Congrats to the Twins--the first MLB team to make the playoffs
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They did it after losing Morneau who looked like an MVP candidate at midseason. With Thome having a tremendous year they didn't miss a beat.
My Team! We're gonna win Twins We're gonna score! I love that old style big sign at Target Field of the Mpls and St Paul shaking hands across the river!!! I grew up in Lake Elmo on a little dairy farm there - we would hurry up to get the chores done on summer nights so we could drive in to Met Stadium to watch Harmon play the last few innings form the left field bleachers!! What a thrill!
mikamom,
For some reason when I first started really following ML baseball in about 1966, Harmon Killebrew was my favorite player. I think I saw him hit a couple of HRs in a game on TV and just was struck by the long, high HRs he would hit.
For some reason when I first started really following ML baseball in about 1966, Harmon Killebrew was my favorite player. I think I saw him hit a couple of HRs in a game on TV and just was struck by the long, high HRs he would hit.
6 out of the last 9 div champs.... Great franchise in a crummy division
"They did it after losing Morneau who looked like an MVP candidate at midseason."
Three Bagger,
Yes, that is one amazing "back story" of our season, as well as losing Joe Nathan, one of MLB's best closers, at the beginning of the season.
When I was watching the interview with Thome last night after they clinched, I was struck by this:
The old guy (future first round HOF'er) and the young guys (unknown younger players like Danny Valencia) have come through and taken their turns in keeping the Twins winning. It has been an exciting season so far!
Julie
Three Bagger,
Yes, that is one amazing "back story" of our season, as well as losing Joe Nathan, one of MLB's best closers, at the beginning of the season.
When I was watching the interview with Thome last night after they clinched, I was struck by this:
The old guy (future first round HOF'er) and the young guys (unknown younger players like Danny Valencia) have come through and taken their turns in keeping the Twins winning. It has been an exciting season so far!
Julie
I think they have the best manager in MLB. JMO
I've adopted the Twins 
as my fav post season team, just a great example of how a team, young players and veterans working together to reach their goal. When you lose your best player and see guys pulling together to win you know the chemistry is working.
Just to fill you in on Danny Valencia (who played with DK on a travel team one fall and in some local leagues), was not recruited out of HS from top D1 programs, although a top county player, first college year attended UNC Greensboro and transfered to UM, where he was drafted in the 19th round in 2006 (pick #576).
Funny how that works, huh?
as my fav post season team, just a great example of how a team, young players and veterans working together to reach their goal. When you lose your best player and see guys pulling together to win you know the chemistry is working.Just to fill you in on Danny Valencia (who played with DK on a travel team one fall and in some local leagues), was not recruited out of HS from top D1 programs, although a top county player, first college year attended UNC Greensboro and transfered to UM, where he was drafted in the 19th round in 2006 (pick #576).
Funny how that works, huh?
TPM,
My husband asked me the other night as we were watching the Twins, "Do you think Danny Valencia has any trouble getting a date?".
He seems like a very nice young man, and he has been "clutch" for the Twins several times this season.
Coach May,
Some local radio sports guys were discussing Gardy today and also concluded that he may be the best manager in MLB today. How else do you explain this bunch of low-budget, small market players, with their ranks slightly depleted by key injuries, winning so many games this year... as well as six AL Central titles in the last nine seasons?
The conclusion reached by these local reporters who are fairly credible is that one of Gardy's biggest strengths as a manager is helping players be the best they can be. They cited as evidence that very few players have left the Twins and then had markedly improved careers, while many have come here and far surpassed what they accomplished elsewhere (whether in MLB or minor leagues). (David Ortiz might be a noteable exception but there are other circumstances here.)
Whether that conclusion is correct or not, Gardy is well-loved here in Minnesota, and has done an amazing job of fielding a winning team in a small market.
TPM,
Speaking of Gardy, my husband and I saw him spending a lot of time talking to Valencia down in Spring Training this year. We could tell that Gardy thought highly of DV, which made us fairly certain that he was a young player to watch.
Julie
My husband asked me the other night as we were watching the Twins, "Do you think Danny Valencia has any trouble getting a date?".
