Former Twin Berenguer Makes New Pitch in Plymouth
If you step into Superior Ford in Plymouth, you might run into former Twins pitcher Juan Berenguer trying to sell a car. Berenguer says he liked Minnesota enough to move back and he likes to go to Target Field to cheer on his former team.
From the Mound to the Showroom
Juan Berenguer has gone from the mound to the showroom. “Senor Smoke” has become Senor Sales.
Berenguer pitched for seven Major League teams in 15 seasons, including the Minnesota Twins.
But, these days Berenguer pitches cars for a local dealership.
In his MLB career Berenguer closed many games. Now he closes deals on the car lot. Berenguer’s new job is sales person at Superior Ford.
“I’m having fun with these guys,” Berenguer said.
Instead of trying to escape jams on the mound, Berenguer is busy selling Escapes in the heart of Twins Territory.
“Every place I go they remember me for everything in the last four years I played for the Minnesota Twins,” Berenguer said. “I win 25 games and had a lot of saves.”
Charmed career
Berenguer had a charmed career and pitched on some superior teams.
“I’m lucky,” Berenguer said. “I played in four World Series.”
One of those ballclubs was the 1987 Twins, who defied the odds to win the title.
“That year is for everybody,” Berenguer said.
Senor Smoke finished with an 8-1 record in ’87 and was a starter, middle reliever and closer.
“I did everything Tom Kelly asked me to do,” Berenguer said.
Berenguer grew up in Panama – the home of baseball legends Rod Carew and Mariano Rivera. But for him, the Twin Cities is home.
“I am still here, because I love Minnesota,” Berenguer said.
Likes 2019 Twins
He also loves the Twins, who are off to a fast start in 2019. Senor Smoke believes they are capable of producing their own baseball magic.
“These guys can mash with everybody right now,” Berenguer said. “They have more home runs than anybody. They can make history.”
Berenguer goes to Target Field often to cheer on his old team. He is a a huge fan of pitcher Jose Berrios and believes he can win 20 games this season .
Meanwhile, when Berenguer closes a deal at Superior Ford, the buyer gets something besides a car or truck.
“I give one of my pictures,” Berenguer said. “This is a picture from the World Series. You can have it and they go for it.”
