Tracing their roots to the nation’s capital, the Minnesota Twins shrugged off the losing ways of the Washington Senators when they relocated in 1961 and became one of the American League’s top teams in the next decade. Later, they won two World Series and built a strong young team that saved baseball in Minnesota. From the legends of the game to today’s superstars, get to know the players who’ve made the Twins one of MLB’s top teams through the years.
Imagine a story in which a young man grows up so close to a major-league ballpark that he can see the stadium lights from his front yard. He pretends to be the team’s star during neighborhood ball games and fantasizes about one day playing for his hometown team. Stop imagining. Kent Hrbek made those childhood dreams come true. In this newly revised edition of Tales From the Minnesota Twins Dugout, the Twins superstar himself relives his journey from homegrown dreamer to international superstar. Along the way, he recounts all the unforgettable moments from on the field and in the locker room that make the Twins one of baseball’s most beloved franchises. Hrbek played fourteen seasons for the franchise, helping the club win two World Series titles. His jersey has been retired by the Twins, hanging alongside the likes of Tony Oliva, the hitter he emulated as a child. It is a fairytale story. But it’s only one part of this newly revised edition of Tales From the Minnesota Twins Dugout. Within these pages, readers will find the story of players’ hopes, realities, and unforgettable moments. Enjoy the humorous tales of pranks pulled by Hrbek and his zany teammates, taste the victory as the Twins take home two World Series titles. Savor the story of the hometown hero who remains to this day fiercely loyal to his Twins. A must-have for any Minnesota fan. Whether you are a New York Yankees fan or hail from Red Sox nation; whether you are a die-hard Green Bay Packers or Dallas Cowboys fan; whether you root for the Kentucky Wildcats, Louisville Cardinals, UCLA Bruins, or Kansas Jayhawks; whether you route for the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, or Los Angeles Kings; we have a book for you. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to publishing books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked by other publishers and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
A treasury of Twin Cities baseball history packed with photos from the archives. Major League Baseball came to the Minnesota prairie in the spring of 1961, and ever since, the Minnesota Twins have held a cherished place in the hearts of sports fans throughout the region. With Hall of Famers like Harmon Killebrew, Rod Carew, and Kirby Puckett and beloved characters from Billy Martin to Kent Hrbek to Joe Mauer, the history of the Twins encompasses highs and lows, heroes and goats, but always nonstop excitement. Minnesota Twins: The Complete Illustrated History provides an in-depth and entertaining look at the team, its players, its stadiums, and the memorable moments through the years. Illustrated with photos from the Star Tribune’s archives, it is the ultimate celebration of a beloved franchise.
A revised Team Spirit Baseball edition featuring the Minnesota Twins that chronicles the history and accomplishments of the team. The Team Spirit series paints an engaging, detailed yet accessible picture of professional sports teams. By focusing on the history, great victories and memorable personalities, the books have an enduring quality that will not go out of date quickly. The text is enhanced with plenty of full color photographs as well as reproductions of vintage trading cards and team memorabilia.
Who are the greatest baseball players in Minnesota history? Most Minnesota fans know about Joe Mauer, Kirby Puckett, Rod Carew and Harmon Killebrew, but what about the Negro League stars and other Hall of Famers that have roamed the diamonds of Minnesota? This book highlights the 50 greatest players who have played for teams in the North Star State from the Twins to minor league, barnstorming and town ball teams. They may have achieved their greatest fame elsewhere, but at some point they all called the fields of Minnesota home.
Although baseball has passionate fans in Canada, Japan and many other countries, it will always be known as America’s pastime. In this updated version of the bestselling series, readers will learn the full history of each team, from the storied Boston Red Sox to the perennial powerhouse New York Yankees. Side panels and “All-Time Team” profiles enhance the historical narrative, spotlighting famous players and memorable moments, while spectacular photos capture all the hard-hitting, base-stealing action. The history of the Minnesota Twins professional baseball team from its inaugural 1901 season as the Washington Senators to today, spotlighting the team’s greatest players and most memorable moments.
For more than half a century, Minnesotans have been treated to the memorable players and teams of the Minnesota Twins. From the Ruthian blasts of Harmon Killebrew and Kirby Puckett to a successful brand of "small ball," the Twins have fielded competitive teams at Metropolitan Stadium, the Metrodome and Target Field. But prior to its arrival in 1961, the team also had a storied past in Washington that included Walter Johnson, the greatest pitcher of the Deadball Era, if not all time. Sports historian Stew Thornley highlights the lesser-known events in the club's history, from the area's attempts to lure a major-league team to town in the 1950s to then-owner Calvin Griffith's campaign to regionally rename the team. He also pays tribute to the rich heritage of baseball before the Twins, marked by minor-league teams such as the St. Paul Saints and Minneapolis Millers, which produced future Hall of Famers Willie Mays, Duke Snider, Ted Williams and Roy Campanella.
