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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April 3, 2007 - MPR’s Brandt Willimas reports on the Minnesota Twins home opener against the Baltimore Orioles, in which the Twins won 7-4. Monday night at the Metrodome was also about honoring the memory of long-time radio announcer Herb Carneal, who died the day prior.
April 5, 2007 - All Things Considered’s Tom Crann presents excerpts from the funeral of Herb Carneal, the man known as the voice of the Minnesota Twins. The pews at Colonial Church, in Edina, were full of friends, family, and colleagues for a remembrance of the man behind that voice. Carneal was eulogized by four men who knew him well…Bert Blyleven, Frank Quilici, John Gordon, and Ernie Harwell.
April 10, 2007 - The Minnesota Twins and Hennepin County took a major step forward towards construction on the new ballpark as the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners approved changes to an agreement between the team and the county, which will give the Twins a larger financial and legal role in the ballpark plan. County officials welcomed the changes and said they will likely set the stage for groundbreaking next month.
August 17, 2007 - As the Minnesota Twins prepare events to mark the 20th anniversary of their 1987 World Series Championship, Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with MPR’s Gary Eichten about a particular fan memory of his during that MLB playoff season…the “Welcome Home” celebration at the Metrodome after the Twins beat Detroit to win the American League Championship.
September 13, 2007 - Minnesota Twins General Manager Terry Ryan announced he's stepping down from his key front office post. He will be replaced by assistant GM Bill Smith at the end of this season. Smith now faces the task of negotiating the contracts of some of the Twins highest profile players.
October 1, 2007 - Major League Baseball's postseason begins, and for just the second time in the previous six years, the Twins will not be participating. With that in mind, LaVelle Neal, who covers the Twins for the Star Tribune, discusses the possible plans for next year as the team's new General Manager Bill Smith has a lot of decisions to make.
November 22, 2007 - La Velle Neal comments on announcement that the Minnesota Twins have lost star outfielder Torii Hunter, who signed a $90 million 5-year contract. Hunter had spent 11 seasons as a Twin, winning seven Golden Gloves for his play in center field.
December 4, 2007 - All Things Considered’s Tom Crann talks with MPR reporter William Wilcoxen about Minnesota Twins star pitcher, Johan Santana. The Twins are widely expected to trade Santana, but to what team and for which players, no one really knows yet.
February 26, 2008 - Commentator Peter Smith says he thought the coming 2008 Twins' season looked hopeless until he heard from an old friend. Positivity and hypotheticals commence.
April 1, 2008 - The Minnesota Twins won their home opener at the Metrodome, beating the Los Angeles Angels 3-2. A couple of the team's newest players came up with some of biggest plays of the game, but in the end it took a very familiar name to preserve the lead in the ninth inning.