Minnesota Twins

Minnesota Twins
Name	Minnesota Twins
Founded	1901
City	Minneapolis
Ballpark	Target Field
League	American League
Division	American League Central
Colors	Navy blue, scarlet red, Kasota gold, white
Owner	Jim Pohlad
President	Dave St. Peter
Manager	Rocco Baldelli
Gm	Thad Levine
World championships	3 (1924, 1987, 1991)
Al championships	6 (1924, 1925, 1933, 1965, 1987, 1991)
Division championships	11 (1969, 1970, 1987, 1991, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2023)
Wild card berths	4 (2017, 2019, 2020, 2023)

Minnesota Twins. The Minnesota Twins are a professional Major League Baseball franchise based in Minneapolis, competing in the American League Central division. Originating as the Washington Senators in 1901, the team relocated to Minnesota in 1961, becoming a cornerstone of the Upper Midwest's sports culture. Known for a rich history that includes three World Series titles and a legacy of iconic players, the club plays its home games at the award-winning Target Field in downtown Minneapolis.

History

The franchise's origins trace back to 1901 as one of the eight charter members of the American League, initially based in Washington, D.C. and known as the Washington Senators. Under the legendary ownership of Calvin Griffith, the team moved to Bloomington, Minnesota in 1961, adopting the "Twins" moniker to represent the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Early success in Minnesota came quickly, with the team reaching the 1965 World Series behind stars like Harmon Killebrew and Tony Oliva. The late 1980s and early 1990s marked a golden era, culminating in dramatic World Series victories in 1987 and 1991, the latter considered one of the greatest Fall Classics ever played. The 2000s saw sustained regular-season success under manager Ron Gardenhire, though often followed by postseason struggles.

Ballpark

From 1961 to 1981, the team played at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington, a multipurpose facility also home to the Minnesota Vikings. In 1982, they moved into the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, an indoor stadium where they won both of their modern World Series titles. Seeking a baseball-specific venue, the club opened Target Field in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis in 2010. Designed by Populous, the open-air ballpark is renowned for its intimate design, local limestone and granite construction, and features like the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame. Target Field has hosted the 2014 Major League Baseball All-Star Game and consistently receives high marks for fan experience and sustainability.

Players and personnel

The franchise boasts a storied roster of Hall of Fame inductees, including Harmon Killebrew, Rod Carew, Kirby Puckett, Bert Blyleven, and Jim Kaat. Modern stars have included Joe Mauer, the 2009 AL MVP and hometown product, and Justin Morneau, the 2006 AL MVP. The current baseball operations department is led by President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey and General Manager Thad Levine, with Rocco Baldelli serving as manager. Ownership has remained in the Pohlad family since 1984, with Jim Pohlad currently serving as principal owner and Dave St. Peter as team president.

Championships and achievements

The franchise has won three World Series championships: the first as the 1924 Senators, and then in 1987 and 1991 as the Twins. They have captured six American League pennants (1924, 1925, 1933, 1965, 1987, 1991) and eleven division titles. Individual accolades are plentiful, with players earning multiple MVP, Cy Young, and Gold Glove awards. The team's retired numbers include those of Killebrew (3), Carew (29), Puckett (34), Mauer (7), Blyleven (28), and former manager Tom Kelly (10).

Culture and fan base

The team is deeply woven into the fabric of Minnesota culture, with a loyal fan base known for its resilience through cold early-season games and decades of postseason hurdles. Iconic traditions include the "Homer Hanky" rally towel, first introduced during the 1987 ALCS, and the singing of "We're Gonna Win, Twins" during the seventh-inning stretch. The fan experience is enhanced by mascot T.C. Bear and the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame, which celebrates the team's history from Washington, D.C. to Minnesota. The regional fan base extends throughout the Upper Midwest, including Iowa, the Dakotas, and Wisconsin.

Rivalries

The most prominent and historic rivalry is with the Chicago White Sox, stemming from their shared history in the original American League and frequent competition in the American League Central. A strong geographic rivalry also exists with the Milwaukee Brewers, intensified by their proximity and interleague play. The 1987 and 1991 ALCS matchups created a fierce but respectful postseason rivalry with the Detroit Tigers. More recently, competitive divisions have spurred recurring contests with the Cleveland Guardians and the Kansas City Royals.

Category:Minnesota Twins Category:American League teams Category:Sports in Minneapolis Category:Baseball teams established in 1901