1987 World Series
The 1987 World Series: First indoors, home teams swept, and the Twins won in seven.
The 1987 World Series was the championship series of Major League Baseball's (MLB) 1987 season. The 84th edition of the World Series, it was a best-of-seven playoff played between the American League (AL) champion Minnesota Twins and the National League (NL) champion St. Louis Cardinals. The Twins defeated the Cardinals in seven games to win their first championship since the team was known as the Washington Senators. Twins pitcher Frank Viola was named the 1987 World Series MVP.
Quick Facts
- Result
- Won World Series, 4 games to 2
- Opponent
- St. Louis Cardinals
- Manager
- Terry Kennedy
- Franchise significance
- First World Series championship in Twins history
- Standout rookie
- Kirby Puckett (outfielder, debuted 1987)
- Core hitters
- Cal Ripken Jr.
- Gary Gaetti
- Kirby Puckett
- Ace pitcher
- Doug Drabek
Lore & Background
It was the first World Series to feature games played indoors, and the first in which the home team won every game. This was the third of six World Series played entirely on artificial turf. It was the first World Series in which the series logo appeared on the jerseys; only the Cardinals wore it. It was also the last World Series in which any games were played during the day. This was the third consecutive World Series to go the full seven games. This was the only World Series in history in which the bottom of the ninth inning was never played. With the Twins' win, Major League Baseball extended its record to ten straight unique World Series champions.
Reader's Guide
The Twins set the record for the worst regular season win–loss record of any World Series championship team (85–77, .525). The Twins were the first team to enter the World Series having been outscored in the regular season. The Cardinals posted a 95–67 record but were hindered by injuries, most notably the loss of first baseman Jack Clark. Game 7 was won by Minnesota on the 35th birthday of the Twins' Roy Smalley, which was also the last game of his career.
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