Minnesota Twins
First in war, first in peace, and last in the American League — until they moved north.
The Minnesota Twins are an American professional baseball team based in Minneapolis. The Twins compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Central Division. The team is named after the Twin Cities moniker for the two adjacent cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
- League
- American League
- Geographic Region
- Midwest
Lore & Background
The franchise was founded in Kansas City in 1894 as the minor league Kansas City Blues. The team relocated to Washington, D.C. in 1901 to become the major league Washington Senators. The franchise moved to Minnesota and was renamed the Minnesota Twins for the start of the 1961 season. The Twins played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and in the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome from 1982 to 2009. The team has played at Target Field since 2010. The franchise won the World Series in 1924 as the Senators, and in 1987 and 1991 as the Twins.
In Their Own Story
On October 30, 2020, the Minnesota Twins claimed Gibaut off waivers. By February 19, 2021, he was outrighted off the 40-man roster to accommodate Matt Shoemaker, becoming a non-roster invitee for Spring Training. After pitching 27 games for the St. Paul Saints with a 1–3 record and a 7.20 ERA, his contract was selected back to the majors on August 27. Gibaut made three appearances for the Twins, recording a 2.70 ERA with four strikeouts before being outrighted again on October 8. On October 14, he elected free agency, ending his brief second chapter in Minnesota. This period highlighted the volatility of roster management, where strong minor league performances did not always guarantee a secure spot in the major league rotation.
Reader's Guide
The team was founded in Washington, D.C., in 1901 as one of the eight original teams of the American League. It was named the Washington Senators from 1901 to 1904, the Washington Nationals from 1905 to 1955, and the Senators again from 1956 to 1960. The team was commonly referred to as the Senators throughout its history. The name 'Twins' was derived from 'Twin Cities', a popular nickname for Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
Did You Know?
- The franchise's only World Series win while in Washington came in 1924, when a bad-hop ground ball over third base helped the Senators defeat the New York Giants.
- The team moved to Minnesota after owner Calvin Griffith cited the smaller Black population in the Twin Cities as a reason, saying 'Black people don't go to ball games.'
- The Twins won the American League pennant in 1965, their fifth season in Minnesota.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Minnesota Twins in relation to Cleveland?
They are a historic divisional rival within the American League Central based in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Both franchises have competed for playoff berths against each other for decades.
Why is this rivalry considered significant?
Frequent matchups directly impact AL Central standings and often determine postseason qualification during regular seasons. The geographic proximity creates intense travel schedules and heated fan interactions across the Midwest region.
Have players ever played for both organizations?
Yes, pitchers like Ian Gibaut have pitched for both clubs during their Major League careers. These transfers highlight the fluid nature of player movement within the division.
Where do these teams play their home games?
The Twins host games at Target Field in Minnesota while the Guardians play at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. Both stadiums are located within the Midwest region of the United States.
How does the rivalry impact the league standings?
Direct competition between them frequently shifts the AL Central win-loss records and playoff seeding. Their head-to-head results often serve as a key tiebreaker at the end of the season.
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