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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October 16, 1987 - MPR’s Jim Bickal looks at a rarity in baseball…a pitcher that is good at the plate holding a bat. Bickal breaks down the concept of the designated hitter role. Twins pitchers must prepare to bat in 1987 Worlds Series, since the National League hosted games in St. Louis have no DH hitter.
October 19, 1987 - MPR’s Jim Bickal shares results of Game 2 of 1987 World Series, where the Minnesota Twins bested the St. Louis Cardinals 8-4. Bickal interviews numerous players about the game and teams.
October 20, 1987 - MPR’s Catherine Winter reports on the rush to acquire Star Tribune’s creation for Minnesota Twins fans during the 1987 World Series…the Homer Hanky. They are a big hit, with long lines waiting for the next delivery truck.
October 21, 1987 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews David Broder, journalist for The Washington Post. Broder laments the existence of Minnesota’s sports dome, and its detrimental effect on baseball.
October 22, 1987 - MPR’s Jim Bickal summarizes Game 4 of the 1987 World Series, in which the St. Louis Cardinals won game over Minnesota Twins 7-2. Reports includes player and manage commentary of game.
October 23, 1987 - MPR’s Kate Moos reports on the many baseball superstitions within the studios of Minnesota Public Radio during the Minnesota Twins appearance in the 1987 World Series. Failing rituals include producer Bill Wareham’s baseball hat, Moo’s baseball socks, reporter Mike Mulcahy’s dance strategy, and colleague Bill Catlin hanging sheet rock, instead of focusing on game. Segment ends with an outside perspective, interviewing St. Paul City Council member, Kiki Sonnen, on her fan formula.
October 26, 1987 - MPR’s Jim Bickal puts together an audio montage of the Minnesota Twins’ run through the 1987 Major League Baseball postseason, ultimately winning the MLB World Series for the first time in team’s history.
October 26, 1987 - MPR’s Jim Bickal presents interview reactions from players and coaches after the Minnesota Twins triumphed over the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 7 of 1987 World Series 4-2, making the Twins Major League Champions for the first time in team history.
October 26, 1987 - MPR’s Stephen Smith looks back at the history of the Minnesota Twins, from the team’s move from Washington D.C. in 1960, to their first Major League Championship win in 1987.
October 27, 1987 - MPR’s Euan Kerr presents report from downtown Minneapolis, where a huge celebratory parade took place to honor the Major League Champion Minnesota Twins.