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).
December 18, 1992 - MPR’s William Wilcoxen reports on Dave Winfield signing to the Minnesota Twins. Winfield speaks at press conference about his desire to come back to Minnesota.
February 19, 1993 - Howard Sinker, a local sports commenter, provides insight on the Twins pitching staff going into 1993 spring training.
April 6, 1993 - Howard Sinker, local sports commentator, gives his take on Minnesota Twins chances as the 1993 MLB Opening Day commences.
May 4, 1993 - Local sports commentator Howard Sinker comments on the very bad month at start of the Minnesota Twins 1993 MLB season.
July 5, 1993 - At halfway point of 1993 MLB season, local sports commentator sees the Minnesota Twins season going nowhere…except last place.
November 2, 1993 - Local sports commentator Howard Sinker comments on Minnesota Twin’s loss of catcher Brian Harper to free agency, finances, and future of team.
February 4, 1994 - Local sports commentator talks about the possible options for Carl Pohlad in a sale of the Minnesota Twins baseball organization.
April 4, 1994 - Andy MacPhail, general manager of the Minnesota Twins, comments on what is needed for the 1994 Twins season to be successful.
May 18, 1994 - Sports commentator Howard Sinker gives his take on the surprising play of the Minnesota Twins in May with a run of wins. Trading players is also mentioned.
June 15, 1994 - Local sports commentator talks about Twin’s good stretch, the looming MLB strike, and minor leagues interest.