Tag: Kirby Puckett

The most thrilling Minnesota Twins moments throughout history

With so many decorated and celebrated moments studding the historic timeline of the Twins, we’re going to pick only the most thrilling moments today. Unlike some teams in the MLB, there are plenty to choose from for the Twins.

While they might not be at the dizzying heights of the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Minnesota Twins have played an enormous role in the development of the MLB in the US. According to the sportsbooks, the Twins go into next season at around +3000 to win the World Series. So, sportsbooks aren’t too confident. We don’t blame them, to be honest.

While the best new betting sites focus on getting new customers through the door and offering a raft of promotions to potential new clientele, it’s unlikely they will put their hard-earned money on the Twins to get their hands on baseball’s biggest prize. WSN has compiled a list of the newest sports betting sites making a name for themselves, including those covering the top MLB markets. So, without further ado, let’s glide through some of the most thrilling moments in Minnesota Twins history.

The 1987 World Series Win

The 1987 World Series compilation video, accompanied by Bonnie Tyler’s immortal “I Need A Hero,” is something Twins fans remember vividly to this day. As far as music and sports videos go, was there a better combination?

It is still such a nostalgic period for many of us – when the team was packed with some of the best baseball talent in the US. While the last few years might have been a rollercoaster, the 1987 World Series win easily goes down as one of the most thrilling in the Twins’ history; the final out is easily one of the most thrilling – for me, it’s in the top three.

The 1987 World Series win was so memorable for many reasons, including the fact that the Twins were outscored in the regular season. Frank Viola, who etched his name into the folklore of Twins history when he was named MVP in the 87 World Series, was no stranger to thrilling baseball moments.

Having risen to the occasion against the Cardinals and proved to be the most impactful player, he was also a big part of one of the most thrilling college baseball games ever, in 1981. It was exhilarating for fans, and considering it was their first in 63 years, most had not seen a Twins team win a World Series.

Kubel’s grand slam

Aside from the World Series wins, which come with that particular level of thrill and excitement, Jason Kubel’s grand slam to complete the cycle was pure baseball cinema. Although it wasn’t in a World Series game, we couldn’t not mention it today.

It’s a moment that is ingrained in the minds of Twins fans, and although I wasn’t there, those who were still have vivid recollections of what was one of the defining moments of that MLB season. Granted, there hasn’t been much to shout about in the modern era, but Kubel’s Grand Slam is undoubtedly up there.

Mauer magic

Sticking to the more contemporary Twins events, if a name resonates with Millennial Twins fans then it has to be Joe Mauer. His 2009 season was one of the most thrilling season-long events that any Twins fan can recall in recent memory.

A sure name on any list of the greatest Minnesota players of all time, Mauer’s 2009 season consisted of 96 RBI and 28 homers. His 2,000 career hit was a special moment that I was lucky to witness – and the around-the-net catch in 2010. While the latter might not have been one of the most thrilling per se, it was one of the most entertaining and unusual.

We won’t forget Joe in a hurry – and now that his number has been retired, there’s a whole new generation of Twins fans finding out just how special a player he was. For us, he was one of the best, so we gave him his own section.

The 1991 World Series

Moving back to the World Series, the Twins’ 1991 team was packed with players who knew how to perform when it mattered most. Kirby Puckett’s triple in the bottom of the first inning put the Twins in the driving seat. His run-saving drive is still one of the best catches of modern MLB.

Puck’s performance in Game 6 in the 1991 World Series is what baseball players dream of when they first sign a pro contract – it was the very definition of an elite MLB performance. It helped define his legacy as one of the most extraordinary Twins ever, and it goes down in baseball history as one of the most thrilling Twins moments.

Not only did he have a pair of base hits and a run-saving catch, the must-win game went into the extra innings. At the bottom of the 11th, his walk-off home run clinched the game for the Twins. This list would not have been worth its salt if we didn’t feature Kirby, but his whole performance in the 1991 World Series truly is the stuff of legend.

Conclusion

Of all the Twins moments we could have touched on today, this list is a fair representation. Sure, some people might be upset that the tie-breaker in 2009 against the Tigers didn’t made the cut, but if we’re sticking to moments and games, then we’re confident that our list today is more than sufficient.