He seems like a very nice young man, and he has been "clutch" for the Twins several times this season.Coach May,
Some local radio sports guys were discussing Gardy today and also concluded that he may be the best manager in MLB today. How else do you explain this bunch of low-budget, small market players, with their ranks slightly depleted by key injuries, winning so many games this year... as well as six AL Central titles in the last nine seasons?
The conclusion reached by these local reporters who are fairly credible is that one of Gardy's biggest strengths as a manager is helping players be the best they can be. They cited as evidence that very few players have left the Twins and then had markedly improved careers, while many have come here and far surpassed what they accomplished elsewhere (whether in MLB or minor leagues). (David Ortiz might be a noteable exception but there are other circumstances here.)
Whether that conclusion is correct or not, Gardy is well-loved here in Minnesota, and has done an amazing job of fielding a winning team in a small market.
TPM,
Speaking of Gardy, my husband and I saw him spending a lot of time talking to Valencia down in Spring Training this year. We could tell that Gardy thought highly of DV, which made us fairly certain that he was a young player to watch.
Julie
I just want to point out that I think that Danny is the perfect example of what happens when players need to grow up (mature) and then
seperate themselves later on due to hard work and their personal drive.
The first time I really spoke with his mom was playing in the WWBA in Jupiter and she indicated that he was having trouble getting that big D1 scholarship so he had decided to go to UNCG. The last time I saw his mom we had breakfast in Omaha right after his draft. He was sort of having an "off" year, which is why I believe he was a 19th rounder. In other words, a perfect example of what Coach May said in another topic, it's not where you begin but where you end up.
Danny was hot this season in AAA, a good organization and a good manager brings those players in while they are hot to see what they can do to help the team.
What I am most impressed with is that while they don't have a roster filled with ML baseball's biggest talent, they are obviously taught well the basic fundamentals and obviously very happy campers.
It's been a fun year watching and hearing about him and Ty Colvin on ESPN nightly.
seperate themselves later on due to hard work and their personal drive.
The first time I really spoke with his mom was playing in the WWBA in Jupiter and she indicated that he was having trouble getting that big D1 scholarship so he had decided to go to UNCG. The last time I saw his mom we had breakfast in Omaha right after his draft. He was sort of having an "off" year, which is why I believe he was a 19th rounder. In other words, a perfect example of what Coach May said in another topic, it's not where you begin but where you end up.
Danny was hot this season in AAA, a good organization and a good manager brings those players in while they are hot to see what they can do to help the team.
What I am most impressed with is that while they don't have a roster filled with ML baseball's biggest talent, they are obviously taught well the basic fundamentals and obviously very happy campers.
It's been a fun year watching and hearing about him and Ty Colvin on ESPN nightly.
one of my son's room mates was a also a late call up. Ben Revere, very nice to see then give him a shot.
they have always been touted for their pitching depth in the minors.but they do have some very good position players as well.
they have always been touted for their pitching depth in the minors.but they do have some very good position players as well.
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As a Chicago White Sox fan...
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As a Chicago White Sox fan...
- Go Twins!
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quote:Originally posted by Three Bagger:
mikamom,
For some reason when I first started really following ML baseball in about 1966, Harmon Killebrew was my favorite player. I think I saw him hit a couple of HRs in a game on TV and just was struck by the long, high HRs he would hit.
three bagger,
I was also a huge Killebrew fan at that time. For some reason he became my favorite player and I always rooted for him to win the HR crown over Boog Powell or Al Kaline.
I was also a big Don Meredith then Roger Staubach and Cowboys fan at that same time. Thankfully I came to my senses as I got older on this one!
I'm rooting for a Phillies vs. Twins World Series this year. Is that OK with you Julie?
Joe Mauer was 2001 Gatorade Player of the Year ... in football.
