The Minnesota Twins, known for their unique home-run celebrations, have recently been using a summer sausage to fuel their success. The sausage was introduced by hitting coach David Popkins during a game against the White Sox, where it sparked a series of hits and back-to-back home runs. The sausage has been credited with helping the team secure an eight-game winning streak, including a sweep of the White Sox and wins against the Angels and Blue Jays. The sausage has become a good luck charm for the Twins, traveling with them in a Ziploc bag and being passed around in the dugout for players to tap before they hit.
Despite concerns about the sausage being perishable and unrefrigerated for days, the Twins are determined to keep it as their lucky charm. Manager Rocco Baldelli and catcher Ryan Jeffers have both expressed lighthearted worries about the sausage causing a “world-wide crisis” if it were to open up in the dugout. However, the team remains focused on harnessing the sausage’s luck and using it to fuel their winning mindset. Jeffers emphasized that the sausage is more about the idea and meaning behind it, and they hope to learn more about its capabilities as they continue using it.
The sausage’s impact on the team’s performance has yet to be fully understood, as they are still in the process of getting to know it better. They are trying to procure a fresh sausage for each series to ensure its good luck continues to benefit them. While some may question whether the sausage’s presence distracts the players from their game, Baldelli believes that it has actually contributed to a winning mindset that is helping the team succeed on the field. Jeffers echoed this sentiment, noting that baseball is a grueling sport and it’s important to have fun and enjoy moments like these during a long season.
The sausage celebration adds to the Twins’ history of unique home-run traditions, such as the fishing vest and toy fishing pole from the previous season. The team’s creativity and ability to come together over these rituals show a sense of camaraderie and fun that contribute to their success on the field. As they continue to learn more about the sausage and its role in their winning streak, the Twins hope to harness its luck and keep their momentum going throughout the season. With a positive attitude and a sense of fun, the Twins are using the summer sausage as a symbol of their unity and success in the game of baseball.
