The Most Iconic Pictures in Twins History

[Matthew Lenz]

The Minnesota Twins have had plenty to celebrate in their 64-year history. From winning three American League pennants, two World Series’ rings, and a Game 163, to hosting two All-Star games and record-breaking moments. There are a plethora of picture-perfect moments to reflect on from the franchise's history. In this article, I aim to identify some of the most iconic pictures in Twins history.

Image courtesy of © David Berding-Imagn Images

The pictures in this article will be presented in chronological order rather than a subjective ranking.

Jim Kaat and Sandy Koufax Share a Moment During the 1965 World Series
 

Eventual Hall of Famers, Jim Kaat and Sandy Koufax, faced off three times during the 1965 World Series. Each pitcher split their first two starts before Koufax led the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 2-0 win in game seven of the series.

Harmon Killebrew Smashes Home Runs 500 & 501

Nine years after Wild Chamberlains iconic “100” picture came Harmon Killebrew’s “500 and 501” picture. Whereas, uncertainty surrounded the legitimacy of Chamberlain’s accomplishment, there is no doubt regarding Hammerin’ Harmon’s home run total. He would end up with 559 home runs in a Twins uniform and 573 over his entire career.

Hrbek’s Statue-Worthy Celebration

The Twins won their first World Series in franchise history in 1987 after a seven game back and forth against the St. Louis Cardinals. 25 years later, it was ensured the moment would never be forgotten as a Hrbek statue was unveiled outside of Gate 14 at Target Field.

Ron Gant Loses His Battle With... Physics...

In the top of the third inning, a heads up play by Twins pitcher Kevin Tapani resulted in one of the more controversial plays in World Series history. After a base hit to left field, Atlanta Braves center fielder, Ron Gant, was caught wandering a little too far off first base. Although, anyone who knows anything knows that it was – “physics” – that pulled Gant off the bag.

"And, we'll see you tomorrow night!"

Before Jack Morris and John Smoltz dueled in the best World Series game to date, Kirby Puckett provided two magical moments for Twins and baseball fans alike. The moment pictured left occurred in the top of the 3rd inning with the Twins leading 2-0 and Ron Gant representing the tying run at the plate. While the ball wouldn't have cleared the 13-foot plexiglass wall, Puckett's leaping catch saved at least one run from scoring early in the game. Eight-and-a-half innings later, Puckett would provide the most magical moment in Twins history with a walk-off homerun off Charlie Leibrandt (pictured right) leading to one of the most iconic phrases in sports history as Jack Buck exclaimed, “And we’ll see you tomorrow night!” 

Dan Gladden Scores World Series Winning Run

The Twins Jack Morris and Braves John Smoltz went head-to-head in one of the best pitching duels ever, regardless of the stakes at play. After nine-and-a-half innings of scoreless baseball, Gene Larkin’s hit brought home Dan Gladden and clinched the Twins second World Series title in four seasons. Future Twins manager Ron Gardenhire was a first-year third base coach, and he was clearly excited about this. 

Kirby Puckett dons Eye Patch During Retirement Press Conference

The Twins superstar woke up with blindness during Spring Training in 1996. A few months and multiple surgical procedures later, he would announce his retirement with an eye patch over his right eye. I think we can all agree that this was, in fact, one of the most sad moments in baseball history.

Game 163 Walk Off

I'm not going to provide much additional context here as you can review Nick Nelson’s recap of the entire 2009 season, key moments that preceded Game 163, and our own oral history of Game 163. In short, after a 12-inning back-and-forth between the Twins and Detroit Tigers, Alexi Casilla sent the Twins to the playoffs with a bleeder through the right side and sent the Metrodome out in style.

Target Field’s First Walk Off Home Run

This moment was so picturesque it was used as the Twins team card in the 2011 Topps flagship set. In Target Field’s inaugural season, the Twins were hosting the 2nd place Chicago White Sox holding a three-game lead atop the division. A White Sox comeback brought us to extra innings and, after they took the lead in the top of the 10th, Thome hit a two-run walk-off blast.

The 2014 Home Run Derby Double Rainbow

The 2014 Home Run Derby was setting up to be one of the worst in recent memory. It was a soggy Monday night that delayed the start of the event and, aside from a 10 home run performance from José Bautista, the first round was pretty much duds-ville. However, as Brian Dozier stepped up to the plate, the skies opened a bit showing off a double rainbow over the Minneapolis skyline.

Joe Mauer’s Last Game

It was highly speculated that September 30th, 2018, would be Joe Mauer’s last. It was all but confirmed when, ahead of the top of the 9th inning, Mauer walked onto the field in catcher’s gear for the first time since August 19th, 2013.

This isn't a comprehensive list of iconic images. In fact, knowing that I missed some, I'd love to see you add anything you think I missed in the comments.

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[nclahammer]

A well-detailed stroll down memory lane, you got all the big ones.  I might add Glen Perkins and Kurt Suzuki closing out the 2014 All Star game to clinch an AL victory ,at least on my list because I was there.  I think that can embed itself in your memory a little more when you're there.

