Joe Mauer, a celebrated figure in Major League Baseball and considered among the greatest catchers ever, spent his entire 15-year career with his hometown Minnesota Twins. His distinguished accomplishments include being a Hall of Famer, an American League MVP, a six-time All-Star, a three-time Gold Glove Award winner, a five-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and a three-time AL batting champion. Mauer’s dedication to the Twins has made him a beloved player in Minneapolis.
As he prepared to compete in the American Century Championship from July 11-13, broadcast on NBC, Peacock, and The Golf Channel, Mauer spoke with PFSN about his baseball journey, the significance of loyalty in sports, and his observations on current catchers like Cal Raleigh.
Early Signs of Exceptional Talent and Determination
Growing up as the youngest of three brothers, all older by three to four years, Mauer learned early on that competing with older, stronger players was necessary to improve. Reflecting on his childhood, he highlighted how this environment pushed him to develop his skills rapidly.
He pinpointed age 16 as a turning point in realizing his potential. At this time, after receiving an invitation to try out for the USA 18-under baseball team, Mauer competed successfully against players who trained year-round, despite coming from Minnesota, a region less renowned for baseball talent. Making the team at that young age gave him the confidence to pursue a professional career seriously.
“So, I think, when I was 16, I felt like I had a chance [to go pro] and wanted to make sure that I put myself in a good position to do so.”
—Joe Mauer, Former MLB Catcher
Commitment to One Team Fueled by Personal Dreams and Community Ties
Mauer’s unwavering loyalty to the Twins was no accident but a result of deep personal desire and fortunate circumstances. Selected by Minnesota as the first overall pick in the 2001 MLB draft, a rare alignment of his hometown team holding the top choice, he was determined to succeed where he always dreamed.
Playing in front of family and friends, including grandparents who rarely missed home games, made the connection to Minnesota profound for Mauer. The experience of wearing the jersey he idolized as a child held significant emotional value throughout his career.
“To have that support and to be able to put on the uniform that I cheered for as a kid was really special for me. And yeah, I was really proud I was able to wear that uniform for as long as I did.”
—Joe Mauer, Former MLB Catcher
The Rarity and Reasons Behind Staying with a Single MLB Franchise
Player movement has become common across sports, but Mauer believes that much of when and where a player changes teams is often out of their control. Trades, roster adjustments, and organizational strategies regularly force players to move, even when their preference would be to remain.
According to Mauer, loyalty is a two-way street: the organization takes a chance on drafting a player early, and the player responds with dedication and commitment. He sees today’s frequent player moves as a reflection of competitive pressures, where athletes try to make the most of their limited windows to win championships.
“So, I think it was a two-way street, but I think nowadays everybody’s really trying to do everything and anything they can to win that championship. The players know they only have a short window to achieve that, so they try to do what’s best for them as well. It’s just kind of where we’re at with sports these days. But I do like it when a player is affiliated with a city and the same team throughout their career.”
—Joe Mauer, Former MLB Catcher
Free Agency Choices Highlight Mauer’s Dedication to Minnesota
Before reaching free agency, Mauer faced a defining moment regarding his future but remained committed to the Twins. Although the team was close to contending for a championship, the ultimate goal of winning a World Series eluded them. He signed a contract before free agency and did not seriously explore other options.
“But I would say I signed the year before my free agency, and that’s what I wanted to do. Looking back on it, I’m happy that I did that. I never really came close to exploring other options, I suppose.”
—Joe Mauer, Former MLB Catcher
He described the situation as ideal, emphasizing the advantage of playing close to home while the team was competitive, which made his career path gratifying and meaningful. Mauer felt the 2010 Twins squad had a realistic chance at a championship, and at that stage of his career, winning was his priority.
“I think it made sense for both sides. And that’s the thing, I think at the time I felt our team that was there in 2010, I felt we had a really good chance of winning the whole thing. And at that point in my career, my main concern was winning. Obviously, playing at home was a big thing for me, too, but I felt that we could do it and be good for a long time.”
—Joe Mauer, Former MLB Catcher
Observations on Today’s Catchers and Cal Raleigh’s Emergence
Mauer highlighted the exceptional skill set required to excel as a catcher, praising players who contribute both defensively and offensively. He singled out Cal Raleigh, a catcher for the Seattle Mariners, as an outstanding example of a player excelling on both fronts.
In addition to Raleigh, Mauer mentioned J.T. Realmuto as a player who consistently performs well defensively and offensively. Catchers face significant demands defensively, and those who provide powerful offensive output are seen as especially valuable in today’s game.
