With 0-18 Curse Lifted, Suddenly Anything Feels Possible

[Melissa Berman]

Based on the postgame tears, hugs, and the raucous roar of the crowd on Tuesday evening, one might have thought that the Twins had just done more than win one playoff game, the series opener in the Wild Card Round to the Toronto Blue Jays. But this was not just a singular win; it was a watershed moment for the organization and a turning point in fans' hearts. 

Image courtesy of Melissa Berman

Going into Tuesday’s game, there was one thing and only one thing that anyone talked about: the streak. The dreaded streak. You are fully aware that going into Tuesday’s series opener, the Twins carried a 0-18 playoff losing streak. The Twins’ last playoff win was in 2004. I was in 4th grade. This losing streak was so extreme that it reached mathematically impossible heights: 69 billion to 1. We’re all sick of hearing about it by now. 

Fans lamented on social media about the streak. They wrote articles about why this is finally the roster that could break the curse. A few fans even admitted that, in a small way, they wanted to see the Twins lose a 19th game because it would just be so absurd that we would never again see something like it.

The Twins players were fully aware of this losing streak, too, despite very few of them having been a part of those previous losses. 

“We’re going to get that first win since 2004, I promise you that,” Kyle Farmer assured the crowd in his postgame interview on the big screen after the Twins clinched their playoff berth at home on September 22. 

Game 1 Twins starting pitcher Pablo López arrived at Target Field wearing a Johan Santana jersey, a nod to the drought (but also López's hero growing up). Santana, a fellow Venezuelan, was the starting pitcher in the Twins' last playoff game win in 2004.  

On Tuesday, some fans held signs with sentiments like “The Streak Ends Today!” The fans’ desperation and hunger to get that long-desired win shone through constantly during the game. Fans were on their feet for almost every pitch. The stadium echoed with a taunting “Gaus-man! Gaus-man!” whenever the Blue Jays' game one starting pitcher was on the mound. The crowd erupted with the loudest cheering I have ever heard after Royce Lewis’ home runs. It surpassed what one might consider a typical "playoff atmosphere" of noise and emotion. Fans couldn’t be on the field to make the actual plays, but it was evident they were pouring their hearts and souls into helping the players get the job done. They knew this one meant more. 

For once in a Twins playoff game, everything seemed to go their way: Michael A. Taylor made superman-like, run-saving catches in the outfield. Lewis had his first multi-homerun game of his career. López pitched a dominant, lights-out performance.

The Twins have higher aspirations than winning a simple, singular playoff game. But words can’t describe how important it is to finally put this 0-18 narrative to bed and for Twins fans to no longer be teased and harassed with “0-18!” from other fanbases or to have the drought inhibit their own personal hopes for the team. Twins fans can exhale a bit, hold their heads up a little higher now, and aim for greater heights.

Indeed, on Tuesday evening, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan, one of the country's most prominent MLB writers, proclaimed to SportsCenter's Scott Van Pelt that the "sky is the limit" for the Twins, and that they have the roster needed to make a deep playoff run. 

There’s the common saying, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” A journey to a World Series title begins with a single game. It’s true that Tuesday was just one game. But tell that to the fans in Target Field who mobbed each other with hugs in the stands, to the fans who cried and lingered long after the final out to take pictures and hoist drinks at Truly On Deck, or even the guy who (very stupidly) ran onto the field waving a Homer Hanky after the final out before being tackled to the ground by security. This win represented so much more, and you have to start somewhere. Don't let anyone, especially those from other fanbases, diminish your joy. 

The next step- the Twins getting their first playoff series win since 2002. 

When deciding how to buy Twins playoff tickets, I got the playoff strip because I rationalized that if the Twins made it to the World Series, tickets would cost thousands of dollars, and there would be no way I could go. Even having to buy single-game tickets to the ALCS would be cost-prohibitive. “I know this is rich of me to say, considering we haven’t won a playoff game in 19 years, but..” I told my friends when explaining my rationale for buying the strip. 

