Joe Mauer doubles, plays catcher in emotional final game of 2018 season

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (KMSP) - With rumors circulating about his retirement, Twins’ first baseman and St. Paul, Minnesota native Joe Mauer had an emotional Sunday during Twins’ final game at Target Field.

In a post game interview, Mauer said he's still "undecided" about his future in baseball. In a press conference after leaving the field, Mauer said he is going to take some time to think about whether or not he will retire. He called Sunday a "rollercoaster" of emotion. 

Mauer doubled to left center field in the seventh inning of Sunday’s game and fans gave him a standing ovation, as they did for each of his at-bats in the game. He also surprised fans by coming out for the ninth inning as a catcher for just one pitch after last playing behind the plate in 2013. 

Mauer, 35, finished Sunday's game with 2,123 hits, 143 home runs and 923 career RBIs, all of them with his hometown Twins. He has won the American League batting title three times in his career.  

Born in St. Paul, Mauer went to high school at Cretin-Derham Hall in St. Paul. He made his major league debut April 5, 2004.

Former teammate and Twins' great Torii Hunter made an Instagram post celebrating what may have been Mauer's final game saying, in part, "It was truly an honor to have served with you as a part of the Twins family. Congrats on all you have accomplished in this great game of baseball. Proud to call you a brother."