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
