Baseball Hall of Famer and former U player Paul Molitor has spent part of the past several months trying to raise interest and funds for a new on-campus Gophers baseball stadium. He spoke at a fundraiser Friday -- a key event in the push for a new facility. Molitor recently chatted with the Star Tribune's Michael Rand about that campaign and a few other subjects, including a video that surfaced on YouTube.com that showed him dressed in Packers gear as part of a fake "Cheesehead Orchestra."Q About $4 million has been raised toward an initial goal of $7.5 million for a new on-campus baseball stadium. What's the process, and the sense of urgency, at this point?

A I can't really compare it to Target Field or a new Vikings facility, but nevertheless it's been a long process of trying to stabilize the University of Minnesota baseball program with a new on-campus facility. So much was brought to a head with the collapse of the Metrodome [where the team was scheduled to play its home games this year]. A negative happened, and hopefully we can turn it into a positive. We understand there is a great need in a lot of areas out there. For people who believe in the future of amateur baseball ... they need to step up to the top of the pyramid.

Q And what exactly is your role?

A I was brought in as an honorary chair of the fundraising campaign. It's my desire to be a part of any role I can.

Q I've been following Danny Valencia on Twitter. He's loving it. I even saw he tweeted a picture of the two of you together at TwinsFest. What are your impressions of him?

A He's a character. Danny and I have always had a really good relationship. I won't say he's a rebellious type, but he's always going to question how he's going to fit in here. But under the radar, he kept doing his work and trying to get better. I was as happy as anybody to see him succeed last year. And he has personality to spare.

Q So I saw a video of you on YouTube. Are you, indeed, a Packers fan?

A I'm not sure exactly what the motivation was for that. I'm certainly much more of a Vikings fan. What happened was I did a promotion for Fox Sports North and Ice Armor, which produces outdoor gear. And they auctioned me off for an ice fishing event with a bunch of guys. We had a nice little ice shanty. It was probably 40 below. I had never ice fished before. It was on Lake Mille Lacs. ... They asked me to be a part of a spoof, and I went along with it. Believe me, my role had nothing to do with loyalties.

Q Well that's a relief. I think a lot of people were worried that because you played for a long time with the Brewers, a St. Paul guy had become a Packers fan.

A I can't say that's the case. I've never lost my purple loyalty.

Q Now that we have that established, who do you like in the Super Bowl?

A I think Pittsburgh is going to win, personally. I don't follow it all that closely. But I like experience and Pittsburgh's defense. I'm going to with the experience of winning and what [Mike] Tomlin has done. It's hard to cheer for the Packers, even when you make silly videos.