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		The history of the Minnesota Twins By Jerry Feitelberg July 29, 2011

	The Minnesota Twins are in town to play the a three game set with the Oakland. A's. The Twins have a long history in baseball. They were the original Washington Senator franchise in the American League and have been playing baseball against the Athletics since 1901. The Senators moved to Minnesota following the 1960 season and were reborn as the Twins and have been in Minnesota for fifty years. The Twins have had good success over the years. They have won three American League pennants ad two World Series titles. Their first pennant was in 1965 . It was the first time since 1924 to reach the Series.They played the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. The Dodgers won the series in seven games behind the pitching of Hall of Famer, Sandy Koufax. Players on the 1965 team included Zoilo Versalles, who was American League MVP that year, and Bob Allison, Don Mincher, Harmon Killebrew and Tony Oliva. Pitchers on that team were Jim Mudcat Grant and Jim Kaat. Minnesota made it to the World Series in 1987 and won their first title beating the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games. It was the first time in baseball history that the home team won every game . The Twins did not have a great record that year. They won 85 and lost 77. Players on that team included Bert Blyleven, Frank Viola,Jeff Reardon and believe it or not, Steve Carlton. Carlton pitched in seven games and had a record of 2-1. Position players included Gary Gaetti, Greg Gagne, Kent Hrbek and Kirby Puckett and a young player by the name of Billy Beane. Wonder what became of Beane. Is he still in baseball? The Twins won their second World Series crown in 1991 beating the Atlanta Braves in seven games. Again, the home team won every game. The twins pitching staff included Jack Morris, Steve Bedrosian, Scott Erickson and Rick Aguilera. Position players included Gagne,Hrbek, Gladden, Puckett and were joined by Chuck Kboblauch and Chili Davis. The Twins play have been competitive over the years even though they play in a “small market.” They have made the playoffs six times in the last nine years but have failed to make it to the World Series. From 1987 to 1991 the Twins and the A's were fierce rivals in the Western Division. The current three division set up didn't start until 1994. Twins players that are in baseball's Hall of Fame include Harmon Killebrew, Steve Carlton(he went into the hall as a Phillie), Kirby Puckett and Bert Blyleven. Blyleven was inducted into the hall this year. The Twins are currently managed by Ron Gardenhire and while they are not having a great season this year do not take them lightly. They play the game the right way.