Growling Twins wish mascot T.C. Bear a happy 'National Bear Day'

With the non-waiver trade deadline having passed on Friday, it's time for baseball fans, executives, and especially the players, to sit back, catch their breath, and, if need be, let out a few growls of joy or discontent this weekend.

You know, kind of like many Minnesota Twins players and manager Paul Molitor in that video you see above.

[Yahoo Sports Fantasy Football: Sign up and join a league today!]

OK, so that obviously wasn't in response to Minnesota adding veteran reliever Kevin Jepsen from the Tampa Bay Rays. It was done in honor of the team's long time mascot T.C. Bear on National Bear Day.

See, we weren't kidding.

Regardless of the hows and why, we have grown men growling, roaring and basically acting the part of a bear for the entertainment of millions. Does the reason why even matter?

Credit to all of the guys involved for playing along. For the most part they were all pretty into it, in some cases to a scary degree. Then there was Torii Hunter, who was subtle yet remarkably confident in his presentation. And when you can end with a Hall of Famer like Paul Molitor attempting to speak in bear language, you've truly achieved something special.

Well done, Twins. And a happy belated National Bear Day to all.

BLS H/N: Cut 4

More MLB coverage from Yahoo Sports:

- - - - - - -

Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813