In the entryway of the Twins clubhouse last week, third base coach Tommy Watkins looked like he would’ve rather been invisible.
After finishing up a practice session with superstar center fielder Byron Buxton, a reporter approached Watkins to talk about the upcoming Home Run Derby.
He agreed to answer a few questions while trying his best not to draw any attention to himself.
“Do I have to?” Watkins said. “This is supposed to be about Buck.”
That statement is only partially true.
Though the spotlight will indeed be on Buxton when he steps to the plate during the Home Run Derby on Monday night at Truist Park in Atlanta, Watkins will also play a starring role as the person pitching to him.
“It means a lot,” Watkins said. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Originally selected in the 38th round of the 1998 MLB Draft, Watkins has dedicated most of his life to the Twins.
He spent a decade in the minors leagues, developing into a fan favorite for the Fort Myers Miracle before finally reaching the major leagues. He eventually transitioned from player to coach, spending the better part of another decade in the minor leagues, before finally reaching the majors once again.
That Watkins will get to be a small part of All Star Weekend after such a long journey through the sport is a heartwarming wrinkle that everybody can get behind. Not that he wants to take any of the shine away from Buxton.
“I’m happy for him more than anything else,” Watkins said. “I’m excited to be a part of his moment.”
After accepting an invitation to compete in the Home Run Derby, which often serves as the most memorable part of All Star Weekend, Buxton said it was a no brainer that he was going to ask Watkins to share the stage with him.
It was an emotional exchange between Buxton and Watkins last week that left both of them tearing up.
“It’s pretty special,” Buxton said. “He’s somebody that’s been with me pretty much my whole career.”
They met more than a decade ago when Buxton was a prized prospect in the farm system and Watkins was the batting coach with the Cedar Rapids Kernels.
Though they weren’t together for long as Buxton tore up Single A and quickly rose up the ranks, they developed an unbreakable bond they maintained from afar until reconnecting in 2018 when Watkins was named first base coach for the Twins.
As much as Buxton and Watkins plan to enjoy the experience at the Home Run Derby, both made it clear they’re trying to win it. That explains why they had a few different practice sessions last week trying to figure out exactly where Buxton wants Watkins to put the ball.
“We’re working on it,” Watkins said. “We’re still trying to iron everything out.”
Is he any feeling pressure?
“A little bit,” Watkins said with a smile. “It should be a lot of fun.”
For the entire Twins organization.
“There are a lot of people around here very happy for Tommy and very excited to see his mug on TV,” manager Rocco Baldelli said. “His smile is going to light up the screen at some point along the way. We’ll all have that image forever. What else could we ask for?”
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