We know many other moments have narrowly missed being chosen, but we’ve covered modern events and delved into the archives to find the right blend of magic Twins moments. Hopefully, over the next decade, a few players or moments will be able to challenge some of the great Twins names that have appeared on today’s list. It’s a shame that two of the Twins’ World Series were grouped so closely in 1987 and 1991. As the drought continues, the player or players who end it will almost certainly find themselves in this conversation. However, judging by the way they have been playing recently, we could be waiting a long time for this to happen.

They knocked in 100 and scored 100

HOF “Goose” Goslin

Every good baseball team needs those big bopper’s that that can knock in the ducks off the pond and it is even better, when he too, can also score a lot of runs. Those kind of hitters don’t come around too often but the Minnesota Twins/Washington Senators franchise has been blessed with 13 of those types of players and they have accomplished this feat a total of 18 times since 1901.

Hitters like this aren’t always power hitters and they aren’t always high average hitters either. Hitters on the list below have hit as many home runs as 49 by Harmon Killebrew or as few as 5 by Buddy Meyer. Some hit for very high averages like Rod Carew‘s .388 or as low as Bob Allison‘s .266 (which in today’s game wouldn’t be considered low at all.) Six of the 13 are MLB Hall of Fame players.

The first player in franchise history to turn this trick was outfielder Goose Goslin who who actually did it three years in a row from 1924-1926. The Senators won the World Series in 1924 and lost the World Series in 1925. If you want to learn more this Hall of Fame player take a few minutes and stop by here.

Harmon Killebrew

Six Minnesota Twins players have accomplished this rare feat over the years with Bob Allison being the first in 1962 and Michael Cuddyer being the most current player to it it back in 2006. Killebrew and Kirby Puckett are the only two Twins to do it twice.

The MLB career leader’s in this feat are Lou Gehrig with 13, Alex Rodriguez and Babe Ruth with 12, Barry Bonds and Jimmie Foxx with 11 and Henry Aaron with 10.

Franchise players with 100 runs and 100 RBI in a season

Top 10 offensive seasons by a Twins position player

Rod Carew’s .388 batting average in 1977 was the highest in baseball since Ted Williams in 1957. (National Baseball Hall of Fame)

It is always interesting to look back over the years and try to determine who has had the best offensive season for your favorite team. In the case of the Minnesota Twins I think that is a pretty easy answer, Rod Carew in 1977 and his run at hitting .400. I was lucky that I was able to witness that season as I was able to get out to Met Stadium and see a number of his games in person. Here is a short 3 minute video (don’t forget to turn on the sound) for you to watch about Rod. An interesting point is that none have taken place at Target Field.

But the Twins have had many great offensive seasons by their players and today we going to provide a list of the top 10 (actually 11) for you. All the players on this list have a WAR of 7.0 or above. As you go down the list you can picture the player in your mind or if you weren’t around or didn’t follow the Twins back then this website will hopefully learn more about that player and his contribution to Minnesota Twins history. As always we are going to use Baseball-Reference.com and their nifty tool “Stathead” to help us identify the players for this list by rating them using WAR.

Twins top 10 offensive seasons by a Twins player

Over the years, there have been 141 players with a WAR of 9.0 or more in a season, here is the list. Any surprises? Feel free to leave your comments.

Babe Ruth

List of 141 MLB players with WAR of 9.0 or higher

Former Twins outfielder Brant Alyea dies at 83

Brant Alyea

Brant Alyea was born in Passiac, New Jersey on December 8, 1940 and passed away at the age of 83 in his Pennsylvania home on February 4, 2024. Alyea was a very athletic student lettering in three sports at Rutherford High School, playing quarterback for the Bulldogs and starring in basketball and baseball. 

According to his SABR Bio, after graduating from high school Alyea accepted a scholarship to Hofstra College in Hempstead, New York, a seemingly perfect fit as the small Long Island institution was established on a campus bequeathed by a Dutch lumber magnate, William Hofstra, in the 1930s, and their athletic teams were known as the Flying Dutchmen. More significantly, Hofstra would give Alyea the opportunity to play basketball as well as baseball. The basketball team was then coached by another Dutchman originally from New Jersey, Butch van Breda Kolff. Alyea and the Dutchmen enjoyed significant basketball success in the NCAA College Division. In the 1959-60 season, they finished 23-1, losing only to Wagner College of Staten Island by two points in January, but that loss cost them the conference title and they were not selected for postseason play. The next year, Alyea led the Dutchmen in scoring and rebounding, and Hofstra was selected for the small-college tournament, in which the team was eliminated by Albright College.

