August 14, 2001 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Minneapolis Star Tribune sports commentator LaVelle Neal about the Minnesota Twins struggling with the pressures of a pennant race.
September 3, 2001 - Howard Sinker, MPR sports analyst, joins Gary Eichten for his annual State Fair show about sports.
September 19, 2001 - MPR's William Wilcoxen reports on Minnesotans returning to the national pastime, after taking a week off from baseball to mourn the lives lost on September 11th, 2001. The Twins turned in a sparkling performance in front of a small crowd at the Metrodome. Several fans and players said it felt good to get back into the swing of life's routine.
October 12, 2001 - MPR's Tom Scheck reports that Minnesota Twins manager Tom Kelly says he's stepping down after 15 full seasons. Under Kelly's tenure, the Twins won two World Series championships in 1987 and 1991. This year, the Twins finished second in the American League Central, snapping an eight year run of losing seasons.
October 12, 2001 - All Things Considered’s Lorna Benson talks with sports commentator Kevin Hennessy about the retirement of Tom Kelly, who has managed the Minnesota Twins manager for 16 seasons. Kelly was skipper for the 1987 & 1991 World Series championship seasons.
November 6, 2001 - Governor Jesse Ventura joins Midday’s Gary Eichten in the studio to answer MPR listener questions. Jesse Ventura talks about the Twins, stadiums, the end of tax rebates, and the election. During program, Ventura gets into a lively discussion with a caller regarding stadium and tax dollars.
November 6, 2001 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports that while Major League Baseball owners are meeting in Chicago and may be considering folding the Twins along with the Montreal Expos, some in the Twin Cities are promising a fight. The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission says the team has a binding agreement to play at the Metrodome next season. Governor Ventura says he'd support gambling revenues to pay for a new stadium.
November 6, 2001 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on Governor Jesse Ventura’s stance against public funding on a new stadium for Minnesota Twins. His view and actions have drawn criticism from some voters and fellow politicians.
November 7, 2001 - Midday presents an update on the future of the Minnesota Twins and professional baseball in Minnesota with a discussion with Jay Weiner, Star Tribune sportswriter and MPR sport analyst; and Bill Lester, executive director of the Sports Facilities Commission; and attorney Michael Ciresi.
November 7, 2001 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on political debate over Major League Baseball’s potential owner vote to contract two teams from the league…one being the Minnesota Twins.