And now, anything is possible, because finally at long last, the Twins have won a playoff game.  They've taken the first step. 

_ _

How did you react to the drought-busting playoff win? Do you feel like you have higher hopes for the team now? Let us know in a COMMENT below.

 

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[insagt1]

its amazing that just one win (after 19 years) can raise the collective spirits of an entire community. The crowd yesterday was incredible, just waiting to finally bust out!

[Melissa Berman]

12 minutes ago, insagt1 said:

its amazing that just one win (after 19 years) can raise the collective spirits of an entire community. The crowd yesterday was incredible, just waiting to finally bust out!

Exactly, it's why this past week when I saw the discourse surrounding "it was so quiet in 2019" I thought, give the fans something to cheer for and they will. We were just waiting for this moment 

[ashbury]

The atmosphere at the ballpark yesterday was reminiscent to me of the good times at Fenway.  The crowd was into it and did not need the prodding usually encountered at Target Field from the sound effects and visuals imploring the fans to make some noise.  Day-O? Sure, there was some of that.  But there was plenty of spontaneous stuff like "Hip Hip?" "Jorge!" (I hope Polanco tolerates the good-natured mangling of his first name), "Pablo!" when a big pitch was needed, "MVP!" every time Royce came to the plate, and simply "Let's Go Twins!" when the spirit moved someone and everyone nearby joined in.

I wish Twins fans would dial up a fraction of that every single game of the season.  Enter the ballpark and expect a party atmosphere, win or lose.  Imagine poor Oakland coming to Target Field and enduring a crowd that is cheering every pitch and standing on their feet when there are two strikes against their batters.  It would be fun to out-Fenway Fenway.

[Squirrel]

5 minutes ago, ashbury said:

The atmosphere at the ballpark yesterday was reminiscent to me of the good times at Fenway.  The crowd was into it and did not need the prodding usually encountered at Target Field from the sound effects and visuals imploring the fans to make some noise.  Day-O? Sure, there was some of that.  But there was plenty of spontaneous stuff like "Hip Hip?" "Jorge!" (I hope Polanco tolerates the good-natured mangling of his first name), "Pablo!" when a big pitch was needed, "MVP!" every time Royce came to the plate, and simply "Let's Go Twins!" when the spirit moved someone and everyone nearby joined in.

I wish Twins fans would dial up a fraction of that every single game of the season.  Enter the ballpark and expect a party atmosphere, win or lose.  Imagine poor Oakland coming to Target Field and enduring a crowd that is cheering every pitch and standing on their feet when there are two strikes against their batters.  It would be fun to out-Fenway Fenway.

That's always been our model for game threads. But ... well ... you know.

That said, I've said from the beginning that I think this team had a lot of possibility to it. I was hopeful, but tempered, because, well, you know. But they had so much potential. I'll be sad if it's not realized further, but yes, we made it past this one big, monkey hurdle, we can certainly make it past the next and the next and the next ... 

[Karbo]

Lets hope its a Sonny day today!

[Beast]

I’ve never felt better about about a Twins team making a run in the playoffs in my life.  ‘87 and ‘91 excluded because I was barely alive.

That’s a low bar to clear.  I’m still not overly confident.  I’m so jaded from decades of following this team, a nagging voice in the back my head is still telling they’ll lose the next 2.

Also, some things that transpired last night still make me nervous.  We need someone other than Lewis to hit a baseball.  They might just start walking him to clog the bases since he can’t run.  We can’t rely on an uncharacteristically erratic pitcher and tipped pitches to draw out long ABs and walks.  We couldn’t capitalize on some RISP opportunities or against late in the game against some average relievers.  We can’t keep taking our 3 best on-base and power threats out of the lineup in the middle of the game leaving Castro and Solano to hit with the bases loaded in key spots.  We can’t make multiple defensive miscues.

We’re going to be tested tonight.  Berrios will have some extra motivation.  Gray isn’t known as a big game pitcher or going deep in games, and we used our best bullpen arms last night.

