Football
Associated Press 19y

Koskie: Thanks, Minnesota, for the memories

MINNEAPOLIS -- Players often speak fondly of their time with
the Minnesota Twins, and Corey Koskie must have really meant it.

The third baseman, who is leaving the Twins after six seasons,
took out a half-page advertisement in the sports sections of both
Twin Cities daily newspapers on Thursday -- explaining how the
decision to leave friends in the organization and loyal fans was
difficult.

Koskie, a native Canadian, signed a $17 million, three-year
contract last month with the Toronto Blue Jays.

"I would like to take this time to thank all the Minnesota
Twins for their cheers and support for myself and my family over
the past six years," the ad read. "The decision to leave the
comfort of a community that we love and cherish so much and an
organization that we have been a part of for 11 years was the
hardest decision our family has ever had to make. Sometimes God
closes windows to open doors. I am excited about the opportunity to
play for a team I grew up watching."

Koskie continued to thank owner Carl Pohlad, general manager
Terry Ryan, managers Tom Kelly and Ron Gardenhire and all the
team's employees.

"Remember Twins fans, you put the Minnesota Twins back on the
baseball map!" he said. "This is a great organization, so keep
cheering and waving that homer hanky."

Koskie didn't immediately return a phone call Thursday.

"He is a character guy," Ryan said. "I think that was a
genuine display about the way he feels about his time here."

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