The 40-Year Old Friendship

Bert Blyleven holding a wiffleball in the Metrodome

Longtime Twins clubhouse attendant Wayne Hattaway will join Twins color-commentator Bert Blyleven (left) in the broadcast booth this weekend to celebrate a friendship that has lasted over 40 years. Then, Hattaway will reportedly show his friendship by throwing a pie in Blyleven’s face!

Hattaway has been in the Twins organization for many years as a trainer, equipment manager, and clubhouse attendant. He’s also the key person responsible for allowing us to get photos of current and former MLB players holding wiffleballs.

Blyleven pitched for the Minnesota Twins from 1970-1976, and again from 1985-1988 during his 22-year MLB career. On September 22, 1977, he pitched a no-hitter as a member of the Texas Rangers on the road against the California Angels — the team he would end his career with in 1992.

Considered by many to be the greatest pitcher eligible for the Hall of Fame, Blyleven currently ranks 5th all-time in Strikeouts (3701), 9th all-time in Shutouts (60), and 27th all-time in Wins (287). He is the only retired member of the 3000 strikeout club not in the Hall of Fame.

Blyleven is possibly best known for his nickname Bert “Be Home” Blyleven, given to him by Chris Berman of ESPN. He also has fans at games holding “Circle Me Bert” signs during Twins television broadcasts, where Blyleven will circle them on television using his telestrator — or “circle machine”.

Both Bert Blyleven and Wayne Hattaway have been nice enough to pose with a wiffleball for our site. We appreciate their kindness to us, and we hope their friendship lasts at least another 40 years!