The Minnesota Twins had an unusual double-header last weekend.
A few hours after losing to the Chicago White Sox on the field, they served up a winning meal to supporters of the Boys and Girls Club of the Twin Cities at the Capital Grille restaurant.
Michael Cuddyer and his wife, Claudia, started the players-serve-patrons event five years ago to support the organization, which offers programs for kids ages 6 to 18.
Erin Carlin, CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs, said her organization has a natural connection with baseball. "It's about working together, being leaders, playing fair and being gracious, whether you win or lose," she said. "These Twins players are role models."
Cuddyer, who is a free agent, might have a good résumé builder after his gig serving filet mignon and lobster to the guests. "It's all hard," he said about waiting tables. "You have to please everybody." The players accepted tips in the form of donations.
Claudia Cuddyer appreciated the extra-innings efforts from the players. "It's good to see them come out and support a good cause -- and maybe fumble a little bit," she said.
Cuddyer's fellow waiter, pitcher Joe Nathan, wasn't worried about the physical strain of waiting tables. "This will help me loosen up the joints," Nathan said.
Though confident -- thanks to coaching from the restaurant's actual waiters -- he also expressed some pre-dinner anxiety.
