Minnesota Twins Caravan returns to Rochester

The Caravan came back across several Minnesota locations for the first time since 2020.

(ABC 6 News) — Laughter, smiles and chatting about baseball. It’s what the Twins Caravan has been doing since January 24, going across Minnesota and embracing its fans after a two-year hiatus.

“It’s such a vital part of who we are,” Twins radio broadcaster Corey Provus said. “This is Twins territory and its asking a lot for fans to come out and cheer on the team. So when we can, it’s our responsibility to come to you.”

It is a unique experience, it’s fun, everyone’s — I think very excited,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli added. “One, that we’re here, but two, about the club that we’ve been able to put together this offseason.”

The one-of-a-kind format allows fans to get up close and see that their favorites are genuine people like themselves. Case in point, Louie Varland, a 25-year-old pitcher relishing in the fact that he’s in the MLB, the dream of every baseball-loving kid.

“It’s very unique, it’s surreal,” Varland acknowledged. “I remember last year walking through the clubhouse and seeing (Carlos) Correa just standing there high-fiving me, calling me ‘Lou.’ It’s just unbelievable,”

And once the Q&A session began, a good time was had by all, especially with a few humorous anecdotes by LaTroy Hawkins. The former Twin recounting pranks from Corey Koske and David Ortiz, such as, “putting (their) cars on blocks, putting dead raccoons in each other’s cars… Those guys play for keeps.”

Between the mirth and playful banter, the end of the caravan also marks the sign that little by little, baseball is on its way back. And after an interesting offseason Twins fans won’t forget, the team itself is just as eager to get back on the diamond.

“Internally, all of us on the field couldn’t be happier with the players and the talent that we have right now,” Baldelli affirmed.

“Yeah, you can feel the energy building and the excitement building,” Twins hitting coach David Popkins mentioned. “And pretty soon the sun’s going to be out, the beers are going to be cold, the stadiums going to be loud. It’s going to be baseball season, we plan on bringing it this year.”

The Twins will be still in Rochester on Tuesday, January 31st, for a private event at the Ronald McDonald House before going to Music Man Square in Mason City.