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).
April 1, 1992 - Midmorning’s Paula Schroeder talks with sportswriter Ted Robinson about Tom Kelly and Season of Dreams: The Minnesota Twins' Drive to the 1991 World Championship, a book he co-authored with the Twins manager.
April 1, 1992 - Midmorning’s Paula Schroeder interviews Tom Kelly, manager of the Minnesota Twins. Kelly shares memories and feelings about the challenging 1990 season, in which the Twins stepped of the field with a 74-88 record and finished 7th in AL West.
April 6, 1992 - Local sports commentator Howard Sinker breaks down the Minnesota Twins win against the Milwaukee Brewers in MLB season opener. Sinker discusses status of various players.
April 10, 1992 - Despite the slushy snow outside, MPR’s Bill Wareham gets the temperature of Minnesota Twins fans (and a player) at a fan rally as the 1992 season begins. While coming off a World Series Championship in 1991, the team faces challenges of losing some key players going into the new year.
April 11, 1992 - MPR’s Bob Potter talks with sports commentator Howard Sinker about baseball on the Twins home opener weekend. Sinker also answer listener questions.
May 18, 1992 - Local sports commentator Howard Sinker shares thoughts on Minnesota Twins in first month of 1992 MLB season.
June 1, 1992 - Local sports commentator Howard Sinker gives his take on the Minnesota Twins coming to an agreement on a contract with star baseball player Kirby Puckett.
July 3, 1992 - Local sports commentator Howard Sinker provides an optimistic assessment of the Minnesota Twins as the 1992 MLB season sets to enter the second half.
July 23, 1992 - An interview on the test installation of kiosks around the state where customers can purchase tickets for Minnesota Twins ballgames.
July 30, 1992 - As the Minnesota Twins season takes a downturn into the second half of 1992 season, local sports commentator Howard Sinker comments on what team must do to regain dominance.