(Mankato, MN) The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Team, a member of the Northwoods League, is proud to announce the completion of their second full season of a marketing partnership with the Minnesota Twins.

As part of the partnership, the MoonDogs were pleased to host Minnesota Twins Night this season with special guest Tim Laudner, a nine-year veteran of the Twins who was part of the 1987 World Series Champion team, at Franklin Rogers Park along with various other activities and promotions. In return the Twins, who joined up with five teams from the Northwoods League this year, honored the teams by having Northwoods League Day at the Metrodome on September 5, 2005 as the Twins took on the Texas Rangers.

At that game, the MoonDogs organization was represented extremely well as over 50 MoonDogs faithful watched as Muttnik participated in a pre-game mascot Home Run Derby, only to fall to the reigning champion T.C. Bear, followed by MoonDogs "Fan of the Year” Lacy Wilkins throwing out a ceremonial first pitch.

"Having a partnership with the Minnesota Twins has been one of the best things for the MoonDogs and the Northwoods League. Not only does it allow us to help promote the Twins, but it also helps expose fans to the Northwoods League,” MoonDogs general manager Kyle Mrozek said.

Other NWL team involvements included a fan from the Alexandria Beetles throwing out a ceremonial first pitch, a fan from Rochester singing the national anthem and a group of River Bats fans leading the crowd in "Take me out to the ballgame.”

The MoonDogs look to continue this ever-growing partnership throughout the off-season and kick off the 2006 partnership and season at the Minnesota Twins caravan when they make their annual appearance at the Kato Ballroom in January.

"The partnership that we share is unique in terms of a Major League team and a summer collegiate league. Ultimately we are working together to reach the same goal: to entertain fans while they watch great quality baseball. That’s why I really think this works” Mrozek added.

Now that the air has chilled and old-man winter is creeping up on us, make sure you stay in style with your MoonDogs gear. We have everything from hats and T-shirts to long sleeve shirts, sweatshirts and jackets still available. Can’t make it into the office, shop online at www.mankatomoondogs.com or call the MoonDogs ticket office at 507-625-7047 for more information.