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).
August 17, 1992 - Local sports commentator Howard Sinker details the poor play of the reigning championship Minnesota Twins as the 1992 regular season hits the final weeks of play.
August 26, 1992 - MPR’s Bill Wareham visits Metrodome to look for signs of concern from players, coaches, and fans as the Minnesota Twins find themselves trying to work out of the wrong side of math in the American League standings.
September 1, 1992 - Local sports commentator Howard Sinker shares his view that the 1992 Minnesota Twins season will end with close of regular MLB season.
September 14, 1992 - Local sports commentator Howard Sinker says despite mathematical possibilities, the Minnesota Twins season is over as the team has attempted and failed to catch up in the standings.
September 28, 1992 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer gets commentary from MPR’s Robin Gehl on how the 1992 Twins season as close of regular season approaches. While statistically still in the hunt, postseason is now only a dream.
October 1, 1992 - MPR’s Tom Fudge reports on the open question of Kirby Puckett remaining a Minnesota Twin. As a free agent at end of 1992 season, Puckett is looking for a $27.5 million five year contract. Twins front office, and even some fans, see the price as to high.
December 4, 1992 - MPR’s Bill Wareham breaks down the Minnesota Twins re-signing star player Kirby Puckett. The new five-year contract is worth $30 million. There is a collective sigh of relief.
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 - MPR’s Mike Edgerly chats with Herb Carneal, Minnesota Twin’s longtime broadcasting voice. Carneal, who has been an American Major League Baseball sportscaster since 1962, shares memories of Opening Days past and game highlights through the decades.