Bobby Nightengale Has Settled Into the Twins Beat

[Ted Schwerzler]

Last season, the Twins provided a compelling season for fans on the field. There are plenty of outlets determined to tell those stories, and Twins Territory landed a big name when Bobby Nightengale showed up at the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Image courtesy of © Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

If you’ve read Major League Baseball coverage for any amount of time, you have certainly come across the name Bob Nightengale. A columnist for USA Today and the chairman for the Arizona chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of American, Nightengale is synonymous with breaking news. He isn’t the only one in the family, however.

Bobby is Nightengale’s son, and covering the sport is something that runs in the family. Starting as an associate reporter covering the Detroit Tigers back in 2013, Nightengale eventually found himself working for The Cincinnati Enquirer as a beat writer for the Reds. Transitioning to the Twins was a smooth move, as Minnesota had been home when he was just seven years old. The ability to come full circle and join Phi Miller was exciting, and year two in Minnesota should bring plenty more fun.

This offseason, I caught up with Nightengale to hear a bit more about his story and what he’s excited for in the year ahead.

Twins Daily: You came to know Minnesota at seven years old, and have seen plenty of baseball in the time since. How has your baseball fandom and appreciation changed as you have made it a profession?

Bobby Nightengale: I've always been more of a fan of certain players than teams, although the 2002 and '03 Twins teams were a blast to watch. Tony Gwynn and Juan Gonzalez were my favorite players as a kid, so I was all over the place. 

TD: Coming to the Twins after covering the Reds, did you contact Derek Falvey ahead of time and urge him to establish the Cincinnati pipeline with players like Sonny Gray, Kyle Farmer, Tyler Mahle, and Jeff Hoffman?

BN: I did tell people in the Reds front office when I left that they should keep making trades, so I could sound smarter knowing the background of players. It was nice coming into the Twins clubhouse and seeing some familiar faces, though.

TD: Your dad is synonymous with baseball reporting and writing. What is that like to view as a family member, and how has his influence helped your growth?

BN: I've probably read 99 percent of the stories he's written over the last couple of decades, so he's had a big impact on me. I always knew I wanted to work in sports, probably because of him, and it's been fun to bounce ideas off each other after I became a writer. We've had some cool experiences together, like covering a no-hitter in Oakland, and he was at Target Field for the Wild Card round this year. 

TD: Having observed the Twins from afar, and now having covered them intimately, how has your understanding of the organization changed? What have you learned?

BN: I thought the clubhouse had a more veteran feel than I expected. They didn't panic during losing streaks and the mood didn't swing much when they were on their path to a division title, either. As for the organization, I don't think I realized how many low-round picks, particularly pitchers, the Twins turn into useful contributors.

TD: The Reds have traditionally been in a much different place than the Twins were of late. What about that is exciting in providing coverage and stories surrounding the team?

BN: This year was the first time I covered a team that won a playoff series since I was an MLB.com intern in Detroit in 2013. My job doesn't change whether it's a 100-win team or a 100-loss team, but it was fun to see the Target Field atmosphere in the postseason. 

TD: Your first year on the beat was a successful one for the Twins. What about this team and how they head into 2024 has you thinking sustained success can happen?

BN: The Twins are in a good place with their pitching. It was stellar in 2023, and they still have a nice core to work with. Losing Sonny Gray and Kenta Maeda hurts, but Pablo Lopez showed in the postseason he could take another step forward. The ballpark helps, but they've shown they can maximize the talent from pitchers they add, like Gray and Maeda.

TD: With plenty of knowledge surrounding Cincinnati as a whole, what places and sights should Twins fans be seeking out when traveling to Great American Ballpark in 2025?

BN: Skyline Chili is the staple food of the region and I think it's worth trying. They've done a nice job building the surrounding area with bars and restaurants, and the Reds Hall of Fame, which is really well done, is next door to the ballpark.

TD: Phil Miller has been an established voice at the Star Tribune for some time. What things were you able to learn from him in year one, and what are you most excited about in continuing to establish your voice in this market?

BN: I think Phil is the best writer I've worked with. I'll watch a game that I thought was boring because not a ton happened or it was a blowout, and he has a unique ability to turn it into a must-read story. He has a good sense of humor, too. For myself, I'm just excited for my first full season on the Twins beat.

TD: End it with a prediction. What’s a Twins storyline you think would be fun or could play out in 2024? A rookie to step up, or established player to go off?

BN; Kody Funderburk will become one of the core pieces of the bullpen and he'll step into a late-inning role.

You can follow Bobby on Twitter, here. Make sure to watch for his coverage on the Twins throughout 2024 and beyond.

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[tarheeltwinsfan]

I look forward to reading more from Bobby about Twins baseball.  Consider this a belated "Welcome Bobby to the Twins family."

[JD-TWINS]

I like the Funderburk slant & his probable importance/role in the Pen.

I live in Cincinnati so I’m always contrasting the successes & lack of for both clubs. Hope Bobby enjoys some more Twins success in ‘24!