2001: Joe Mauer
Baseball fans may not know that Joe Mauer had a football scholarship to play QB at Florida State. Instead, Mauer went the baseball route. It’s safe to say he made the right choice as reigning AL MVP. College Grade: Incomplete
the list and how they did
2001: Joe Mauer
Baseball fans may not know that Joe Mauer had a football scholarship to play QB at Florida State. Instead, Mauer went the baseball route. It’s safe to say he made the right choice as reigning AL MVP. College Grade: Incomplete
the list and how they did
The Twins have the 11th (of 30) highest payroll in baseball. It's second in their division only 10M behind Chicago.quote:bunch of low-budget, small market players
Lifelong Twins fan due to Cubscouts and Knothole days in leftfield watching Harmon Killebrew and the boys. Do they still have these kind of promotions?
quote:The Twins have the 11th (of 30) highest payroll in baseball. It's second in their division only 10M behind Chicago.
they also had, (may still have)the richest owner in baseball. Mr. Pohlad (SP)
quote:Originally posted by gotwood4sale:
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As a Chicago White Sox fan...Go Twins!
.
As a Chicago White Sox fan...
GO Bears & Blackhawks!
quote:Originally posted by 20dad:
one of my son's room mates was a also a late call up. Ben Revere, very nice to see then give him a shot.
they have always been touted for their pitching depth in the minors.but they do have some very good position players as well.
This is Ben's rule 5 year so he would have been placed on the 40 man by November for protection (their first round pick in 2007). Nice to see teams give young players a shot like that for experience for next year.
fillsfan,
"I'm rooting for a Phillies vs. Twins World Series this year. Is that OK with you Julie?"
That would be quite okay with me! And to make that matchup even more intriguing, I will be hanging out with luvbb, one of the Phillies' greatest fans, for 3 days right in the heart of the World Series!
TWINS-S-S!!! 
PHILLIES-S-S-S!!!
Julie
"I'm rooting for a Phillies vs. Twins World Series this year. Is that OK with you Julie?"
That would be quite okay with me!
And to make that matchup even more intriguing, I will be hanging out with luvbb, one of the Phillies' greatest fans, for 3 days right in the heart of the World Series!Julie
The only problem with a Twins vs. Phillies W.S. matchup:
I would have a REAL hard time cheering against DB2BMom's son Vance if he was pitching for the Phillies!
Julie
I would have a REAL hard time cheering against DB2BMom's son Vance if he was pitching for the Phillies!
Julie
Here's a little trivia question for you REAL Twin fans. The Twins were originally the ----?
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Would the Octomom have the answer to your question?
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Would the Octomom have the answer to your question?
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Three Bagger,
Washington Senators. They moved to Minnesota and became the Twins when I was 1 year old.
Julie
Washington Senators. They moved to Minnesota and became the Twins when I was 1 year old.
Julie
Julie,
That is exactly right. That same year, 1961, there was a new Washington Senators expansion team that is now the Texas Rangers. By the way Julie, you accidently gave your age away!
That is exactly right. That same year, 1961, there was a new Washington Senators expansion team that is now the Texas Rangers. By the way Julie, you accidently gave your age away!
quote:Originally posted by TPM:quote:Originally posted by 20dad:
one of my son's room mates was a also a late call up. Ben Revere, very nice to see then give him a shot.
they have always been touted for their pitching depth in the minors.but they do have some very good position players as well.
This is Ben's rule 5 year so he would have been placed on the 40 man by November for protection (their first round pick in 2007). Nice to see teams give young players a shot like that for experience for next year.
...and making that MLB bank for a few weeks is nice after four years.
quote:Originally posted by MN-Mom:
Three Bagger,
Washington Senators. They moved to Minnesota and became the Twins when I was 1 year old.
Julie
...And who was their most famous manager before the Griffiths moved them?
Unless Griffith idolizes himself it would be Walter Johnson.
Walter Johnson is famous, but is he more famous than TW? Not sure. What do you think, Ted?
Teddy Ballgame wasn't the manager of te "old" Washington Senators, he was the manager of the new expansion team called the Washington Senators. He didn't manage Washington until 1968 and that was seven years after the Twins already existed.
I meant to say he first managed them in 1969.
Good recovery.
Calvin Griffith left for Minnesota after the 1960 season and with the Senators history.
The 'expansion' Senators first played in old Griffith Stadium in 1961.
Gil Hodges left after 1967 season to manage the New York Mets.
Jim Lemon managed the Senators who finished in last place in 1968. (Frank Howard also wins the home run crown.)
