A Minnesota Twins Hall of Famer is the subject of a new children's book released this week.
"The Right Thing To Do: The Joe Mauer Story" was written Joe Schmit from 5 Eyewitness News with the foreword by Joe Mauer himself.
"When Joe came to me and approached me about the idea of doing this, I was a little hesitant at first to be honest," Mauer explains. "We thought this would be a good opportunity to put those life lessons I learned from my parents at that early elementary school age. We're real proud of the book. Got my hands on it for the first time today. It looks great and excited to see what happens."
Mauer and Schmit talked about the book this morning on the WCCO Morning News with Vineeta Sawkar Friday.
"It's really been rewarding," says Schmit. "And I think it's really going to impact a lot of people just because it's such a great book, it's such a great story. Nowadays I think sometimes we sort of skip over values, there's so much angst and people fighting against each other nowadays. Kindness can win and that's sort of what this book is all about."
All proceeds for the book benefit Thumbs Up and Highland Friendship Club.
"Highland Friendship Club is right in our backyard, started with a buddy of mine, his mom Pat Leseman, and wanted to set up a place where kids with disabilities can go and just hang out," says Mauer. "I host a bowling tournament every year, and it's really become an extension of our family."
Thumbs Up for Mental Health works with high school kids in the north metro who are dealing with depression and other issues.
"You stress the importance of just being kind. Hopefully that will lead to some good things," says Mauer.
Speaking of good things, Mauer is waiting for word on whether or not he'll get inducted as a first ballot member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. The official announcement is expected late in the day Tuesday.
You can find more information on the book here.