Minnesota Twins Eccentricity & Ephemera: A Twinkie Town Definitive List (Round 11)

Hennepin County District Judge Harry Crump saved major league baseball in the Twin Cities this year when he ruled that the Minnesota Twins were a community asset and could not be contracted. The ruling survived the state appeals court and resulted in the

Judge not, lest ye be judged (a huge baseball fan)

Rounds 1-10 Results:

While the events following MLB’s 2001 contraction scheme may have lacked the Hollywood drama of an Aaron Sorkin courtroom film, Judge Harry Crump’s declarations were no less momentous for Minnesota sports fans. At a time when the Twins franchise seemed legitimately threatened with being erased from existence at the hands of Bud Selig & Carl Pohlad, the Honorable Judge Crump ruled that no, they could not simply vanish—they had a lease to honor at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. In all likelihood, it was a decision that saved the Minnesota Twins.

Next: A furry friend.

MLB: MAY 04 Twins at Astros — Top step skipper

Paul Molitor

Despite a long, Hall of Fame career elsewhere, the St. Paul-born, Gopher-playing Molitor didn’t play for his hometown major league squad until 39 years of age (1996-1998). Even then, his .341 BA campaign in ‘96 was remarkable! After assuming various coaching roles in the Twins organization from 2005-2014, Molly assumed the top dugout perch from 2015-2018. Even after being let go, Molitor remained—and remains—active as a roving instructor.

paper carriers / Chuck Johnson, paperboy for 2 1/2 months, delivers newspapers along his route (45th Street to Lake Harriet) October 14, 1975, Minneapolis Tribune photo by Bruce Bisping (Star Tribune file photo). — Paperboy

The Star Tribune Sports Section

Gather ‘round, children, and let me tell you of a time before the internet. In the hardscrabble analog age of human existence, following your local sporting nine was not a moment-by-moment affair. Instead, a rolled-up newsprint assemblage that magically appeared on your doorstep to meet the rising sun was often your best bet for baseball news. No shade to east Twin Cities suburbanites who received the Pioneer Press, but the west-side’s Star Tribune had unassailable sports coverage that provided beat opinions and box scores to pore over for hours.

1991 World Series - Atlanta Braves v Minnesota Twins — Dazzle

Dan Gladden

In five seasons with the Twins, Dan Gladden accumulated 5.8 WAR—not exactly the stuff of legends. Yet, legend he is in these parts. His hustle and speed were key components of two championships and he was clutch in both—a grand slam in ’87 & a 10^th inning double in G7 ‘91 that sparked the winning rally. Dazzle’s “colorful” commentary aside John Gordon, Corey Provus and others in the radio booth is unique, to say the least.

Little Big League

When the Baby Boomers starting getting nostalgic in the 1990s, baseball was on the tip of their cinematic tongues. In 1994, an art-imitating-life story of the woebegone Twins hit theaters. Filmed at the Metrodome and featuring the vocal talents of John Gordon’s “Wally Holland”, Little Big League and its adolescent Billy Heywood gave young Twins fans a dream scenario. Whether teaching us math or exploring baseball’s brand of humor, Little Big League remains an all-time classic in these parts.

Atlanta Braves v Minnesota Twins — TC Bear

TC Bear

When you attend a baseball game as a child, you aren’t concerned with stats or standings (okay, maybe I was, but I digress). You simply marvel at the grandness—sights, smells, sounds—of it all. It is very possible your first Minnesota Twins memory (even if you have trouble accessing it in grey matter folds) is high-fiving TC Bear in the Dome/Target Field concourse or observing his silly antics on the pregame field or atop the home dugout.