The Minnesota Twins have one of the more interesting histories in Major League Baseball. The franchise began as one of the American League’s original clubs in Washington, D.C., in 1901, played for six decades as the Washington, D.C., and moved to Minnesota for the 1961 season. Since the move, the Twins have won three American League pennants and two World Series championships in Minnesota. The franchise’s two Minnesota championships came in 1987 and 1991. This history includes the team’s owners, home ballparks, Hall of Famers and their hometowns, Rookie of the Year winners, MVP winners, and World Series history. From Washington Senators to Minnesota Twins The franchise began play in Washington in 1901 as one of the eight original American League franchises. The club was also known as the Washington Nationals for part of its early history, although “Senators” became the name most associated with the team. The franchise struggled for much of its early existence, but everything changed when Clark Griffith became its leading figure. Griffith eventually became owner and built the Senators into the team that won the 1924 World Series, Washington’s only championship. After Griffith died in 1955, control passed to his nephew Calvin Griffith. Calvin eventually made the controversial decision to move the franchise to Minnesota after the 1960 season. On October 26, 1960, the move was approved, creating the Minnesota Twins. The new name reflected the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Minnesota Twins Ownership History The franchise’s ownership history is unusual because ownership has been dominated by two families for most of its modern history. Early Washington ownership Ban Johnson and Fred Postal — early Washington franchise ownership Thomas C. Noyes — early 20th-century ownership Clark Griffith — major owner and franchise builder, beginning in 1920 Calvin Griffith — controlled the franchise after Clark Griffith’s death and moved the team to Minnesota. The Griffith family controlled the franchise for decades. Clark Griffith’s ownership lasted from 1920 until his death in 1955, and Calvin Griffith then became the controlling owner. Minnesota ownership Calvin Griffith — 1961–1984 Calvin Griffith became the first owner of the Minnesota Twins. He brought the franchise from Washington to Minnesota and oversaw the club during the 1965 pennant season and the development of stars such as Harmon Killebrew, Rod Carew and Tony Oliva. Carl Pohlad — 1984–2010 Carl Pohlad purchased the Twins in 1984. Under his ownership, Minnesota won the 1987 and 1991 World Series. Pohlad Family — 2010–present Following Carl Pohlad’s death, the franchise remained in the Pohlad family. MLB currently lists the Carl R. Pohlad Family as the ownership group, with Jim Pohlad as control owner. The family explored selling the team in 2024 but announced in 2025 that the Twins would remain under Pohlad ownership. So, in the simplest terms, the franchise’s modern ownership history is: Griffith Family → Pohlad Family Every Major Home Ballpark Because the Twins franchise began in Washington, its complete ballpark history is longer than just the three Minnesota stadiums. Washington Era American League Park 1901–1903 — Washington, D.C. This was the original home of the American League Washington franchise. Boundary Field 1904–1910 — Washington, D.C. The Senators played at the ballpark that was commonly known as Boundary Field during this period. Griffith Stadium 1911–1960 — Washington, D.C. Originally constructed as a replacement for the old wooden park, Griffith Stadium became the longtime home of the Senators. It was renamed for Clark Griffith in 1923. It hosted World Series games in 1924, 1925 and 1933, including Washington’s 1924 championship. Minnesota Ballparks Metropolitan Stadium 1961–1981 — Bloomington, Minnesota Metropolitan Stadium was the Twins’ first Minnesota home. The club played there from its first Minnesota season in 1961 through 1981. The stadium was later demolished, and the site eventually became the location of the Mall of America. Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 1982–2009 — Minneapolis, Minnesota The Metrodome became one of the most recognizable buildings in Minnesota sports. It was home to the Twins for 28 seasons and witnessed both of Minnesota’s World Series championships: (1987- 1991) Target Field 2010–present — Minneapolis, Minnesota Target Field opened in 2010 and returned the Twins to an outdoor baseball stadium in downtown Minneapolis. It remains the Twins’ home today. … Continue reading THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF MINNESOTA TWINS
Tag: Braves
ATLANTA BRAVES ARE the OLDEST CONSTANTLY OPERATING PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL FRANCISE in NORTH AMERICA
