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).
June 27, 1981 - MPR’s Bob Aronson spoofs game analysis of the Minnesota Twins taking the “construction” field for some truly unique MLB experiences. [This one is for all the Metrodome lovers out there]
April 5, 1982 - MPR’s Lee Axdahl attends opening weekend of the MLB season as the Minnesota Twins begin play in their new home, the Humphrey Metrodome. Axdahl interviews, stadium officials, players, and fans to get their impressions of the fiberglass roof structure.
August 23, 1982 - MPR’s Lee Axdahl reports on the struggling Twins starting pitcher Terry Felton, who is still searching for a win after 13 game start. Despite the historically rough start, Felton is getting support from team manager and fellow teammates.
April 6, 1983 - MPR’s Jim Ragsdale reports on the home opener of the Minnesota Twins for the 1983 MLB season. Ragsdale interviews players and fans about their thoughts of team’s chances in the upcoming season after a dismal 60-102 win/loss record in 1982.
June 1, 1983 - MPR’s Jim Ragsdale interviews Minnesota Twins owner Calvin Griffith, who details what he perceives as the challenges of the baseball team. Topics include fellow owners, sustaining a fan base, and building business support.
July 7, 1983 - MPR’s Dan Olson interviews Jerry Bell, executive director of Metropolitan Sports Facility Commission, on the attempts by the Minnesota Twins to get lease relief, attendance struggles, and rumors of team sale to Tampa Bay. Bell also comments on what may happen if team tries to break lease.
April 25, 1984 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten interviews Tom Mee, media relations director for the Minnesota Twins, about bulk ticket sales buy-out, status of Minnesota Twins as an organization, owner Calvin Griffith’s possible sale of team, and public interest in team.
August 11, 1984 - MPR’s Mark Heistad presents a profile of famed baseball infielder Harmon Killebrew, who played most of his 22-year MLB career with the Minnesota Twins. Power hitting was what he was best known for, being given the nicknames "the Killer" and "Hammerin' Harmon." Now Killebrew is about to be the first Twin to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
August 31, 1984 - MPR’s Dan Olson provides a summary report of the 1984 Minnesota Twins season…one which found them with a new owner, new young star players, and contending for a MLB division title.
September 27, 1984 - As the Minnesota Twins prepare for chance to be in MLB playoffs, MPR’s Paula Schroeder looks at how the team are trying to get fans excited. Ticket bulk sales options have posed a problem.