But it was Alyea’s baseball skills, particularly his power that attracted baseball scouts and eventually led to his signing with the Cincinnati Reds in the Spring of 1962. The Reds assigned their 6’5″ prospect to Geneva (New York) of the Class D New York-Penn League, and he clubbed 32 home runs while hitting .319 in just 105 games. Those healthy numbers made Alyea a prime target in the Rule 5 draft, which at that time covered all first-year players who had not been placed on the 40-man roster, and Alyea was snatched up by the Washington Senators.

Continue reading Former Twins outfielder Brant Alyea dies at 83

Twins leaders in multi-hit games

The Minnesota Twins have had some great hitters over the years and several of them have gone on to the Hall of Fame. It is time to take a look at these hitters and see who has the most multi-hit games on their Twins career resume. The lone active Twins player on the list is Jorge Polanco and he is moving up the list. Are there any players on this list that surprise you? The leader of course is non other than Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett.

Kirby Puckett
Query Results Table
Rk Player From To Count of
multi-hit

 

games

 Ind. Games Link
1 Kirby Puckett 1984 1995 702 Games List
2 Rod Carew 1967 1978 617 Games List
3 Joe Mauer 2004 2018 575 Games List
4 Tony Oliva 1962 1976 562 Games List
5 Kent Hrbek 1981 1994 469 Games List
6 Harmon Killebrew 1961 1974 410 Games List
7 Justin Morneau 2003 2013 363 Games List
8 Chuck Knoblauch 1991 1997 348 Games List
9 Torii Hunter 1998 2015 346 Games List
10 César Tovar 1965 1972 322 Games List
11 Gary Gaetti 1982 1990 310 Games List
12 Zoilo Versalles 1961 1967 279 Games List
13 Roy Smalley 1976 1987 270 Games List
14 Jacque Jones 1999 2005 267 Games List
15 Michael Cuddyer 2002 2011 263 Games List
16 Cristian Guzmán 1999 2004 240 Games List
17 Bob Allison 1961 1970 235 Games List
18 Brian Dozier 2012 2018 231 Games List
19 Brian Harper 1988 1993 226 Games List
20 Rich Rollins 1962 1968 224 Games List
21 Tom Brunansky 1982 1988 208 Games List
22 Jorge Polanco 2015 2022 205 Games List
23 Greg Gagne 1985 1992 204 Games List
24 Earl Battey 1961 1967 202 Games List
25 Eddie Rosario 2015 2020 199 Games List
Provided by Stathead.com: View Stathead Tool Used
Generated 7/13/2022.

Twins leaders in multiple hit games

Stathead on Baseball-Reference is always a fun toy to play with to look up a variety of stats. I have used it and its predecessor for years. In this case I was curious who the Twins leaders in multi-hit games were between 1961 through 2020.

Kirby Puckett is Twins multi-hit leader

The American League multiple hit games leaders during this time frame can be found here.

The National League multiple hit games leaders during this time frame can be found here.

Twins players with 1,000 or more hits on their Twins resume

Kirby Puckett

The Minnesota Twins have had many great hitters over the years but how many of them have had 1,000 or more hits while wearing a Minnesota Twins uniform? There has been just 14 of them, do you think you can name them all off the top of your head? Grab a pencil and paper and write down their names and see how many of them you can name. Feel free to leave a comment on how you did. When you are all done, click on the link below to see the entire list.

https://tinyurl.com/ya7dprth

Did any of the names on this list surprise you? How many of these players did you get to see play when they were active Twins players? What Twins player didn’t you get to see play that you would have enjoyed watching?

Bob Allison just missed getting on this list with 999 hits while Jacque Jones with 974 hits and Brian Dozier with 928 hits were the others with over 900 hits but under 1,000.

Have a great day and stay safe and healthy during this difficult time as we pass the time waiting for the COVID19 issue to pass.

