Making the team

Here's how the Twins select the people who perform various duties every game day, according to vice president of marketing Patrick Klinger:

National anthem: Local artists or touring performers, representatives of a large group attending the game and winners of the TwinsFest audition process every January sing the "Star-Spangled Banner."

"Take Me Out to the Ballgame": Local and national celebrities, reps from large groups, former players, families of players and corporate partners sing during the seventh-inning stretch.

Ceremonial first pitches (usually three): A corporate partner, a group or season ticketholder and either a community or marketing partner or a celebrity/special guest do the honors.

Twins Territory flag-raisers: They are selected from large groups that are attending the game or from season ticketholders.

Kids' on-field experiences: On Sundays, two youngsters are chosen at random to "race around the bases" before the game.

Batting Practice Buddies: Four youngsters are selected by the Twins staff to receive autographs on the field during Twins batting practice.

Honorary Ball Kid: A child is selected at random to place the ball on the mound just before the team takes the field.

Bert Blyleven Countdown to Cooperstown sign: A fan is selected at random to change the sign counting down the number of games before Bert Blyleven is inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Samsung Pop Fly Challenge: Two fans are selected at random before Friday games and compete against each other in an on-field contest to catch pop flies.

Klement's Cuddy's Buddies: Fans send entry forms along with a store receipt showing purchase of a Klement's product for the chance for one fan between the ages of 6 and 14 to win four tickets to a game plus a meeting with Michael Cuddyer and an autographed jersey.

Subway Mini-Mascots: Youngsters register at participating Subway locations for a chance to serve as mini-mascots with TC Bear during a game.