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).
July 7, 1998 - Baseball analyst provides a detailed breakdown of the Minnesota Twins roster. While the team is not a contender in 1998, they still seem to be overachieving despite the many challenges team has been contending with, including a small payroll and talk of moving. Stand outs on team include Brad Radke and David Ortiz.
July 24, 1998 - MPR’s William Wilcoxen reports that the Minnesota Twins and Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission have agreed to a short term two-year lease at Metrodome. While it does not solve anything, it does allow time for continuing new stadium options.
September 25, 1998 - With 1998 Major League Baseball season coming to a close, MPR’s William Wilcoxen looks at the gloomy outlook for Minnesota Twins as play on the field and empty seats in the Metrodome do not bode well for the future.
September 28, 1998 - MPR’s Elizabeth Stawicki profiles Paul Molitor, who may have played his last ballgame. The Minnesota native has played in the major leagues for 20 years, raking up statistics that many analysts say make him a shoo-in for the MLB’s Hall of Fame.
September 29, 1998 - Our September installment of the MPR "Voices of Minnesota" series is a special baseball edition, with profiles of Minnesota baseball stars Paul Molitor and Kirby Puckett. MPR’s Elizabeth Stawicki interviews Molitor and Jim Bickal interviews Puckett. Following interviews a conversation with sports commentator Howard Sinker and call-in from listeners.
December 23, 1998 - It's a word that makes many lawmakers cringe, but talk of stadiums will be back before the legislature in 1999 session. A task force appointed by Governor Carlson is asking lawmakers to create a new commission to fund sports stadiums and arts venues. Legislative leaders and the Governor-elect are skeptical.
December 24, 1998 - MPR’s William Wilcoxen reports on efforts of the Minnesota Twins executives to “break even” by cutting payroll. That helps explain why the Twins let go of several of their best-paid players, but it’s not clear where this short-term strategy will lead them.
February 18, 1999 - Baseball analyst Kevin Hennessy says it doesn't bode well for a good season for the Minnesota Twins as pitchers and catchers reported to baseball spring training. The team has slashed its payroll by $10 million in the hopes of breaking even after several seasons of losing money. They're total team payroll is almost what New York Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens, alone, makes in a year.
April 6, 1999 - MPR’s William Wilcoxen reports the Minnesota Twins roster for 1999 season feature several unproven players who are new to Major League Baseball…the consequence of owner Carl Pohlad’s decision to slash the Twins' payroll over the winter. The move puts Twins management in the position of trying to raise interest in the team amid low expectations.
April 7, 1999 - The Minnesota Twins opened their 1999 season with a win, defeating the Toronto Blue Jays 6-1 at the Metrodome. The victory comes amid low expectations for this year's team which includes a large number of rookies. 10 of the 25 names on team roster are new to Major League Baseball. MPR's Michael Khoo reports the lack of star power hasn't dampened fan enthusiasm.