2004 Minnesota Twins

As if the threat of being eliminated as an American League team energized them, the Minnesota Twins have become the strongest team in the Central Division since contraction was proposed a few years ago. The Twins are solidifying their hold on first place now and should be part of the postseason again in 2004. Tickets at the Metrodome go fast, given the team's success.

The team that now plays in Minneapolis began as a charter member of the American League in 1901, when it was known as the Washington Senators. A relatively unsuccessful franchise, the Senators won just one World Series title (1924) and appeared in two others. As attendance dwindled in 1960, AL officials reluctantly allowed Senators owner Calvin Griffith to relocate his club to Minneapolis, despite pleas from the Congress of the United States and President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The Minnesota Twins reached the playoffs three times from 1961 to 1970, during the franchise's first 10 years. The Twins first won the World Series in 1987. The club won another Series title in 1991. Both championship teams were led by manager Tom Kelly and perennial .300 hitter and All-Star outfielder Kirby Puckett.

Two of the greatest Twins players were slugger Harmon Killebrew and line-drive hitter Rod Carew. Killebrew won six AL home run titles and ranks in the top ten on the all-time home run list with 573. Carew, recognized as the best pure hitter of his day, won seven league batting crowns and compiled a career .328 average—among the best averages recorded in the second half of the 20th century.

Sam Mele was named manager in 1961 and in 1965 led the Twins to the AL pennant with sluggers Harmon Killebrew, Tony Oliva and Zoilo Versalles. Minnesota's hitters, however, succumbed to pitchers Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. In 1969 Minnesota captured the division title under the stormy leadership of first-year manager Billy Martin. Killebrew provided the offensive power and won the AL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Rod Carew captured the first of his seven batting titles, Oliva led the AL in hits and doubles, and pitchers Dave Boswell and Jim Perry each won 20 games. Despite solid hitting and pitching by the Twins, the Baltimore Orioles swept the AL Championship Series (ALCS). Minnesota returned to the playoffs in 1970 behind Perry, whose 24-12 win-loss record earned him the Cy Young Award, but the Twins were once again swept in the ALCS by the Orioles.

Minnesota's third base coach, Tom Kelly, became manager in 1986 and turned the Twins into World Series champions in 1987. Outfielders Tom Brunansky and Kirby Puckett, first baseman Kent Hrbek, and third baseman Gary Gaetti each hit at least 28 home runs that year, while Frank Viola, Bert Blyleven, and reliever Jeff Reardon led a strong pitching staff. Minnesota upset the Detroit Tigers in the ALCS and went on to defeat the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. Kelly was named AL Manager of the Year. Although Minnesota finished last in 1990, pitchers Scott Erickson and Jack Morris helped turn the team around in 1991, taking the Twins to another AL pennant. Kelly again earned top managing honors as Minnesota defeated the Atlanta Braves in the 1991 World Series. However, the Twins struggled during most of the remainder of the 1990s. Their renaissance in the 2000s has brought the excitement back to the Metrodome, so don't miss opportunities to get your Twins tickets!