Wally McNeil (known to everyone, of course, as Wally the Beer Man) was acquitted last month by a Hennepin County jury of charges that he sold alcohol to minors at Target Field in 2010.
In spite of that reprieve, however, you won't be buying a cold one at Target Field in 2011 from Minnesota's most famous beer vendor.
We talked to Wally a short while ago by telephone, and he confirmed that he won't be selling at the ballpark this year. Instead, he's "moving on to a new adventure," in his words -- working as a "celebrity beertender" at nearby Sneaky Pete's before and after every Twins home game.
"When it's 95 degrees out, I know it's air-conditioned," Wally said of his new beer-selling spot. "No hard feelings. I'm just 76 years old. Maybe it's time to slow down?"
McNeil said he will likely still wander over to Target Field during games to watch a few innings and catch up with folks.
"I'm going to miss the guys I work with and the guys I've built up a following and friendship with over the years," he said. "But I'm sure I'll run into them … I'm everywhere."
Everywhere, of course, except pouring beers for thirsty patrons at Target Field.