“It was kind of fun to watch him when the Twins went out there to play. I feel like a guy like J.T. Realmuto has been kind of a constant that does it on both sides. Those are the first two that kind of jump out. But yeah, it’s a position that demands a lot out of you defensively. And if you can produce on the offensive side too, that’s a bonus as well.”
—Joe Mauer, Former MLB Catcher
Statistical evidence confirms Raleigh’s impact among catchers in MLB history, as noted by analyst Greg Harvey, who highlighted a rare achievement Raleigh reached in June 2025, matching feats achieved by greats including Mauer himself.
Reflecting on a Possible Career in Football
Before pursuing baseball full time, Mauer had the opportunity to play college football as a quarterback for Florida State University under legendary coach Bobby Bowden. Though his path led him to baseball, he fondly remembers his football recruitment experience and considers the alternative a remarkable possibility.
During his early MLB years, he often thought about what might have been had he chosen the football route. Recalling interactions with former players, such as Doug Mientkiewicz—a Florida State alum—Mauer fondly reflects on those moments and appreciates the experiences football gave him.
“Florida State would’ve been an unbelievable route to go, but at the end of the day, my dream was to play in the big leagues, and I’m really happy that I was fortunate to be in a position to do that and do that at home.”
—Joe Mauer, Former MLB Catcher
Strong Bonds with Pitchers Defined Mauer’s Catching Career
Catching is a complex role requiring deep understanding of pitchers’ needs and dynamics. Mauer described the crucial job of learning each pitcher‘s tendencies and mental game, likening the catcher’s role to that of a psychologist or a caddy in golf, offering support, strategy, and encouragement.
Among pitchers with whom Mauer shared a special connection were Brad Radke and Johan Santana, both instrumental early in his career. He also cited Joe Nathan, Matt Guerrier, Jesse Crain, and Brian Duensing as outstanding teammates who gave their all consistently.
“Joe Nathan, Matt Guerrier, Jesse Crain, Brian Duensing — I mean, we were blessed with a lot of great pitchers and guys that went out there every day and competed and gave it everything they had. So yeah, I love the position. One of the reasons why I love the position is to try to help our team win and put those guys in the best position for success, and I really enjoyed trying to do that.”
—Joe Mauer, Former MLB Catcher
Competing in the American Century Championship and Beyond Baseball
Outside of baseball, Mauer has embraced new challenges such as participating in the American Century Championship, an annual celebrity golf tournament held on NBC, Peacock, and The Golf Channel. He described the event as a “legends conference,” attracting successful people from sports and entertainment, and offering a unique environment to learn and connect.
Mauer has competed in the tournament six times and appreciates how it rekindles competitive excitement, similar to the nerves and adrenaline experienced during baseball games.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to go out there six times, and I look forward to it, and I’m very thankful for the invite again to go out there this year. It’s a lot of fun. The tournament makes you feel like you’re on tour for a little bit, doing something that is not our number one sport or a thing that we’re there for, but kind of brings back those nerves and kind of those juices when you’re about to play, for me, the game of baseball.”
—Joe Mauer, Former MLB Catcher
The Significance of Cal Raleigh’s Talent in Today’s Game
Joe Mauer’s high praise for Cal Raleigh positions the young catcher as a standout figure in MLB’s current crop of players. Raleigh’s ability to impact the game defensively and contribute significantly with the bat highlights his versatility and value in a demanding position.
This recognition not only reflects Raleigh’s skills but also underscores a continuum of excellence among catchers who thrive both behind the plate and in the lineup, echoing Mauer’s own approach during his career.
The emergence of players like Raleigh points to a bright future for the catching position, blending defensive mastery with offensive power.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Cal Raleigh the big dumper?
A. Raleigh got the nickname “Big Dumper” because of his backside. Former teammate Jarred Kelenic made the name popular in 2020. Kelenic also shared it on Twitter in 2021 when Raleigh joined the Mariners. Raleigh’s mom doesn’t like the nickname but is thankful for the fans cheering for her son.
Q. How much is Cal Raleigh paid?
A. JT Realmuto from the Phillies has a contract worth $115.5 million covering 2021 to 2025. Cal Raleigh of the Mariners agreed to a $105 million deal lasting from 2025 to 2030.
Q. Is Cal Raleigh any good?
A. Before this season, Raleigh was already seen as one of the top catchers in baseball and an underrated star. This year, he has improved his performance significantly. He is now hitting .281/.386/.667 and leads Major League Baseball with 69 RBIs. He started in all but two of the Mariners’ first 78 games.
Q. How much does Cal Raleigh make?
A. The Mariners have made a great deal by signing Cal Raleigh for $105 million, as he is the top catcher in MLB.