Opening Day Ceremony
First in war, first in peace, and last in the American League — until Minnesota.
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.
- First Season
- 1961
- Current Stadium
- Target Field
- Stadium Opened
- 2010
- Previous Dome Era
- 1982-2009
- Original Venue
- Metropolitan Stadium
- Honored Legends
- Killebrew, Carew, Puckett, Oliva
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
The morning of June 24, 2006, was bright over the new temple grounds. Monks in saffron robes gathered with the laity, their voices rising in chants that had been passed down for centuries. Ven. Seewalie stood at the center, his presence a calm anchor for the community that had grown from small gatherings at a Vietnamese temple in Blaine. The air was thick with incense and expectation. A letter from the president of Sri Lanka was read aloud, its words carrying the weight of a nation's blessing: "I treat the inauguration of the Minnesota Buddhist Vihara as a remarkable event." For the families who had driven hours from across the Midwest, this was more than a building—it was a home for their faith, a place where the Buddha's teachings could take root in the cold soil of Minnesota.
Reader's Guide
The team 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 name 'Twins' was derived from 'Twin Cities', a popular nickname for the two cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. The team's first decade in Minnesota saw success, winning the American League pennant in 1965. A second wave of success came in the late 1980s and early 1990s, winning the franchise's second and third World Series.
Did You Know?
- The franchise was originally founded in Kansas City in 1894 as the minor league Kansas City Blues.
- The team was commonly referred to as the Senators throughout its Washington history, even when officially named the Nationals.
- The franchise remained under Griffith family ownership until 1984.
- The 1924 World Series was the only World Series triumph for the franchise during their 60-year tenure in Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Minnesota Twins hold their Opening Day ceremony?
The team celebrates Opening Day at Target Field, which has served as their home stadium since 2010. Before moving to this outdoor venue, the franchise played its opening games inside the Metrodome from 1982 through 2009.
Which legends are honored during the Twins' Opening Day ceremony?
The annual tribute typically recognizes iconic players such as Harmon Killebrew, Rod Carew, Kirby Puckett, and Tony Oliva. These ceremonies celebrate their enduring impact on the franchise's history since its inception in 1961.
When did the Twins begin playing at Target Field?
Target Field officially opened for the Minnesota Twins in 2010, replacing the Metrodome as the team's primary home. This marked a return to an outdoor ballpark after nearly three decades of playing under a dome roof.
What was the original venue for the Minnesota Twins?
The franchise began its first season in 1961 at Metropolitan Stadium, located in Bloomington. The team played there until relocating to the Metrodome in Minneapolis for the 1982 season.
Why is the Opening Day ceremony important to Twins fans?
This event serves as a nostalgic celebration of the team's legacy while marking the start of a new competitive season. It connects current supporters with the club's storied past by honoring its greatest players and milestones.
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