Joe Mauer
Minnesota Twins Catcher
Local hero Joe Mauer turned down LOTS of things to play professional baseball. Mauer was not only the Gatorade Player of the Year in Baseball, but he was also given that honor for his efforts as a quarterback at St. Paul's Cretin Durham High School. (Not to mention Mauer was an all-state basketball player.)
Mauer turned down the starting QB job at Florida State University, under coach Bobby Bowden. Bowden claims Mauer still has an open invite, much like Chris Weinke, who ironically grew up in the same area, did in the late 90's.
Mauer is playing catcher for his hometown team, the Minnesota Twins, and made the all-star team in 2006 for his first half efforts. Mauer batted around .385 near the All-Star break and up until this was written led the majors in batting average.
A down to earth kid living his dream, Joe Mauer's young career is off to a remarkable start.
2007 GridironTalk.com -