Minnesota Twins
Target Field
Minnesota, United States
The Minnesota Twins were established in 1961, becoming the first Major League Baseball team to adopt a state name instead of a specific city. Their name, “Twins,” comes from the “Twin Cities” nickname for Minneapolis and St. Paul, symbolizing the unity of both cities.
The franchise originally began as the Washington Senators in 1901 before relocating to Minnesota in 1961. Though the Senators struggled in their early years, their fortunes changed when young pitcher Walter Johnson emerged in 1911, winning 25 games despite the team's seventh-place finish. The franchise went on to win the 1924 World Series as the Washington Senators.
The golden era of the Minnesota Twins came after their move to Minnesota, starting with their 1965 American League pennant. They later secured two World Series titles in 1987 and 1991, both under manager Tom Kelly. The 1991 World Series remains one of the most thrilling in baseball history, with the Twins defeating the Atlanta Braves in a dramatic seven-game series.
Over the years, the franchise has developed numerous Hall of Fame players, including Bob Groom, Bucky Harris, Goose Goslin, Sam Rice, Heinie Manush, Joe Cronin, and Griffith (who later became the team’s owner in 1920). In 1954, Harmon Killebrew joined the team, and by 1959, he had solidified his place as the Senators' starting third baseman, leading the league with 42 home runs and earning a spot in the American League All-Star team.
Today, the Twins compete in the American League Central Division, where they have fierce rivalries with the Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Guardians, and Kansas City Royals. These matchups are highly anticipated and often play a crucial role in shaping the postseason race.