Minnesota Twins: The Eight Greatest Right-Handed Hitters in Twins History
By Greg Simbeck
Minnesota Twins Greatest Right-Hander No. 8: Shane Mack (1990-1994)
For five seasons, Shane Mack was a versatile, multi-threat player for the Minnesota Twins. He had some pop in his bat, was a run generator, and a threat on the base paths. A Rule 5 pickup in 1990, he was an essential member of the 1991 Twins team that won the World Series.
Mack hit over .300 in four of his five years with the Twins. His best season as a major leaguer was in 1992 when he hit .315, scored 101 runs, and stole 26 bases. His .309 average is 10th highest in Minnesota Twins history and he is 5th all-time in franchise history in On-Base Plus Slugging Percentage at .854.
While an injury ended Shane’s tenure in Minnesota, he went on to play two seasons in Japan before returning to Major League Baseball in 1997. He retired from the game in 1998 and retired with a .299 career average.
Minnesota Twins Greatest Right-Hander No. 7: Michael Cuddyer (2001-2011)
Michael Cuddyer was a very productive ballplayer for the Minnesota Twins and was one of the keys to their success in reaching the playoffs in the 2000’s. He ended his Twins career with 141 home runs, 580 RBI, and 606 runs scored. He also batted a commanding .348 in 19 playoff games with the Twins.
On May 22, 2009, Michael hit for the cycle in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers, becoming only the second Minnesota Twin at that time to accomplish this difficult feat. Michael was also a versatile player during his time with Twins. He played six different positions with the Twins and was a competent fielder at most of the positions he played.
He was named to the All-Star team in his last year with the Twins, before heading off and winning a batting title in Colorado. After he retired, he returned to the organization that it all began with. He now has made it into the Twins Hall of Fame as well.
Like Torii Hunter, Michael currently serves as a Special Assistant for Baseball Operations for the Twins. He works with the player development department, where his duties include assisting with the team’s preparation for the amateur draft.
Minnesota Twins Greatest Right-Hander No. 6: Gary Gaetti (1981-1990)
Gary “The Rat” Gaetti, is one of my favorite Minnesota Twins of that era. Scrappy, hard-nosed ballplayer who always gave 100% on the field. Off the field, he and Kent Hrkek formed quite the pair on and off the field. Great clubhouse guy and a real prankster.
During his time with the Twins he hit 201 home runs, drove in 758 RBI’s, and scored 646 runs. Gary was accomplished both at the plate and in the field. He was a two-time All-Star and a four-time Gold Glove winner. That doesn’t even take into account his playoff performance.
He was the MVP of the ALCS in 1987, during a postseason where he led the Twins to their first World Series appearance since 1965 and first title in team history when they won the World Series that year in seven games, beating the St. Louis Cardinals.
In retirement, Gary went on to manage the Sugar Land Skeeters, an independent team, and share his knowledge with young players. He continues to coach and train ballplayers while working for a baseball equipment firm.