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 27, 1987 - MPR’s Kate Moos presents report from St. Paul, where a delayed celebratory parade took place to honor the Major League Champion Minnesota Twins. Parade came from Minneapolis and continued up to State Capitol from downtown St. Paul.
October 27, 1987 - MPR’s Stephen Smith reports from the Minnesota State Capitol, where a huge rally took place to celebrate the Major League Baseball champion Minnesota Twins. In the 1987 MLB World Series, Twins beat the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games.
October 27, 1987 - MPR’s Dan Olson showcases various interview clips with children as they attend the Twins parade celebrating the team’s championship season.
October 29, 1987 - MPR’s Mike Mulcahy reports on Major League Baseball champions Minnesota Twins visit to the White House, where President Ronald Reagan honored the team for their 1987 MLB World Series win.
December 12, 1987 - On this Sportfolio program, Terry Ryan, director of scouting for the Minnesota Twins, discusses the art of scouting in baseball. Topics include the business, talent, process, and the World Series Champion Twins. Ryan also answers listener questions.
December 15, 1987 - MPR’s Euan Kerr reports on comments from Minnesota Twins executives regarding team’s financial losses, despite just completely a championship season. The Twins organization is looking for a re-negotiation of dome lease with Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission.
January 7, 1988 - MPR’s Jim Bickal reports that the Minnesota Twins have renewed their contract with third baseman Gary Gaetti, signing the older player. Gaetti has played for the Twins since 1981.
April 8, 1988 - MPR’s Mike Mulcahy reports on preparations in downtown Minneapolis prior to the home opener of world champion Minnesota Twins. Everything from turf to hankies are the focus of the day.
May 7, 1988 - Weekend Edition’s Mark Heistad gets commentary from sports analyst Jay Weiner about the Minnesota Twins 1988 lack-luster season after first month and the release of relief pitcher Joe Niekro.
July 11, 1988 - MPR’s Euan Kerr visits the Metrodome and interviews numerous new players, some called up to the majors for the very first time. The ball players discuss what it’s like to play both in dome and for newly minted world champion team.