In honor of beloved Twins broadcaster Herb Carneal, who passed away on Sunday, Governor Tim Pawlenty has proclaimed today – Opening Day 2007 – "Herb Carneal Day" in the State of Minnesota. The following is the text of the proclamation:

WHEREAS: Herb Carneal was the voice of the Minnesota Twins since 1962; and

WHEREAS: Herb Carneal’s knowledge of the game, clear delivery, and humor were perfect for his thousands of listeners throughout the Upper Midwest; and

WHEREAS: Herb Carneal built a love for the game of baseball in generates of Twins fans; and

WHEREAS: Herb Carneal’s call of the 1987 and 1991 World Series championships will forever be connected in our minds with those joyous memories; and

WHEREAS: Herb Carneal was one of the most successful broadcasters in the history of baseball, having received the Ford C. Frick award in 1996, the highest honor for a baseball broadcaster, and is enshrined in the broadcaster’s wing of the Baseball hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York; and

WHEREAS: Herb Carneal’s passing brings both sorrow for his loss and gratitude for his life of service to his listeners and the whole Minnesota community.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM PAWLENTY, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim Opening Day, Monday, April 2, 2007, shall be observed as HERB CARNEAL DAY in the State of Minnesota and urge our citizens to remember his goodness and charm by enjoying the game he loved today and throughout the Twins season that will be played in his honor.