Can’t wait to see the lineup, but if I’m Baldelli, I’m trying to find a way to give Polanco a seat tonight.

[strumdatjag]

1 hour ago, ashbury said:

The atmosphere at the ballpark yesterday was reminiscent to me of the good times at Fenway.  The crowd was into it and did not need the prodding usually encountered at Target Field from the sound effects and visuals imploring the fans to make some noise.  Day-O? Sure, there was some of that.  But there was plenty of spontaneous stuff like "Hip Hip?" "Jorge!" (I hope Polanco tolerates the good-natured mangling of his first name), "Pablo!" when a big pitch was needed, "MVP!" every time Royce came to the plate, and simply "Let's Go Twins!" when the spirit moved someone and everyone nearby joined in.

I wish Twins fans would dial up a fraction of that every single game of the season.  Enter the ballpark and expect a party atmosphere, win or lose.  Imagine poor Oakland coming to Target Field and enduring a crowd that is cheering every pitch and standing on their feet when there are two strikes against their batters.  It would be fun to out-Fenway Fenway.

Can somebody finally explain what the fans are cheering for when they respond to the “Dayo” cheer?

Back when Samuel Deduno pitched for this squad, I would respond to “Dayo” with “Deduno”!  

[Oldgoat_MN]

52 minutes ago, strumdatjag said:

Can somebody finally explain what the fans are cheering for when they respond to the “Dayo” cheer?

Back when Samuel Deduno pitched for this squad, I would respond to “Dayo” with “Deduno”!  

It's from the song 'Banana Boat' made famous by Harry Belafonte. Give it a listen and it won't seem such a mystery.

[ashbury]

Just now, Oldgoat_MN said:

It's from the song 'Banana Boat' made famous by Harry Belafonte. Give it a listen and it won't seem such a mystery.

I don't know if the origin of the sound clip is in doubt.  But what does it have to do with a baseball game?  Lots of ballparks play it.

[Melissa Berman]

3 hours ago, Karbo said:

Lets hope its a Sonny day today!

Let's go!! Playoff series win on tap!!

[Melissa Berman]

2 hours ago, Beast said:

I’ve never felt better about about a Twins team making a run in the playoffs in my life.  ‘87 and ‘91 excluded because I was barely alive.

That’s a low bar to clear.  I’m still not overly confident.  I’m so jaded from decades of following this team, a nagging voice in the back my head is still telling they’ll lose the next 2.

Also, some things that transpired last night still make me nervous.  We need someone other than Lewis to hit a baseball.  They might just start walking him to clog the bases since he can’t run.  We can’t rely on an uncharacteristically erratic pitcher and tipped pitches to draw out long ABs and walks.  We couldn’t capitalize on some RISP opportunities or against late in the game against some average relievers.  We can’t keep taking our 3 best on-base and power threats out of the lineup in the middle of the game leaving Castro and Solano to hit with the bases loaded in key spots.  We can’t make multiple defensive miscues.

We’re going to be tested tonight.  Berrios will have some extra motivation.  Gray isn’t known as a big game pitcher or going deep in games, and we used our best bullpen arms last night.

Can’t wait to see the lineup, but if I’m Baldelli, I’m trying to find a way to give Polanco a seat tonight.

While we were tested yesterday, I never felt the game was in doubt. We'll see what today brings. Thanks so much for all your thoughtful comments, for reading and taking the time to write. GO TWINS!

[Melissa Berman]

3 hours ago, ashbury said:

The atmosphere at the ballpark yesterday was reminiscent to me of the good times at Fenway.  The crowd was into it and did not need the prodding usually encountered at Target Field from the sound effects and visuals imploring the fans to make some noise.  Day-O? Sure, there was some of that.  But there was plenty of spontaneous stuff like "Hip Hip?" "Jorge!" (I hope Polanco tolerates the good-natured mangling of his first name), "Pablo!" when a big pitch was needed, "MVP!" every time Royce came to the plate, and simply "Let's Go Twins!" when the spirit moved someone and everyone nearby joined in.

