One of the biggest surprises so far into this young baseball season is the unexpected hot start from the Minnesota Twins. Now a third of the way through the season, the Twins are tied for the lead of the American League Central Division. The return to Minnesota this season for former Twins great Torii Hunter has sparked the resurgent club out of years of mediocrity.
Hunter started his career with the Twins, and now in his 19th season, has come back to where it all began. With all the experience Hunter has gathered over the years, the organization had hoped Torii would be accepting of a role of mentor for their younger players. Hunter explained to Fox Sports North the nature of which he has always approached the game:
"It's a no-brainer that I'm going to be fruitful and give it back to everybody, I don't care who it is. That's what I've been doing my whole career. I always sit down and talk to everybody individually, encourage them and give them some of the wisdom that I've developed from healed pain, from a lot of failures and just learning from whether it's pitching or whether it's hitting, I've learned a lot in this game and am still learning. You never stop learning."
Hunter has not only embraced his role as mentor but has also been proving he can still contribute at the plate. As well as he is performing now though, Hunter knows his playing days are nearing an end. Hunter hinted at joining the coaching staff if not on the roster next season, when Pioneer Press asked about his future plans:
"I'm pretty sure I would. I'm here for life. If I come back to play, I don't know what my role would be, but it definitely will be in a Twins uniform."
Do you think Hunter should return as a player next season for his 20th professional year? Should the Twins give Hunter an opportunity to join the coaching staff? We want to hear from you. Tell us your thoughts below.
