The Cretin-Derham Hall Community Proudly Shows Up as Joe Mauer ’01 is Honored
September 3, 2023
Joe Mauer ‘01 has had a remarkable year. He was honored as a National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee on the first ballot, a National High School Hall of Fame inductee, and the Catholic Athletics Association’s Outstanding Athlete of the Quarter Century.
Jim O’Neill ’74, who coached Joe in high school baseball, reflects on the influence Mauer has had on the students. “Joe has been such a great example of humility and what it means to lead by example. Many of our CDH students are drawn to his athletic successes, but they have also witnessed his dedication to giving back to the community and the way he treats everyone with kindness and respect.”
Mauer and O’Neill have a long history that started on the baseball team at CDH, but continues today. O’Neill traveled to Cooperstown this past summer for Mauer’s National Baseball Hall of Fame induction. In fact, Mauer referenced him by name in his speech at Cooperstown - the only non-family member he introduced. O’Neill also introduced him at the CAA when he was named the Outstanding Athlete of the Quarter Century, attended his Mancini's Hall of Fame induction, and was there to pull down his number at Target field when the Twins retired his number 7. Mauer also asked his former coach to pitch to him in the MLB Home Run Derby in 2009.
Mauer has long been a part of the Highland Friendship Club in St. Paul, which offers teens and adults with disabilities the chance to make new friends, connect with the community, and learn valuable life skills. Tony Leseman ‘01, a close friend and classmate of Mauer’s who's mother is a co-founder of the Highland Friendship Club, has witnessed his dedicated involvement with HFC since day one. Mauer's impact on the HFC community goes far beyond his presence at events; he continues to inspire and build lasting friendships with the 200+ HFC members year after year.
Mauer shows up every year to participate in the “Really Big Game,” Highland Friendship Club's annual adaptive baseball game held at Cretin-Derham Hall. Members of the CDH baseball and softball teams also participated in the game. Many CDH students spend personal time throughout the year to support HFC’s members and it is one of the clubs/activities available to Raiders.
Lesemen recalls how Mauer’s genuine care and interest in getting to know others has always stood out. Whether it was at baseball games, in his parents' basement, or during lunch at CDH, his presence was always positive. To this day, Leseman considers his friend Joe “family to the Leseman family.”
Many members of the CDH community were proud to celebrate his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame this past July. Sean Van Gemert ‘96, Vice President for Advancement and Admissions, headed to Cooperstown and was among a large group of CDH alumni, friends, and family who were there to witness the induction, support him and help celebrate.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be present at Joe's induction to the National Baseball Hall of Fame,” said Van Gemert. “Having Joe Mauer as an alum is a tremendous honor for Cretin-Derham Hall; his legacy of athleticism, humility, leadership, and unwavering commitment to community service inspires our students and embodies the values we cherish.”