Minnesota Twins

Quick Facts

  • Founded: 1901

  • Original Name/City: Washington Senators

  • Current Ballpark: Target Field

  • World Series Titles: 3 (1924, 1987, 1991)

  • Franchise Nicknames: The Twinkies

A History of the Minnesota Twins

In 1901, the franchise that would become the Minnesota Twins began life as the Washington Senators, a charter member of the American League. For decades, the team was synonymous with futility, captured in the popular phrase, "Washington: first in war, first in peace, and last in the American League."

The club's one sustained period of success in D.C. came in the 1920s, led by one of the greatest pitchers of all time, Walter "The Big Train" Johnson, who brought the city its only World Series championship in 1924.

Following the 1960 season, team owner Calvin Griffith moved the franchise to Minnesota, seeking a better market. Rebranded as the "Twins" to represent the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the team found immediate success. Playing in Metropolitan Stadium, the team was powered by one of the most feared sluggers in baseball history, Harmon Killebrew, and made a World Series appearance in 1965. This era established a strong baseball tradition in the Upper Midwest.

The franchise's most magical moments came after moving into the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. In 1987, led by homegrown hero Kent Hrbek and superstar Kirby Puckett, the underdog Twins won their first World Series in Minnesota.

They topped this feat just four years later in 1991, completing a "worst-to-first" turnaround and defeating the Atlanta Braves in what is widely considered the greatest World Series ever played, capped by a 10-inning complete game shutout by Jack Morris in Game 7.

After moving into their celebrated outdoor ballpark, Target Field, in 2010, the Twins continue to be a competitive force in the AL Central.

Franchise Timeline

  • 1901: Founded as the Washington Senators, a charter AL member.

  • 1924: Won their only World Series as the Senators.

  • 1961: Relocated to Minnesota and renamed the Minnesota Twins.

  • 1982: Moved into the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.

  • 1987: Won their second World Series.

  • 1991: Won their third World Series in a historic Game 7.

  • 2010: Moved into their current ballpark, Target Field.

Legendary Players

Walter Johnson (1907-1927)

  • "The Big Train" was arguably the most dominant pitcher of all time and the original face of the franchise in Washington. Known for his overpowering fastball, he won 417 games (second all-time), threw a record 110 shutouts, and led the Senators to their only championship.

Harmon Killebrew (1954-1974)

  • The first true superstar of the Minnesota era, "Killer" was one of the most prolific power hitters in baseball history. His towering home runs defined the franchise for over a decade. He retired with 573 career home runs and was the 1969 AL MVP.

Rod Carew (1967-1978)

  • A master of hitting, Carew was a perennial batting champion for the Twins. He won seven batting titles in Minnesota, including a 1977 season where he hit .388. He was the 1977 AL MVP and a true artist at the plate.

Kirby Puckett (1984-1995)

  • The joyful, dynamic centerfielder who was the heart and soul of both Twins World Series championship teams. Puckett's walk-off home run in Game 6 of the 1991 World Series is the most iconic moment in franchise history. His career was tragically cut short by glaucoma, but his legacy remains unmatched in Minnesota.