Justin Morneau | |
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![]() Morneau with the Minnesota Twins in 2006 | |
First baseman | |
Born: New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada | May 15, 1981|
Batted: Left Threw: Right | |
MLB debut | |
June 10, 2003, for the Minnesota Twins | |
Last MLB appearance | |
October 2, 2016, for the Chicago White Sox | |
MLB statistics | |
Batting average | .281 |
Home runs | 247 |
Runs batted in | 985 |
Teams | |
Career highlights and awards | |
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Member of the Canadian | |
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Induction | 2020 |
Justin Ernest George Morneau (born May 15, 1981) is a Canadian former professional baseball first baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Colorado Rockies, and Chicago White Sox. At 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) and 220 pounds (100 kg), Morneau was drafted as a catcher by the Twins in 1999. He converted to first base in the minor leagues and made his MLB debut in 2003. Morneau held that position throughout his career and in 2007 became the first Twin since Gary Gaetti in 1987–1988 to hit 30 home runs in consecutive seasons.
A four-time All-Star despite an injury-riddled career, Morneau was named the 2006 American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP), finished runner-up for MVP in 2008, and won two Silver Slugger Awards. Additionally, Morneau won the 2008 Home Run Derby and the 2014 National League (NL) batting title. Internationally, Morneau represented Canada at the 2006, 2009, 2013, and 2017 World Baseball Classic. After retirement from baseball, he was elected to the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame and currently serves as a Special Assistant in the Twins front office, as well as a color commentator for the team on Bally Sports North.