to Minnesota fans for lots of reasons. Leave in the comments if you were to choose 4 players for your team, who would they be? Thanks for reading.