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).
October 19, 1991 - On this Weekend Edition report, MPR’s Bill Wareham highlights the Atlanta Braves. For many Braves players, this will be the first experience playing in the Metrodome and dealing with its unique oddities as a ballpark. The Braves will represent the National League in the 1991 World Series against the American League’s Minnesota Twins.
October 21, 1991 - MPR’s Bill Wareham provides a recap of Game 2 of the 1991 World Series. The Minnesota Twins beat the Atlanta Braves 3-2. Segment includes interview clips of Twins Manager Tom Kelly and players from both teams.
October 22, 1991 - MPR’s Mark Heistad interviews Mike Tiering, an Atlanta sportswriter, about the 1991 World Series and the intense enthusiasm for the Atlanta Braves. Tiering discusses the Atlanta losses in first two games and prediction on Game 3.
October 22, 1991 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews sports commentator Howard Sinker to get his take on the first two games of 1991 World Series and match-ups between Minnesota Twins and Atlanta Braves in Game 3. The Twins lead series is tied 2-0.
October 23, 1991 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with sports commentator Howard Sinker about the Game 3 of the 1991 World Series between Minnesota Twins and Atlanta Braves. The game ended with Atlanta winning in the bottom of the 12th.
October 23, 1991 - MPR’s Bill Wareham reports from Atlanta and gives a recap of Game 3 of the 1991 World Series. The Atlanta Braves beat the Minnesota Twins 5-4 in the bottom of the 12th inning. Segment includes interview clips of players and Twins manager Tom Kelly.
October 24, 1991 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik interviews a number of Minnesotans who are NOT watching the 1991 World Series between the Minnesota Twins and Atlanta Braves…or even care about it. That includes MPR’s own Michael Barone!
October 24, 1991 - MPR’s Bill Wareham reports from Atlanta and gives a recap of Game 4 of the 1991 World Series. The Atlanta Braves beat the Minnesota Twins 3-2. Segment includes interview clips of players and managers from both teams.
October 24, 1991 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with sports commentator Howard Sinker about the first four games of 1991 World Series and potential of remainder of series between Minnesota Twins and Atlanta Braves. The series is tied 2-2.
October 25, 1991 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with sports commentator Howard Sinker about the status of 1991 World Series and potential game plans for Game 6 between Minnesota Twins and Atlanta Braves.