Strange but true

Baseball is a fun and interesting game and 2019 was no exception. Jayson Stark wrote a cool article in The Athletic today called “Strange But True Feats of the Year, 2019 Edition” and the Twins were mentioned a couple of times. If you don’t subscribe to The Athletic (and you really should), you won’t be able to read it but I will steal his Twins mentions and put them here for you to see the kind of writing you are missing by not subscribing.

Twins pinch hitter Miguel Sano (22) celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk off home run in the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Ben Ludeman-USA TODAY Sports

On August 5 at Target Field, Miguel Sano did something very cool. He didn’t just hit a walk-off homer. He hit the Twins’ first walk-off homer against the Braves since the Kirby Puckett Game 6 We’ll See You Tomorrow Night shot that set up the epic Jack Morris–John Smoltz Game 7 in the 1991 World Series. But then … guess what Ronald Acuña Jr. did on the first pitch of their next game? Yessir. Hit a leadoff homer. It’s the only time in any of the past 13 seasons when one game ended on a last-pitch homer and the next game started with a first-pitch homer.

The Twins’ Ryne Harper had a July 7 outing in which he faced four hitters, struck out all four of them and still managed to record a total of … five outs — thanks to a little miracle we like to call the old strike-’em-out-throw-’em-out inherited-runner double play.

Four Orioles did manage to hit two homers in a game at Camden Yards. Which sounds encouraging until you remember that four Twins did that in one day (April 20). All right, so they played a doubleheader that day. But still …

The Yankees blew away the all-time record for home runs in one season — but didn’t even lead their league, because the Twins hit 307 of them. Five different Twins hit at least 30 home runs in 2019. Which was kind of notable because only five different Twins had had a 30-homer season in the previous 30 seasons put together!

Play you best players, let them rest in the off-season

When I go to the ballpark or watch a baseball game on TV I always expect the teams best players to be on the field day in and day out during the baseball season. I am old school in that regard and it is disappointing to me when today’s managers rest players so frequently. I believe that players are paid to play and only an injury that does not physically allow them to play should keep them off the field and in the dugout. 

Justin Morneau

Apparently that is not how the Twins play baseball. Coming to the ballpark and playing every day is not how it is done in Minnesota. The last player to play 160 or more games in a season for the Minnesota Twins was Justin Morneau back in 2008, that was 12 years ago. Morneau put together a 218 consecutive games played streak that started on June 28, 2007 and ended on June 20, 2009.  

Zoilo Versalles

Over the years the Twins have had 21 instances when a player has appeared in 160 games or more. Eleven players have accomplished this feat with Zoilo Versalles leading the pack with four such seasons, Harmon Killebrew and Kirby Puckett each did it three times, Cesar Tovar, Leo Cardenas and Gary Gaetti did it twice while Tony Oliva, Roy Smalley, Paul Molitor, Torii Hunter and Justin Morneau each did it once. This past season the Twins “Ironman” was Jorge Polanco with 153 games played.

Looking at just the American League (due to no DH in the National League) this past season there were four players that appeared in 160 or more games and there have been no instances from 1961-2019 where there hasn’t been at least one players appearing in 160 games in a season, excluding strike shortened seasons.

Going back to 1961 the Twins have the third longest streak in the AL without a player appearing in 160 or more games. The last Cleveland Indians player to play in 160 or more games was Grady Sizemore in 2007 and the longest streak in the AL without a player playing in 160 games belongs to the Los Angeles Angels who had Garret Anderson and Troy Glaus qualify back in 2001. I found it interesting that the Texas Rangers who did not begin play until 1972 and play in the very hot Texas temperatures had 13 players play in 160 or more games between 1972-2019.

Recent Minnesota Twins news events

The first thing we do need to do is to congratulate catcher Mitch Garver and DH Nelson Cruz on being named 2019 American League Silver Slugger winners. Garver and Cruz are the first Minnesota Twins teammates to win Silver Sluggers since Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau in 2008.

The last previous winner of a Silver Slugger award was outfielder Josh Willingham in 2012. Kirby Puckett and Joe Mauer have each won the award five times. Garver and Cruz are the seventh and eighth Minnesota Twins players to be awarded Silver Slugger. 

The Silver Slugger Award is awarded annually to the best offensive player at each position in both the American League and the National League, as determined by the coaches and managers of Major League Baseball. The award was started in 1980. A complete list of Twins award winners can be seen here.

Continue reading Recent Minnesota Twins news events