Minnesota Twins Eccentricity & Ephemera: A Twinkie Town Definitive List (Round 9)
Yesterday at 08:00 AM
A gem of a ballpark
Rounds 1-8 Results:
Since its 2010 inaugural, Target Field has remained in the top third—if not significantly higher—of active MLB ballparks by fan popularity lists. Wedged into a site where no one thought it would fit and butted up against an incinerator, the Minnesota Twins' current home endured some initial skepticism. But once the gates opened? A beautiful place to enjoy MN's sterling summer months under the blue skies and sunshine at a ballgame.
Next: One ballpark replaces another.
Paul Molitor
- Despite a long, Hall of Fame career elsewhere, the St. Paul-born, Gopher-playing Molitor didn't play for his hometown major league squad until 39 years of age (1996-1998). Even then, his .341 BA campaign in '96 was remarkable! After assuming various coaching roles in the Twins organization from 2005-2014, Molly assumed the top dugout perch from 2015-2018. Even after being let go, Molitor remained—and remains—active as a roving instructor.
The Star Tribune Sports Section
- Gather 'round, children, and let me tell you of a time before the internet. In the hardscrabble analog age of human existence, following your local sporting nine was not a moment-by-moment affair. Instead, a rolled-up newsprint assemblage that magically appeared on your doorstep to meet the rising sun was often your best bet for baseball news. No shade to east Twin Cities suburbanites who received the Pioneer Press, but the west-side's Star Tribune had unassailable sports coverage that provided beat opinions and box scores to pore over for hours.
Dan Gladden
- In five seasons with the Twins, Dan Gladden accumulated 5.8 WAR—not exactly the stuff of legends. Yet, legend he is in these parts. His hustle and speed were key components of two championships and he was clutch in both—a grand slam in '87 & a 10th inning double in G7 '91 that sparked the winning rally. Dazzle's "colorful" commentary aside John Gordon, Corey Provus and others in the radio booth is unique, to say the least.
Little Big League
- When the Baby Boomers starting getting nostalgic in the 1990s, baseball was on the tip of their cinematic tongues. In 1994, an art-imitating-life story of the woebegone Twins hit theaters. Filmed at the Metrodome and featuring the vocal talents of John Gordon's "Wally Holland", Little Big League and its adolescent Billy Heywood gave young Twins fans a dream scenario. Whether teaching us math or exploring baseball's brand of humor, Little Big League remains an all-time classic in these parts.
Metropolitan Stadium
- Though lacking the championships & quirkiness of the Metrodome or the beauty of Target Field, the "Old Met" has powerful nostalgia in its corner. The plot of ground where Mall of America now stands is where Twins fans first witnessed Harmon Killebrew's powerful swing, Tony Oliva's brilliance, and Jim Kaat rearing back into his windup. It hosted 4 games of the 1965 World Series in which LA legends Don Drysdale & Sandy Koufax were glimpsed.
