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Morneau dealing for charity in Casino Night

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Justin Morneau hopes that the arthritis fundraiser can become an annual event. (Ben Margot/AP)

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• Fight arthritis at Casino Night
• Twins in the Community

By Kelly Thesier / MLB.com

08/10/09 2:58 PM ET

MINNEAPOLIS -- Justin Morneau might be fairly stoic in the way he goes about his business on a baseball field. But when it comes to card games, don't expect the same demeanor from the Twins' first baseman.

That's because Morneau is more of a "loose cannon" when it comes to playing his hand, his teammates say.

"Yeah, I don't like sitting out and not being part of the hand," Morneau said with a laugh. "I sit there and watch the cards and think I could have won. So I pretty much play everything. Then hope that eventually I'll get my money back."

Fans can get their chance to see just how risky Morneau might be with his cards during Justin Morneau's Casino Night from 6-10 p.m. CT this Thursday at the International Market Square in Minneapolis. Fans must be 18 or older and dressed in business attire. Tickets are $125.

During the event, fans will have the chance to compete against many Twins players, including Joe Mauer, Michael Cuddyer, and Nick Punto, in various card games. There will also be live and silent auctions, which will feature autographed sports memorabilia as well as many other prizes such as a trip to Spring Training with the Twins.

The night is hosted by Morneau and his wife, Krista, with the proceeds going to the Arthritis Foundation North Central chapter.

The Morneau's five-year-old niece, Madelyn, was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at the age of 2 and it's why they selected to have the event benefit this specific cause. Morneau said that the money will go toward funding research as well as helping to send kids like Madelyn to a camp where they can bond with other children suffering from the same ailment.

"I know it means a lot to Justin and I because we've seen the way that it's affected my sister's family, to have a child that young and not only have to afford the expense of it, but also to battle something that's not well known about," said Krista Morneau. "Justin and I didn't really know that kids got arthritis. It's great for us to try to get that out there and let everyone know that they do, and they need help with funding to do more research and find a cure."

"For Madelyn, it's not that bad yet and hopefully with the drugs and all of the stuff they are developing it won't get a lot worse throughout the rest of her life," Morneau said. "It's one of those things where a five-year-old shouldn't have to deal with that. That's why it's something we chose to help raise awareness of. She's not the only one. There are a lot of kids that get it and it's tough."

On nearly every plane ride during the season, many Twins players can be found taking part in card games. It's one of the reasons why Morneau felt the concept of the event would translate well with fans.

Morneau said that he and Mike Redmond initially discussed an idea to have their poker tournament to raise money for charity. But rather than limit it to just one game, Morneau expanded it to the idea of an entire casino.

"It will be a different kind of charity event for us so it should be fun," Punto said. "First and foremost it's for a great cause and we'll be raising money for that. It's just nice to be able to relax and play cards with some of the fans."

Since fans will have a chance to compete against some of their favorite players, Morneau and Punto didn't hesitate to give a little scouting report as to what people might expect as they sit down to play some hands.

While Morneau admits that he's a no-holds barred player, Punto said that others are not quite as big of risk takers.

"Mike Redmond's a grinder," Punto said. "He plays a little tight. He never lets you know when he's got a good hand. So watch out for Mike Redmond. And Joe Nathan and Matt Guerrier are tough reads, so be aware of that."

As for Cuddyer, Morneau joked that fans need to watch the outfielder's cards at all times to make sure they stay in sight.

"He's a guy anytime he wins a hand on the plane we accuse him of cheating, because he has all of his magic tricks and he can do all the stuff with the cards," Morneau said. "It's almost a no-win situation for him."

And who might be the underdog? Perhaps it's the team's batting leader, Mauer.

"It might be entertaining watching Joe gamble," Morneau said. "He's not one of the usual card players on the plane."

Morneau's hope is that his Casino Night can become an annual event and one that helps do great things for the cause.

He said that in the event's first year, he's already been amazed to see the response from other players around the league and throughout sports as they've generously donated many items for the auctions. But while there is memorabilia from sports greats such as Wayne Gretzky and Albert Pujols, it's no surprise that man who has "Big Gun" as his at-bat song is most excited about an auction item that is not sports-related.

"We have an autographed AC/DC guitar," Morneau said with a smile. "That's something that's a little different."

Kelly Thesier is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.