By Dawn Schuett
schuett@postbulletin.com
Chatty co-workers and the Internet aren't the only workplace distractions today for many Minnesotans.
The Minnesota Twins, with a state full of fans following their every at-bat, started a playoff series against the New York Yankees in New York. With the game starting at 12:05 p.m., the challenge for some fans became how to get their work done and still keep an eye -- or ear -- on the action.
Rick Laughlin of Rochester planned to be on the road today, although nowhere near Yankee Stadium.
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Laughlin is in sales for a floor covering wholesaler. Today, his itinerary included stops in Mason City and Des Moines, Iowa. He hoped to travel from Mason City to Des Moines and back to Mason City before the game started.
It's a hassle, but a fan's got to make the best of a tough situation, the Twins season-ticket holder said.
"I wish it was a night game."
Laughlin will be at the playoff games at the Metrodome. Although he grew up in Dubuque, Iowa, and remains a Chicago Cubs fan at heart, he said, "my wallet's with the Twins."
He's made Twins fans out of his four daughters, ages 11, 9, 6 and 5, taking them to some of the games this year.
His 6-year-old daughter knows the players' names and cheers for them when they're at bat. His youngest daughter "roots for whoever dad roots for," Laughlin said.
For another family, work didn't interfere with the game.
Diane Roddy of Lanesboro is retired and intended to watch the game with her 90-year-old mother, Marvel Ode.
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Roddy predicts the Twins will win the series, "but it's not going to be easy," she said.
"I think if there's a will, there's a way."
It was actually Roddy's father, Walter Ode, who got the family passionate about the Twins.
"My dad indoctrinated us all," Roddy said. "He was always a fan whether they were doing good or bad. He always thought things were going to get better."
Walter Ode died in 2001. One of his favorite baseball stories to share was the time he and three other buddies paid $40 for a Model T, so they could drive to see Babe Ruth play in Chicago. Ode went to Twins games when they played at Metropolitan Stadium, but never liked the Metrodome because he didn't think baseball should be played indoors, Roddy said.
Marvel Ode attended two Twins games this season with her daughter and has a collection of bobblehead dolls and old Homer Hankies from the team.
"It's time for a new one," Roddy said, hoping her mother gets to add to the collection after another World Series championship.
