The year 2023 was a landmark year for breaking long-standing streaks in the world of American sports. Two of the most talked-about streaks that ended were the Minnesota Twins’ 18-game MLB playoffs losing streak and the Detroit Lions’ 32-year drought without an NFL postseason victory. As we look forward to the 2024 baseball season and beyond, fans are wondering which long-standing records may yet tumble.
When it comes to the Twins and the MLB in particular, expectations have already reached a fever pitch ahead of the new season getting underway. The Texas Rangers head into the season as the reigning champions after their fairytale campaign last year culminated with a first World Series in franchise history. The Lone Star State side headed into the postseason as rank outsiders after securing a mere fifth seeding in the American League. However, victories against the Tampa Bay Rays, the top seed Baltimore Orioles and the heavyweight Houston Astros secured a trip to the championship series for the first time since they lost back-to-back World Series in 2010 and 2011.
However, over in the National League, the Arizona Diamondbacks were in the midst of a Cinderella story of their own. They were the sixth seeds in their respective league however, that didn’t stop them from sweeping the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, before narrowly making their way past the Philadelphia Phillies in a seven-game thriller to seal their spot in the showpiece series. Ultimately however, it was the Rangers that ran out victorious, winning the series by four games to win and hoisting the giant trophy high above their heads and into the Arlington night sky.
But it wasn’t just the two finalists that got in on the year of the underdog throughout 2023. Our very own Minnesota Twins also broke a long-standing hoodoo, and another sports team from the city could be set to follow in their footsteps.
The End of the Twins’ Torture
For the Minnesota Twins, their 18-game postseason losing streak was more than just a number; it was a symbol of repeated heartbreaks and near-misses that stretched all the way back to 2004. This streak was not only a record for the MLB but also held the dubious honor of being the longest in the history of major North American sports leagues.
However, in 2023, under the bright lights of the Wild Card Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, the Twins finally shattered their shackles. Pablo López, channeling the spirit of Johan Santana, led the team to a 3-1 victory. It was a game that saw Royce Lewis shine with two home runs, propelling the Twins to their first postseason win in nearly two decades.
Unfortunately for them, their postseason adventure ended in the Division Series by the heavyweight Astros, but not before the Minneapolis side had announced their return as a force to be reckoned with. Now, with the 2024 campaign around the corner, popular odds to bet on baseball price the Twins as +2000 contenders next term. Fans of the outfit will be hoping that they can follow in the footsteps of both the Rangers and the Diamondbacks by charging their way toward the World Series this fall.
The Lions Roar Again After 32 Years
Over in the NFL, the Detroit Lions ended a longstanding streak of their own. They began the 2023 season without a win in the postseason in 32 years. However, they defeated the Green Bay Packers on the final day of the 2022 campaign to halt their great rivals’ hopes of reaching the postseason. They followed that up with a stunning victory against the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs on the opening day of last season, at the fortress-like Arrowhead Stadium no less.
As the campaign progressed, further wins followed at Ford Field. They ended the campaign with their first NFC North title in history, but they weren’t done there. They managed to end their three-decade-plus postseason drought with a one-point victory against a Matthew Stafford-powered Los Angeles Rams in the Wildcard Round of the playoffs. They then went one better, by defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Divisional Round, punching their ticket to the NFC Championship game for the first time ever.
The Jets’ Hope for 2024
Looking ahead to 2024, the New York Jets are on the cusp of ending their own 13-year postseason drought. That was meant to come last season, however, the arrival of the marquee new quarterback Aaron Rodgers ended just six minutes into his MetLife Stadium debut with a season-ending injury. However, his imminent return to fitness should bolster the Jets’ hopes in 2024.
The former Packer is a seasoned quarterback with a wealth of experience and leadership qualities and has the potential to transform the Jets’ fortunes. His presence on the field raises the team’s performance level, making a postseason appearance a realistic goal for the Jets in 2024.
Timberwolves Eyeing Postseason Return
Meanwhile, in the NBA, the Minnesota Timberwolves are eyeing a return to the postseason after a 19-year absence, the joint longest ongoing drought in the league today. Currently sitting third in the Western Conference, they have shown consistency and determination throughout the campaign, with defensive powerhouse Ruby Gobert personifying their rebirth. With winnable fixtures on the horizon and solid performances throughout the first two-thirds of the season already in the bank, one has to wonder how much further the Wolves may go this term