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).
Please note: Most content related to this topic that is contemporary or created after 2005 can be found on our main content page of MPR News.
April 27, 2006 - MPR’s Tom Sheck reports that after more than seven hours of debate, the Minnesota House gave the go-ahead to a controversial plan for a new outdoor stadium for the Minnesota Twins. By a comfortable 76 to 55 margin the House approved a measure that would allow a Hennepin County to impose a sales tax without voter approval.
May 1, 2006 - La Velle Neal, who covers the Minnesota Twins for the Star Tribune, comments on a brutal road trip for team, leaving behind a 3-12 record. In one three-game stint, the Twins were outscored 33-1.
May 22, 2006 - MPR’s Brandt Williams reports that there's much to do before the new Twins stadium becomes a reality. Hennepin County commissioners must still approve the tax increase...and the county must begin the process of examining the environmental impact of the downtown ballpark.
May 22, 2006 - MPR's Tom Scheck examines why the Minnesota Twins were finally successful in getting a new ballpark, after being told no so many times. The legislation authorizes public financing for most of the half-billion dollar cost of the stadium in downtown Minneapolis. The House and Senate passed the bill and Pawlenty says he intends to sign it.
July 11, 2006 - MPR’s William Wilcoxen visits the neighborhood around Randolph and Hamline Avenues in St. Paul. That's where Cretin-Derham Hall High School is located and locals will be cheering for one of their own during 2006 MLB All-Star Game…Cretin-Derham graduate Joe Mauer, of the Minnesota Twins, takes the field with his American League teammates.
July 28, 2006 - MPR’s Greta Cunningham talks with baseball writer La Velle Neal about the winning-streak Minnesota Twins as they go up against the Detroit Tigers, the best team in Major League Baseball. Neal highlights Twins player Nick Punto and playoff chances for the team.
September 13, 2006 - The Minnesota Twins lost to the Oakland A's at the Metrodome by a score of 1-0, but the Twins also suffered another loss that may prove more damaging in their pennant run. Pitching phenom Francisco Liriano may be lost for the rest of the season after he reinjured his throwing arm, leaving the game in the 3rd inning.
September 26, 2006 - Morning Edition sports commentator Steve Rudolph talks Minnesota Twins baseball with host Cathy Wurzer. For the fourth time in the last five years, the Twins are headed to the playoffs, clinching at least a wild card berth after a 8-1 game victory over the Kansas City Royals.
September 29, 2006 - MPR’s Brandt Williams reports on Twins dramatic 2-1 win over the Kansas City Royals at the Metrodome. The 10-inning game featured a return to the mound for injured pitcher Brad Radke and a couple clutch hits from Joe Mauer and Jason Bartlett.
October 2, 2006 - MPR’s Jim Bikal recounts a most memorable ballgame, as the Minnesota Twins celebrated an American League Central Division championship on the last day of the regular season…along with Joe Mauer's batting championship! As the day unfolded, Twins players not only won their game, they also became fellow spectators with their fans, watching a Detroit Tigers/Kansas City Royals game play out on the Metrodome screen to determine AL Central pennant winner.