The Braves history stretches back to 1871, before the National League itself was founded. The franchise has represented three cities—Boston, Milwaukee, and Atlanta—and is the only Major League Baseball team to win the World Series in all three of its home cities. Franchise timeline Years Team name Home city 1871–1882 Boston Red Stockings Boston, Massachusetts 1883–1906 Boston Beaneaters Boston 1907–1910 Boston Doves Boston 1911 Boston Rustlers Boston 1912–1935 Boston Braves Boston 1936–1940 Boston Bees Boston 1941–1952 Boston Braves Boston 1953–1965 Milwaukee Braves Milwaukee, Wisconsin 1966–Present Atlanta Braves Atlanta, Georgia Ballparks and home cities South End Grounds — Boston (1871–1914) Fenway Park — Boston (1914–1915, (temporary) Braves Field — Boston (1915–1952) Milwaukee County Stadium — Milwaukee (1953–1965) Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium — Atlanta (1966–1996) Turner Field — Atlanta (1997–2016) Truist Park — Atlanta (2017–present) Boston years (1871–1952) The club was founded in 1871 by brothers Harry Wright and George Wright. It won multiple league championships during the nineteenth century and became one of baseball’s first dynasties. The famous “Miracle Braves” of 1914 came from last place in July to win the National League pennant before sweeping the heavily favored Philadelphia Athletics in the World Series. The franchise struggled financially during the Great Depression. In 1935, aging superstar Babe Ruth finished his legendary career with Boston, although he played only a short time before retiring. The club temporarily changed its name to the Bees before returning to Braves in 1941. In 1948, pitchers Warren Spahn and Johnny Sain led Boston to another National League pennant. Milwaukee years (1953–1965) The Braves became the first modern MLB franchise to relocate when they moved to Milwaukee in 1953. The city immediately embraced baseball, drawing record attendance. Young stars developed into legends: Hank Aaron Eddie Mathews Warren Spahn The Braves won the 1957 World Series over the New York Yankees and returned to the World Series in 1958 before losing a rematch. Atlanta years (1966–Present) The Braves moved to Atlanta in 1966, becoming the first Major League team in the Deep South. Early Atlanta stars included: Hank Aaron Phil Niekro Dale Murphy In 1974, Hank Aaron hit his 715th career home run, breaking Babe Ruth’s long-standing record. The Braves became baseball’s dominant franchise of the 1990s under manager Bobby Cox. Their Hall of Fame pitching rotation included: Greg Maddux Tom Glavine John Smoltz Atlanta won an unprecedented 14 consecutive division titles (1991–2005, excluding the 1994 strike season) and captured the 1995 World Series over the Cleveland Indians. After rebuilding, another championship core emerged featuring: Freddie Freeman Ronald Acuña Jr. Ozzie Albies Austin Riley Max Fried The Braves won the 2021 World Series against the Houston Astros. Greatest Braves players and birthplace Player Born Hank Aaron Mobile, Alabama Warren Spahn Buffalo, New York Eddie Mathews Texarkana, Texas Phil Niekro Blaine, Ohio Dale Murphy Portland, Oregon Greg Maddux San Angelo, Texas Tom Glavine Concord, Massachusetts John Smoltz Detroit, Michigan Chipper Jones DeLand, Florida Freddie Freeman Fountain Valley, California Future stars the Braves traded away Player Born Became star with Adam Wainwright Brunswick, Georgia St. Louis Cardinals Jason Schmidt Lewiston, Idaho San Francisco Giants Kevin Millwood Gastonia, North Carolina Cleveland Indians and others Adam Duvall Louisville, Kentucky Cincinnati Reds Elvis Andrus Maracay, Venezuela Texas Rangers Neftalí Feliz Azua, Dominican Republic Texas Rangers Alex Wood Charlotte, North Carolina Los Angeles Dodgers Andrelton Simmons Mundo Nobo, Curaçao Los Angeles Angels David Justice Cincinnati, Ohio Later traded before helping other clubs win championships William Contreras Puerto Cabello, Venezuela Milwaukee Brewers Braves World Series championships 1914 – Boston Braves 1957 – Milwaukee Braves 1995 – Atlanta Braves 2021 – Atlanta Braves The Braves remain one of baseball’s most historic organizations, having produced dozens of Hall of Famers and legends while spanning more than 155 years of professional baseball history. They are the only MLB franchise to win World Series championships representing three different cities. Artie Fischal Views: 1
NFL CONFIDENCE PICKS WEEK 7 10/19-22-23/ 2023
