The
Minnesota Twins are a Major League Baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins currently belong in the Central Division of the American League. They
play their home games at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis.
The
actual Minnesota Twins franchise originated in Kansas City, Missouri in 1894
and then moved to Washington, D.C. in 1901 when the American League was
formed. In D.C. the team was known by two nicknames, the Nationals and the
Senators. The team then moved to Minnesota in 1961 and was renamed the Twins.
Minnesotans
were excited about the arrival of the Twins and Minnesota politicians insisted
the Twins be given The "Minnesota" designation, instead of
"Minneapolis" or any other single city name due to they fact that the
team is intended to represent the twin cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul and,
presumably, the entire state. This fact is further reinforced by the stylized
TC logo worn on home caps, and by their mascot, TC Bear. The team colors are
navy blue, red, and white. They have two uniform designs; a light colored
uniform that is white when worn at home and grey on the road and an alternative
"Sunday" uniform which is solid blue with red and white piping.
The Twins
have won the World Series Championship two times. The first win was in 1987 as
they defeated the St Louis Cardinals. The second win, in 1991, is arguably the
best World Series in history. The Twins defeated the Atlanta Braves in a nail
biting Championship run.
The Twins
have had many ups and downs throughout their years in Minnesota. The worst
season was in 1982 with 102 losses and only 60 wins. Their best season was in
1965 with a 102 wins and 60 losses. Their playing and players have ranged from
superstardom to mediocre. The Twins have had many great baseball players such
as Harmon Killebrew, Tony Oliva, Rod Carew, Kent Hrbek and Kirby Puckett.
Current superstars include local favorite catcher Joe Mauer, hot shot pitchers
Johan Santana and Joe Nathan, and quick outfielders Lew Ford, Shannon Stewart
and Torii Hunter.
The Twins
have had 12 managers since moving here in 1961. Currently, Ron Gardenhire
serves as the Twins manager. “Gardy,” as he is often called, is a passionate
high energy manager. He keeps his Twins in shape and competitive with tough
swinging bats and sharp defensive skills.
Although Minneapolis appears at first glance to be a "small market" city, the Twins
routinely draw fans from as far away as Montana and Wyoming. The Metrodome can
hold many rowdy Twins fans, but the best seats sell out fast. The Twins are
looking to build a new stadium in Minnesota to insure many more great baseball years
to come.
With a young roster full of both offensive and defensive players, the Minnesota Twins look to compete for the Central Division crown in the foreseeable future. Justin Morneau is the reigning American League MVP, and Joe Mauer?s eye at the plate is impeccable. On the defensive side, Nick Punto snares just about everything at third base and Torii Hunter makes wall-scaling catches in center field. The Twins have to decide whether or not to sign Hunter, Morneau or Santana to a long-term contract. Many Twins fans are vying for the latter two but let?s hope the Twins can keep around all three for the opening of the new ballpark in 2010. If the Twins just keep on winning, good tickets will continue to sell out fast.
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