It took a lot of practice to get this good at home runs, starting in spring training. Meetings, discussions, rehearsals — Tony Diaz put in a lot of time preparing for the Twins' record-setting run.
But it's paying off. When Nelson Cruz smashed a three-run homer in the third inning Thursday night, Diaz, the Twins' third-base coach, was ready: As the slugger jogged by, Diaz had his right hand high in the air, fingers spread. Diaz and Cruz locked fingers and thrust their hands forcefully down, Cruz's preferred high-five technique.
Two batters later, Miguel Sano connected on a homer high into the third deck in left field. This time, Diaz held his hand low, so Sano could slap it without breaking his trot.
That's the personal touch that each player expects when celebrating one of the Twins' 293 home runs. A simple handshake, and a pat on the back? Not good enough for the most prolific home-run-hitting team in major league history.
"They all have their own thing that they want to do. It took me a little time to learn last spring," Diaz said. "But as many home runs as we hit, it's gotten a lot easier as the season went on."
Jorge Polanco, for instance, told Diaz he likes a high-five that ends up with each of them with their hands high in the air, "like he's saying, 'Thank you, God,' " Diaz said. Eddie Rosario likes a variation on Cruz's congratulations, albeit a bit more emphatic and energetic.
C.J. Cron, perhaps because he's a manager's son, is the least demonstrative, Diaz said. "He likes a traditional handshake," the coach said. "Very businesslike."
Then there are the exhortations. Diaz has found that players are especially intense after connecting on a long one, and he likes to help them enjoy the moment. "With Sano, I go, 'There we go — you're the man!' " Diaz said. "Garver is good with just, 'Here we go, Sauce!' And [Max] Kepler, sometimes I say, 'Nice going, German shepherd!' "
