The Minnesota Twins have surprisingly won 50 of their first 90 games in the 2015 season, and the increased number of wins has been directly proportional to the sense of humor in the clubhouse.
Veteran slugger Torii Hunter, the elder statesman of the team, celebrated his 40th birthday on Saturday, which is, like, 80 in baseball years. The Twins were sure to shower Hunter with some err … age-appropriate gifts for the occasion, which he proudly displayed on his Instagram account.
I would like to thank my teammates for my Bday gifts! #diapers #wheelchairwithantilockbrakes https://t.co/HGCNk72cyg
— Torii Hunter (@toriihunter48) July 18, 2015
While Hunter’s .259/.314/.443 slash line on the season is showing some signs of age-related regression, he’s still been very productive for an underdog Twins team. The second-oldest position player in baseball has clubbed 14 home runs and driven in 49 runs on a solid 110 wRC+. He’s been a big part of Minnesota exceeding expectations this year as they currently hold the first wild-card spot in the AL and sit four games behind the AL-best Royals for the Central division lead.
Sure Hunter has often looked to be on the verge of soiling himself in right field with his -0.9 season defensive WAR. And sure the wheelchair might help Hunter’s aged legs that have only stolen one base all season. But there’s no doubt he’s playing like a much younger man as he helps lead an upstart Minnesota squad in their attempt to crack the postseason for the first time since 2010. The wheels haven’t fallen off just yet (no pun intended).
*Stats courtesy of Fangraphs*
