StaTuesday: Cuddyer carved out a niche with Twins

By Ryan Lund
Published

Michael Cuddyer won't be the most decorated member of the Twins Hall of Fame when he's inducted Saturday following a ceremony at Target Field.

He didn't give Harmon Killebrew or Tony Oliva much of a run for their records during his 15-year major-league career.

But Cuddyer carved out his own niche in Twins history anyway.

He's one of just three players to hit for the cycle in both the American League and the National League, joining Bob Watson of the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox, as well as John Olerud of the New York Mets and Seattle Mariners.

John Reilly -- a 19th-century first baseman -- hit for the cycle in two leagues, first as a member of the American Association's Cincinnati Red Stockings in 1883, and again in 1890, after the team had moved to the National League.

He's also one of just eight players to hit for the cycle in interleague play.

Cuddyer is closely associated with the successful Twins teams of the mid-aughts, a group that won the American League Central six times in nine years.






































































































































































From 2001-11, Cuddyer trailed only first baseman Justin Morneau -- whose prime coincided with Cuddyer's best years in Minnesota -- and Torii Hunter in home runs.










































































































































































































































































































But his versatility wasn't limited to the batter's box.

Cuddyer did just about everything during his 11-year career with the Twins, appearing at every position but catcher and shortstop.

He pitched one inning for the Twins, allowing two hits and a walk during a 20-6 loss to the Texas Rangers in 2011, also the year of his lone All-Star appearance while in Minnesota.

He also does card tricks.

Seriously.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wbo87LLnNg

His moves are so convincing that MLB.com once trotted him out as a street performer during his three-year stint with the Colorado Rockies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnsaTrM-SvQ

Here he is putting on over on former Twins outfielder Denard Span.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHleGen4leU

Nowadays, Cuddyer is one of nine Twins alums dubbed "special assistants" to the front office, a title he shares with Torii Hunter, LaTroy Hawkins, Bert Blyleven, Rod Carew, Kent Hrbek, Tom Kelly, Jack Morris and Tony Oliva.