2009 Minnesota Twins

Even as we say “Congratulations” to the New York Yankees, who beat the Twins 3 games to 0 to advance to the American League Championship Series in the 2009 MLB Playoffs, we want to say a big “Thank you” to the Minnesota Twins, winners of the AL Central Division, for the excellent season they had!

The Minnesota Twins did pretty well in the 2008 season, losing the division by only one game and jumping from a win average of .488 in 2007 to .540 in 2008. There weren’t many changes made in the offseason, but the Twins did pick up reliever Luis Ayala to stand in for Pat Neshek (out for the 2009 season recovering from Tommy John surgery) and they also added All-Star third baseman Joe Crede. The Twins have a rotation full of young talent including Glen Perkins, Kevin Slowey, Nick Blackburn, Francisco Liriano and Scott Baker, as well as one of the best catchers in the major league, Joe Mauer, and one of the best closers, Joe Nathan. If the team can continue their upward trend in the 2009 season, they’ll win the AL Central Division and have a real chance at the 2009 World Series. This is the last season that you’ll get to see the Twins in action at HHH Metrodome since they’ll be starting the 2010 season at their new home stadium, Target Field, so get your Minnesota Twins tickets today and help cheer the team on to victory!

From the Senators to the Twins

The Minnesota Twins were founded in 1961 when the original Washington Senators relocated to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and were renamed the Twins to reflect their new Twin Cities locale. The Senators were one of the historically poor MLB franchises, winning only 1 World Series over 60 years.

Early Success

The Twins left their losing ways in Washington and proceeded to win the West Division 3 times between 1965 and 1970, reaching the World Series once. The core of that team was filled with perennial All Stars Harmon Killebrew, Rod Carew, and Jim Kaat. Following the 1970 season the Twins went into a period of decline. Despite the batting heroics of Killebrew (who hit 573 homeruns) and Rod Care (who won 7 batting titles as a Twin) the team would not return to the playoffs until 1987.

World Series Winners

In 1987 the Twins, under second year manager Tom Kelly, won the World Series in a thrilling 7 game series, coming from behind to win the last two games at home. Kelly’s team was led by Hall of Fame Centerfielder Kirby Pucket whose hitting, defense, and leadership carried the team to both the 1987 and 1991 titles.