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 had 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.
Six Twins players have have had their numbers retired: Harmon Killebrew (3), Tony Oliva (6), Kent Hrbek (14), Bert Blyleven (28), Rod Carew (29), and Kirby Puckett (34).
October 28, 1991 - MPR’s Bill Wareham reports on Game 7 of the 1991 World Series, which includes interview clips with Twins Manager Tom Kelly, winning pitcher Jack Morris, and winning pinch-hitter Gene Larkin.
October 28, 1991 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik reports on the post-game celebration (and chaos) outside the Metrodome after the Minnesota Twins won the 1991 World Series in 10th inning of Game 7.
October 28, 1991 - MPR’s Kate Smith reports on the many Minnesota Twins fans searching for 1991 World Series Championship apparel and memorabilia…sometimes in vain.
October 29, 1991 - Midmorning’s Paula Schroeder talks with MPR reporter Bill Catlin as he and fans await the start of 1991 World Series Champion Minnesota Twins celebratory parade in St. Paul.
October 29, 1991 - Midmorning’s Paula Schroeder talks with MPR reporters Bill Catlin and Chris Roberts about people gathering in the cold weather to watch the 1991 World Series Champion Minnesota Twins celebratory parade, which starts in St. Paul, then moves to Minneapolis.
October 29, 1991 - Midmorning’s Paula Schroeder interviews Delores Henderson, principal of Rondo Elementary Center, about drop in school’s student attendance due to the 1991 World Series Champion Minnesota Twins parade and celebrations.
October 29, 1991 - Midmorning’s Paula Schroeder talks with MPR reporters Bill Catlin, Chris Roberts and Kate Moos as they describe the 1991 World Series Champion Minnesota Twins celebratory parade as it runs through St. Paul.
October 29, 1991 - Midmorning’s Paula Schroeder talks with MPR reporter Gary Eichten, who is at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome prior to celebration event of the 1991 World Series Champion Minnesota Twins. 63,000 people are expected to attend.
October 29, 1991 - MPR’s Mike Maus interviews John Keller, educator at Minnesota State University in Akita, Japan. Keller recalls the exuberance and reactions of students and faculty during Game 7 of the 1991 World Series, in which the Minnesota Twins won, 1-0.
October 29, 1991 - MPR’s Gary Eichten narrates an audio montage of the Minnesota Twins World Series celebration at Metrodome. Segment includes speaking clips of MLB announcer Bob Casey, Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson, Twins Manager Tom Kelly, and Minnesota Twins players.