Even though it’s been 18 years, Torii Hunter’s shocking move still haunts Twins fans. One of the greatest players in Minnesota history, Hunter signed a contract with the Los Angeles Angels on Thanksgiving in 2007 worth $90 million.
It ruined a holiday for Twins fans. They couldn’t bear the pain of an eleven-year veteran taking off in the middle of the night. The timing of it was difficult, and although fans didn’t know it yet, this move immediately worked out for the Twins, but on Thanksgiving Day itself in 2007.
Hunter had collected two All-Star Game appearances and seven Gold Gloves between 1997 and 2007, making him almost irreplaceable in Minnesota. However, the Twins won 79 games in Hunter’s final year with the club. They weren’t gelling, so Hunter leaving for greener pastures gave Minnesota a fresh start.
The Twins posted 88, 87 and 94 wins over the next three years without Hunter. Minnesota was able to afford and find playing time for young potential stars like Denard Span, Delmon Young and Carlos Gomez – all of whom were productive players in their own right.
So as we pass the mashed potatoes around the Thanksgiving table this year, it’s good to reflect on Torii Hunter’s departure during the holidays. It left a wound in the hearts of Twins fans, but Hunter did return to play in Minnesota for his final MLB season. In 2015, Hunter belted 22 home runs and 22 doubles to help the Twins to an 83-79 season, snapping the organization’s four-year skid of going below .500. That was a nice way for Hunter to go out in a Twins uniform and highlight a career that has earned him a total of nine Gold Gloves, five All-Star nods and two Silver Sluggers. It was the bandage Twins fans needed after he left them behind on a random Thanksgiving day.
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