Browns: Beat Colts after 4 BAD calls on Colts really late in the game 1.Apparently a forward shovel pass is now ruled a lateral pass and is not subject to the usual fumble rule or interception rule. 2. A pass that is out of the back of the end zone is catchable pass. 3. According to the Refs if on a TD drive if you get the Ball to the white goal line but not over it is a TD. This one I don’t know the rule. 4. If your hand slides ever so slightly on the receiver with out causing any alteration to the receivers stride or anything THAT is now PASS INTERFERNCE!!! Football is not football any more. Give me the times when players like Dick Butkus was playing. I remember him saying, “I don’t want to hurt anybody. I just want to see their heads rolling down the field” Whether that was in jest or not I do not know. But that is the way he played. NO! Football isn’t football any more. Seems to me NFL football is rapidly becoming more of a “Flag Football game.” Seems their exhuberance to make the game more safe. Has degutted the game. I am getting to dislike the game more each week. It is getting closer to the times of the NBA strike. In order to attract an audience they chose people like Michael Jordan, (a good player), SEEM, to be exceptional by allowing him to break all the rules. And allowing an “iNDEFENDABLE SHOT” . There is an extended line above the goal in which if your hand enters it is “GOAL TENDING”, NOW it is legal for the offensive player to enter this area to “DUNK” a ball and score. HOWEVER if a defenders hand is in that extended circle. It is called as “GOAL TENDING’ and the offensive team is awarded 2 points whether it goes in or not. Like I said there is no way to defend against it. Considering many of today’s players can touch the rim without even jumping. I fail to see the excitement in watching this act. When the game began the average player was about 5 ft 8 in. Putting the rim over 4 ft above their head. Sure you had some players taller. But if capable of “dunking” , they didn’t because that would be GOAL TENDING. I think it is way past time to raise the goal, by the same amount as the average player of today. 12 foot goals, I think are both unreasonable. While on the subject. Many rules need to be enforced. Nearly all players “palm the ball today, and then the announcers talk about how much control the players have while dribbling. Of course you can control the ball better when you can carry the ball. Basketball used to be a “NON CONTACT SPORT”. Now you have more contact than is allowed in FOOTBALL. The MLB is just as guilty after the big STRIKE. (which is when I quit watching MLB. I used to watch the CUBS play everyday, (before the lights), and the Braves every night. But to get the crowd back they “unofficially’ sanctioned the use of PED (Performance Enhancing Drugs), To produce super sluggers chasing Maris’ season home run record. The only reason was to entice people to watch the game. I have watched 1, one game of MLB since then. That was because my Cubs were playing my son’s Braves and it was a birthday present. Now College basketball is a professional game. Not only do the athletes get a “FREE EDUCATION’ I and most students today PAY for. The Athlete gets endorsements too. If they are very good it could make them a millionaire before they graduate. I remember the story of a “a student athlete basketball player in the movie HOOSIERS, lost his elgibility for ACTING as a basketball player in the movie. Bah !! Humbug!! to professional and college sports. I still like Australian football and Rugby. But do not get to see that often. I enjoy Rally Car Racing, which is really hard to find on TV. NOW I enjoy watching the little ones play. They play, have fun. Go home. I have to admit there are some bad coaches, players with attitude, and some of the umpires who have no idea what the rules are. Of course there are different rules according to what area you are in. I have no problem with this as long as the rules are applied equally. O.L.Thymer agrees. He said it is more fun watching his great grandchildren play. He will travel nearly 100 miles one way, sometimes 1 day, sometimes 2 days, sometimes 3 days (for the travel team games), to watch them play, other days they may play as close as 30 miles away each way. Believe me. I’ve seen him do this 2-3 weeks in a row. But now that he is having a little more trouble driving at night he may leave before a game is finished. RANT OVER. For now. SORRY for turning this Football based talk into non football opinions. But the idea behind starting fromthemiddleblog.com was to air my opinions. And maybe what I said here should have been a separate post. But I think it is all tied in. COLTS: Owner, Jim Irsay states, QB Anthony Richardson will “probably” miss rest of season, (a damaged AC joint to his shoulder), after last Sunday’s game against Titans. He will be undergoing surgery. For those of you who are new here. This is how confidence ranking goes, let me explain. If we were playing an office pool,(which we ARE NOT). The object is to score the most points. To obtain the score YOU rank the teams by how confident you are a team will win its game. EXAMPLE: Say this week we have 16 games. The team you are most confident will win you would assign the number 16 and follow down to the team you… Continue reading NFL CONFIDENCE PICKS WEEK 7 10/19-22-23/ 2023
