In 1961, Minnesota gained its first professional sports team when the Washington Senators moved to Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington and became the Minnesota Twins. The team enjoyed relatively quick success, winning the American League pennant in 1965 behind the hitting of Tony Oliva and Harmon Killebrew, and the pitching of Mudcat Grant and Jim Kaat. The Twins lost the World Series that year to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The team didn't make another trip to the World Series until 1987, when they became Word Series champions…a feat the Twins repeated in 1991.
By 1987, the Twins moved into the Metrodome in Minneapolis. The team's move to that domed stadium was controversial, as would be its move to Target Field in 2010. Both projects were preceded by years of debate and controversy over whether public investments in stadiums were worthwhile.
Nine Twins players have have had their numbers retired: Harmon Killebrew (3), Tony Oliva (6), Joe Mauer (7) Kent Hrbek (14), Bert Blyleven (28), Rod Carew (29), Kirby Puckett (34), and Jim Katt (36).
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November 30, 2001 - Could a new stadium keep the Minnesota Twins up and running? The team is being threatened with shut down because of low salaries and low rankings…but local political and business efforts in creating a task force to look at options for new stadium in state are providing hope that there is still a chance to avoid losing professional baseball in Minnesota.
December 11, 2001 - With chances that Major League Baseball could delay plans for a year to eliminate the Minnesota Twins and Montreal Expos, Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Minnesota State Representative Harry Mares about what Minnesota legislators will need to accomplish this session regarding a ballpark discussion in order to save the Twins team.
December 26, 2001 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Lavelle Neal, who covers the Twins for the Star Tribune about the status of the Minnesota Twins as 2001 closes. The team being sold, potential Major League Baseball contraction, and a looming player contract dispute are all threats to organization.
December 27, 2001 - MPR's Tom Scheck reports on possible impact of Minnesota Twins leaving the state. Most experts say only a new stadium will prevent the loss of the team. Observers say if Major League Baseball moves ahead with its contraction plans and cuts the Twins before next season, the Twin Cities reputation as a major league city sports location would be in jeopardy. However, economists say the fallout from the loss of the team would be more psychological than economic.
January 4, 2002 - MPR's Tom Scheck reports that the Minnesota Twins may not be a team next year but at least they have a new manager. The team announced third base coach Ron Gardenhire will receive a two year guaranteed contract to replace Tom Kelly, contraction or not.
January 8, 2002 - Baseball author and analyst Gary Gillette comments on news that in 1995, Bud Selig and a company controlled by Minnesota Twins owner Carl Pohlad arranged for a $3 million loan to the Milwaukee Brewers. Gillette says the deal represents a major lapse of judgement.
January 16, 2002 - The Stadium Task Force presents it’s recommendations to Minnesota Legislature, with panel voting 13-4 on option of financing two new sports stadiums, and public financing for new facilities, as opposed to funding. The loan would be repaid to the state through a variety of revenue services.
January 31, 2002 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik takes a look at the background of Donald Watkins, the Alabama businessman who says he wants to buy the Minnesota Twins.
February 1, 2002 - MPR's William Wilcoxen reports on The Minnesota Twins, who are preparing for their 42nd season…knowing that it could be their last. Major League Baseball executives say they're proceeding with plans to dissolve two teams, including the Twins, but it's not clear if and when it might actually happen.
February 5, 2002 - By letting stand a lower court ruling that binds the Minnesota Twins to the Metrodome for another season, a Minnesota Supreme Court order all but guarantees that plans to eliminate the team will be put on hold for at least the coming year. While the team is disappointed with the court's decision, the team's landlord and fans are embracing the news.