TORONTO — No better time to hit your first career home run.
Over a year removed from his big league debut, Mickey Gasper made it count on Tuesday night, launching a game-tying solo homer off Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman in the top of the ninth to ignite a 7-5 comeback win for the Twins at Rogers Centre.
That one powerful swing was the culmination of years of work on both sides of the ball for a player willing to do whatever it takes to contribute at the highest level. Gasper showed as much with the way he spoke about that moment after the game.
“We’re just trying to battle and get some wins,” Gasper said from his locker, fresh off a well-deserved clubhouse celebration with his teammates. “Anything I can do to help the team win is always a good feeling. I was just trying to get on base, turn the lineup over. I kept it simple, didn’t try to do too much. And then good things happened. So it’s something you’ve got to carry on tomorrow and the day after.”
The Twins certainly carried it over to their following at-bats in that ninth inning. Gasper’s laser to right field was just the starting point of a four-run rally that was capped by Matt Wallner’s go-ahead three-run homer that knocked the wind out of a sellout crowd of 42,235.
There was a lot to like about how that final inning played out, especially considering that the Twins trailed from the first frame onward, stunted by some crucial baserunning mistakes even as the offense grinded out good at-bats. But the resolve remained the same, and Minnesota locked back in on time.
“No matter what happens, you’re always in the game,” said manager Rocco Baldelli. “You always have the ability to do something, make plays and win. And we felt that today we had some guys come up huge late in the game.
“That was so enjoyable to watch. That was some great baseball.”
It was an all-around great game for Gasper, who collected three hits and came up with a perfect throw to second base to catch Ernie Clement trying to steal and end the bottom of the eighth, keeping Minnesota’s deficit at one run.
Games like these are why the 29-year-old Gasper won’t waver in his preparation.
“He’s working every single day,” said starter Bailey Ober, who allowed four runs on 10 hits over five innings on Tuesday. “He’s out there catching all the starters’ bullpens basically every single day, trying to get a rapport with them, seeing where they like setting up. And then obviously he’s working on his own individual stuff. … It’s been paying off. He looked really good out there today.”
Gasper is still listed as a primary second baseman, but Christian Vázquez’s trip to the injured list opened up an opportunity behind the plate, a position that Gasper played in college and in the Minors, but not in the big leagues before this season.
It’s a constant learning process, but he’s had good role models in Vásquez and Ryan Jeffers. Besides, Gasper has always loved all aspects of the craft.
“The caught stealings … I like those a lot,” Gasper said with a smile. “I made sure the first one I got at Yankee Stadium, I wanted that ball probably more than I wanted that home run ball. I take a lot of pride in catching and, honestly, I think it’s the best position on the field. You command the troops. Everybody relies on you to take care of the ball and be a leader.”
That’s who Gasper wants to be: the guy you can rely on. And his efforts aren’t going unnoticed by the guys around him.
Before Gasper’s postgame interview even began, his teammates walked past him and quipped about how much he loves Canada now. His manager was more sober, but never losing sight of how much progress the Twins have seen from their new backup catcher.
“Sometimes you just need guys to come up and pop a homer,” said Baldelli. “And that was his big moment. It’s something he’ll never forget. We won’t forget it either, but I think that’ll be lodged in his memory forever. And it was crushed too. Absolutely crushed.”
As for that home run ball, Gasper made sure to work a trade with the fan who caught it.
“Mr. Curtis, my favorite Canadian other than Eddie Julien,” Gasper said, breaking into another easy smile.
