It seems that Fogo Power extends to former Twins infielders who switch-hit, as Jorge Polanco expressed his intention to visit his favorite Brazilian steakhouse upon returning to Minneapolis as a visiting player. “I’m probably going to go to Fogo [de Chão], man,” Polanco remarked, highlighting his familiarity with the staff and his frequent visits there. This sentiment reflects the camaraderie he shared with Eduardo Escobar, another noted Fogo enthusiast, during their time with the Twins.
Polanco’s return to Target Field with the Seattle Mariners showcased his familiar playing style, evoking memories of his tenure with the Twins. Max Kepler expressed missing Polanco while also enjoying the opportunity to compete against him and reminisce about their shared experiences, reflecting on their early days in the Gulf Coast League. With Polanco’s departure, it feels like the end of an era for the Twins, characterized by the core group of players including Polanco, Kepler, Eddie Rosario, Byron Buxton, and Miguel Sanó. Now, only Buxton and Kepler remain, with the possibility of Kepler leaving via free agency after the season.
Welcome back to Minnesota, Polo! pic.twitter.com/sWmSJgNx7J
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) May 6, 2024
There was a moment of reflection during the Twins’ tribute video for Polanco, attempting to capture the essence of the years spanning from 2009 to 2023 in just a few minutes. The video showcased Polanco alongside Escobar in the “Escobar Name Game” series, highlighted some of his clutch walk-off hits, and included a few memorable firsts. Towards the conclusion, there was a poignant scene from Minute Maid Park last season, where Polanco and Kepler, former Minor League roommates and signees of the same international class, expressed their pride in each other for being part of bringing a playoff victory to Minnesota.
Polanco expressed his sentiment, saying, “I have a lot of memories here. While I played, I made a lot of memories that I’ll always remember.”
Though Christian Vázquez was only teammates with Polanco for one year, he understood what Polanco meant to this organization — and let the moment play out accordingly when, for the first time in his life, Polanco stood in the Target Field batter’s box in another uniform.
As Polanco’s longtime walk-up music — “Te Siento En Para” by Liro Shaq, Bulin 47 and Ceky Viciny — played on the stadium speakers, Vázquez walked to the mound so Polanco could have a moment by himself next to home plate as fans applauded to welcome him back.
Polanco doffed his helmet, looked around and took it in. Vázquez walked back and gave him a hug before entering his crouch.
“He’s part of this family forever,” Vázquez said.
“He’s one of my favorites,” manager Rocco Baldelli said. “The organization here owes him a lot. … You feel lucky when you get a chance to manage and coach and play with guys like that.”
