NEW YORK — Well, the State Farm guy finally had Justin Morneau’s name right after the on-field, trophy presentation. At least he didn’t keep calling him “Jason” in the interview room after Morneau won the All-Star Home Run Derby.

A young girl named Tiffany Alvarez, from a local Boys & Girls Club, was paired with Morneau for the contest, and he won her $50,000. She thanked Morneau at the press conference.

“You’re welcome,” he said. “I’m glad we can help you guys out. Maybe I made one Twins fans out of this night.”

Best part of the press conference though, was when Tom Haudricourt, from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, said, “Justin, do you feel like you’ve pushed the U.S. Olympic team over Russia to No. 2 on the all-time upsets in sports history?”

Morneau leaned his head back and laughed. “I don’t know. Maybe. No, not even close. I think [Hamilton] just got tired. He was the one who put on a show tonight. I think everyone will remember Josh Hamilton’s 28 home runs more than they’ll remember I won the thing. I’m just glad I was a part of it.”

Note: For more on Morneau’s victory, as well as our All-Star preview package, please check out these links. I ventured out to Monument Park yesterday after the ballpark had cleared out from the Futures Game. I had never seen it before up close and figured this was my last shot. I think Tuesday’s pregame festivities are going to be a real memory.

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