When Jorge Polanco returned to Target Field, Twins fans gave him a standing ovation.

Jorge Polanco donned the uniform of the opposing side and participated in a game at Target Field for the first time in his career.

After months of speculating over Polanco’s potential trade and destination, the Minnesota Twins dealt him back in January. Because of the log-jam in the infield and the team’s need to recruit players in other positions, it was inevitable that he would be dealt during the winter.

In the end, Polanco was traded to Seattle for four players, including reliever Justin Topa and Gabriel Gonzalez, a Top 100 prospect. Twins fans never had the opportunity to say goodbye to someone who meant so much to them, even though a possible trade had been on the horizon for a few months.

On Monday

They were given the opportunity.

For the first time since his trade to the Mariners, Twins fans welcomed Jorge Polanco back to Target Field.
Polanco hit third on Monday, but he was receiving congratulations even before he entered the batter’s box for the first time in a uniform other than a Twins one.

The Twins played a video homage to Polanco before the game, featuring stills and highlights from his time spent playing in Minnesota. There was no denying the cheer that filled Target Field, even though the fans hadn’t entirely made it through the gate.

When Polanco batted in the top of the first inning, that was much more the case. The kind of standing ovation you’d expect was given to him.

Would receive someone as adored by Twins fans as he is.

Polanco returned the Twins fans’ gesture by tipping his cap to the Target Field audience. Christian Vazquez bought Polanco more time to celebrate the moment with the fans in attendance by using a mound visit—a really gracious move.

As an extra homage, the Twins even performed Polanco’s old walk-up song.Nobody, especially Twins fans, wanted Polanco to be moved, but there were just too many infielders available. The trade of Polanco allowed Brooks Lee to finally be called up and allowed Edouard Julien to be a regular player in the starting lineup.

The trade’s most difficult aspect was thatTwins supporters were never able to bid him farewell. On Monday, everyone had the opportunity, and it was a moment of bittersweet memories that none of us—including Polanco—will soon forget.