I wish Twins fans would dial up a fraction of that every single game of the season.  Enter the ballpark and expect a party atmosphere, win or lose.  Imagine poor Oakland coming to Target Field and enduring a crowd that is cheering every pitch and standing on their feet when there are two strikes against their batters.  It would be fun to out-Fenway Fenway.

The crowd was into every single pitch.  The chanting was what I imagine being in Yankee Stadium must be like. The fans absolutely helped lead to the win yesterday. Hoping for a Sonny day today! Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment 

[strumdatjag]

7 hours ago, Oldgoat_MN said:

It's from the song 'Banana Boat' made famous by Harry Belafonte. Give it a listen and it won't seem such a mystery.

I understand that Six foot, Seven Foot Eight Foot Bunch and the Tallyman …. I know the song.  I was in a group in high school 50 years ago that sang it. 
But I ask again - what are we cheering for when we shout “Dayo”?   
AND is our “Dayo” a different BASEBALL  meaning than the “Dayo” at a Cincinnati Reds game, for example?  
I understand clapping, shouting “charge”, even the Mexican Hat Dance but what is the actual meaning of “Dayo” when it is shouted at a baseball game. 
I think it really means NOTHING.   i think it’s just brainless.  No more DAYO - 

[Doctor Wu]

... it was a watershed moment for the organization and a turning point in fans' hearts. 

Yes, yes, yes. All that and more. The first game win was SO gratifying, and add the second win that advanced us and suddenly the Twins are a force to be reckoned with once again. Honestly, this is a HUGE psychological boost for the fans and the team. Confidence and talent and perseverance suddenly converge. I'm feeling a bit giddy right now, but I'm suddenly, and honestly, thinking that this team has a chance to go all the way. 

 

 

[laloesch]

FINALLY a series win!

 

 

[Melissa Berman]

24 minutes ago, laloesch said:

FINALLY a series win!

 

 

Finally, at long last! Moving on! What an amazing feeling to wake up to today!! More baseball!

[Melissa Berman]

1 hour ago, Doctor Wu said:

... it was a watershed moment for the organization and a turning point in fans' hearts. 

Yes, yes, yes. All that and more. The first game win was SO gratifying, and add the second win that advanced us and suddenly the Twins are a force to be reckoned with once again. Honestly, this is a HUGE psychological boost for the fans and the team. Confidence and talent and perseverance suddenly converge. I'm feeling a bit giddy right now, but I'm suddenly, and honestly, thinking that this team has a chance to go all the way. 

 

 

I feel exactly as you do today- with the dominance of our pitching staff, team leaders like Lewis and Correa performing better than ever, the team health- everything seems to be coming together just in time to make a deep run. It took until September, but here we are. I'm giddy too and think there is no reason why we need to fear the Astros. This psychological boost is going to be felt for years to come in terms of team pride, ticket sales, enthusiasm for the team etc 

[chaderic20]

As for the crowd and the energy at the stadium. I think for the past 19 years, our doubts have outweighed our hope and belief. Whether due to injury, or intimidation (facing the Evil Empire), or whatever. But I think this year, fans' hopes and belief in this team, outweighs the doubt. We dare to hope this year. We dare to get emotionally invested. We dare to believe we not only can, but will, win.

[Melissa Berman]

16 minutes ago, chaderic20 said:

As for the crowd and the energy at the stadium. I think for the past 19 years, our doubts have outweighed our hope and belief. Whether due to injury, or intimidation (facing the Evil Empire), or whatever. But I think this year, fans' hopes and belief in this team, outweighs the doubt. We dare to hope this year. We dare to get emotionally invested. We dare to believe we not only can, but will, win.

We can dare to hope now, and first breaking the playoff win drought, and then the playoff *series* win droughts were the first steps. We haven't looked this good in a very long time. Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment!

Edited October 5, 2023 by Melissa Berman