[Whitey333]

Excellent article.  Well done!!

[theBOMisthebomb]

Great photos, thanks for sharing. Late December is a good time for a stroll down memory lane. I will always get emotional reminiscing on the 1987 and 1991 titles. The Kirby picture is still moving - I can't believe that was nearly 30 years ago. 

Just an observation - Killebrew was 35 years old in that picture. He looks 10 - 15 years older. 

[Mydaughterhastwins]

With the state of the Twins right now, these photos kinda make me sad.  But then a mental pic that I have in my head of Rick Dempsey tripping as he was going to first base after a walk brought a smile to my face. Love the memories, love baseball, love the Twins.

[mikelink45]

Bob Allison Sliding catch 1965 world series

 

Mudcat Grant home run game six 1965 World Series

First game - 1961

Rod Carew steals home for 7th straight time - ties record July 1969

 

[Matthew Lenz]

16 minutes ago, mikelink45 said:

Bob Allison Sliding catch 1965 world series

 

Mudcat Grant home run game six 1965 World Series

First game - 1961

Rod Carew steals home for 7th straight time - ties record July 1969

 

Thanks for sharing these!

[mnfireman]

Not of any player(s), a picture I took of the Blue Angels fly over before the 2014 All-Star game.

[GNXman]

Ceasar Tovar playing all nine positions in 1968...

[Parfigliano]

Nice article.

[Teflon]

That was a change-of-pace type of post for Twins Daily and it was much enjoyed! I'd like to see more like this.

[Teflon]

The infamous Joe Neikro nail file.

[Blyleven2011]

5 hours ago, mikelink45 said:

Bob Allison Sliding catch 1965 world series

 

Mudcat Grant home run game six 1965 World Series

First game - 1961

Rod Carew steals home for 7th straight time - ties record July 1969

 

Loved that season  , Rod carew and pepe Cesar tovar  stole bases quite often , still remember when the two of them stole 5 bases in 1 inning  , both stealing home in that same inning  ...

They had magic legs ...

[jorgenswest]

Carew’s seven steals of home in 1969. That season had some memorable moments. Oops someone got this one.

[Gamblerssoftball]

This is a great article! Thanks for the memories. I'm old enough to have seen them all. I still think Harmon Killebrew  is the finest human being to have ever worn a Twins jersey. 

[Teflon]

June 22, 1984, the Griffith family sells the Twins to Carl Pohlad. (Calvin Griffith, Thelma Griffith Haynes, Carl Pohlad)  Star Tribune photo

Edited December 28, 2024 by Teflon
credited photo source

[dxpavelka]

Those baseballs look like ping pong balls in Harmon's hands.

[dxpavelka]

1 hour ago, Teflon said:

June 22, 1984, the Griffith family sells the Twins to Carl Pohlad. (Calvin Griffith, Thelma Griffith Haynes, Carl Pohlad)  Star Tribune photo

A cautionary tale for those who believe that selling the club to new owners will cure all it's ills.

[Matthew Lenz]

21 hours ago, Teflon said:

The infamous Joe Neikro nail file.

Ohhh definitely a miss on my part 😂

[Matthew Lenz]

15 hours ago, Teflon said:

June 22, 1984, the Griffith family sells the Twins to Carl Pohlad. (Calvin Griffith, Thelma Griffith Haynes, Carl Pohlad)  Star Tribune photo

Oh good one! Thank you for sharing!

[LanceJS]

June 26, 1977 - when Rod Carew went above .400 in front of a sold-out Metropolitan Stadium crowd - in which I was one of those in attendance 

[Greglw3]

On 12/28/2024 at 7:42 AM, mikelink45 said:

Bob Allison Sliding catch 1965 world series

 

Mudcat Grant home run game six 1965 World Series

First game - 1961

Rod Carew steals home for 7th straight time - ties record July 1969

 

That Allison catch is definitely high in the list. Oe of the greatest catches in Twins history. The 7th steal of home, I hadn’t seen but a huge moment!

[tony&rodney]

Whenever I think of the Metrodome, I remember my days as a beer vendor the first three years along with a few "guest" appearances and the picture below.

 

[Greglw3]

 

12 hours ago, LanceJS said:

June 26, 1977 - when Rod Carew went above .400 in front of a sold-out Metropolitan Stadium crowd - in which I was one of those in attendance 

I listened to that game from Toledo, Oh on WMAQ with Harry Carey and I think Loren Brown and scored it. I had that scoresheet for many years after! For me, the most memorable game in Twins history!

[Teflon]

On 12/29/2024 at 8:58 PM, tony&rodney said:

Whenever I think of the Metrodome, I remember my days as a beer vendor the first three years along with a few "guest" appearances and the picture below.

Read all about it:  More than thirty years ago, the Metrodome roof swallowed a Dave Kingman fly ball

[tony&rodney]

8 minutes ago, Teflon said:

Read all about it:  More than thirty years ago, the Metrodome roof swallowed a Dave Kingman fly ball

I was there. It was hilarious.