I was at the game at DC Stadium, which was forfeited to the Yankees, when a riot interrupted play, and the "last" game, on 30 September, 1971, could not be continued.
The '71 Senators moved to Texas and Mr. Williams went with them to manage the next year.
I was there!
Calvin Griffith left for Minnesota after the 1960 season and with the Senators history.
The 'expansion' Senators first played in old Griffith Stadium in 1961.
Gil Hodges left after 1967 season to manage the New York Mets.
Jim Lemon managed the Senators who finished in last place in 1968. (Frank Howard also wins the home run crown.)
I was at the game at DC Stadium, which was forfeited to the Yankees, when a riot interrupted play, and the "last" game, on 30 September, 1971, could not be continued.
The '71 Senators moved to Texas and Mr. Williams went with them to manage the next year.
I was there!
Walter Johnson was the most famous manager of the third Senators franchise/Twins. Ted Williams was the most famous manager of the expansion Senators/Rangers. The Washington Nationals are DC's fifth attempt at supporting MLB. The first Washington Senators and Washington Nationals were failed National League franchises at the turn of the previous century.
So, the history begs the question, where will the Nationals move in about ten years?
What current MLB franchise started as the Baltimore Orioles?
So, the history begs the question, where will the Nationals move in about ten years?
What current MLB franchise started as the Baltimore Orioles?
What current MLB franchise started as the Baltimore Orioles?
How about that team playing in the Bronx these days.
How about that team playing in the Bronx these days.
I know John McGraw went from being a Baltimore Oriole in the 1890's to being manager of the New York Giants. The current Baltimore Orioles were of course the old St. Louis Browns until 1954.
There were two Baltimore Orioles teams before the Saint Louis Browns became the Baltimore Orioles. The first Orioles team played in the National League until going out of business. Then came the Baltimore Orioles of the American League. They were purchased, moved to New York and renamed the Highlanders. The Highlanders became the Yankees.
In successive years McGraw managed the Orioles of the National League (they went out of business), the Orioles of the American League (they were purchased and moved) and the New York Giants.
In successive years McGraw managed the Orioles of the National League (they went out of business), the Orioles of the American League (they were purchased and moved) and the New York Giants.
quote:Originally posted by RJM:
So, the history begs the question, where will the Nationals move in about ten years?
What current MLB franchise started as the Baltimore Orioles?
It would appear DC baseball, like weather patterns, is cyclical.
I had a hunch Ted's Senators were something other than the Twins. Harmon Killebrew was in TC before Teddy managed the Senators.
RJM,
Look's like you're like me--enjoy baseball history quite a bit. I was counting the other day and my baseball library is up to 500+ books besides the hundreds I've read that I don't own.
Look's like you're like me--enjoy baseball history quite a bit. I was counting the other day and my baseball library is up to 500+ books besides the hundreds I've read that I don't own.
I study the history more than read the books. As a kid I would read the books. As a kid I was a diehard Strat-O-Matic fan. My friends and I bought every season from 1963 to 1971 and every old timer team created until that point in time. OK, I confess. I bought Strat again when my son was ten. He has the online version on his laptop. As a parent/coach I got into reading about the behavior side of sports after watching wacked preteen travel parents.
When I coached ages seven to twelve twice a season I gave take home baseball quizzes for kids to do with parents which included trivia. The top three finishers got $10 collector baseball cards. My favorite incorrect quiz answer: Who's on first? Answer: Greg (by most of the kids)
When I coached ages seven to twelve twice a season I gave take home baseball quizzes for kids to do with parents which included trivia. The top three finishers got $10 collector baseball cards. My favorite incorrect quiz answer: Who's on first? Answer: Greg (by most of the kids)
I played Strat-O-Matic also, especially a version that had all-time players. But the fatal thing that got me was when I went to my uncle's house in another town and he had an overdue library book--The 1953 Baseball Almanac. It was overdue by fifteen years! He said I could have it. I started looking at the list of league leaders in HRs, RBI's, Wins and such and I've never been able to get away. This happened in 1968 when I was fourteen. I still have the book and actually at a library used book sale last year found an almost new looking copy. My uncle created a monster!