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Rochester man plans baseball 'trip of a lifetime'

Post-Bulletin - 5/12/2018

May 12--Joe Laughton Jr Baseball Trip Of A Lifetime

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Joe Laughton Jr. is organizing a "trip of a lifetime for those who need a lifeline" for people with an illness or disability. The group will follow the Minnesota Twins as they play in Chicago and Milwaukee.

Joe Ahlquist / jahlquist@postbulletin.com

Baseball has always been a refuge for Joe Laughton Jr.

From his first exposure to the Minnesota Twins with his then-neighbor Mrs. Butlin growing up in Rochester, to his darkest days fighting depression, the sport always has been there to provide a source of joy and hope every spring.

Now, inspired both by those feelings and past road trips to games with his friends, the diehard Twins fan wants others to experience that same joy. To do that, Laughton is organizing a trip of his own, dubbed the "trip of a lifetime for those who need a lifeline."

"I've always thought of (the idea) when I travel, and I've traveled to see the Twins almost everywhere," Laughton said. "I love baseball, and I love to share my passion. It's more fun to share it with people you care about."

The trip, which will run from late June until early July, includes stops in Chicago'sSouth Side and North Side and Milwaukee to watch the Twins' nine-game road stretch against the White Sox, Cubs and Brewers, respectively.

Along the way, the group plans to stop at places such as the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Six Flags in Gurnee, Ill., and the Wisconsin Dells.

As of now, only a small group is committed to making the trip. While Laughton hopes more will join, the 59-year-old won't be upset if the turnout isn't large.

In fact, he might be every bit as happy with a tighter group, because the people scheduled to go and some others considering the trip are the type of people with whom Laughton identifies: underdogs.

Many of those considering the trip face disabilities and illnesses such as autism and cancer. Laughton himself suffers from mental health and hearing issues. Everyone associated with the trip knows what it's like to face adversity or be told they can't do something.

Twins' schedule during the

Tuesday, June 26

@ White Sox

8:10 PM

Wednesday, June 27

@ White Sox

8:10 PM

Thursday, June 28

@ White Sox

2:10 PM

Friday, June 29

@ Cubs

5:05 PM

Saturday, June 30

@ Cubs

2:20 PM

Sunday, July 1

@ Cubs

2:20 PM

Monday, July 2

@ Milwaukee

8:10 PM

Tuesday, July 3

@ Milwaukee

4:10 PM

Wednesday, July 4

@ Milwaukee

4:10 PM

Laughton's personal experiences have led to some dark places. Places he says he might not have come back from without an upcoming baseball season to keep him going.

Being that low and coming back has gained him not only a deeper love for his favorite sport but a penchant for proving people wrong.

"It's kind of fun to prove to people that I can do what I set my mind to," Laughton said. "I'm like the dog that's born with three legs or no tail. I consider myself an underdog in everything I've done."

Laughton says he's struggling to find trip sponsors, which he says he needs to fund the events outside of the Twins' games.

He also hopes to bring in guest speakers for certain "theme days," which would focus on a certain cause. Early ideas include days dedicated to awareness of health issues such as cancer and depression.

The activities outside of baseball bring a more holistic and meaningful experience to the trip, Laughton said.

In addition to the trip, Laughton is organizing a softball tournament to raise money for patrons of the old C.J.'s Midtown Lounge in Rochester, as well as creating a headstone for a fallen friend.

The projects and trip are a lot to take on at once, but Laughton considers them labors of love.

Those familiar with Laughton, such as former Post Bulletin sports editor Bob Brown, know his capabilities and believe in his power to pull everything off.

"I think Joe communicates with people, even if it's not in a flashy way." Brown said. "He's been through a lot of adversity in his life, but he's very genuine. I can't think of anything bad about him."

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