The Twins Almanac for June 20, 2025: Julio Becquer Hits a Pinch-Hit, Walkoff Homer

[Matt Johnson]

In Today's Almanac:

• The first pinch-hit homer in Twins history is also the first walkoff homer
• Front office executive pitches game of a lifetime
• Minnesota native has 21-game hitting streak
• MLB pitcher born in Le Roy, MN

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Becquer Hits Pinch-Hit Walk-Off Homer 
Julio Becquer hit the first pinch-hit homer and first walkoff homer in Twins history, leading off the bottom of the ninth on this date in 1961.

The Twins led 4-1 entering the top of the ninth, before Orioles right fielder Earl Robinson hit a game-tying three-run homer off Twins starter Jack Kralick. With the pitcher’s spot up first in the bottom of the ninth, manager Cookie Lavagetto called upon Becquer to pinch-hit. The walkoff was one of only 12 home runs Becquer hit in his major-league career, including a pinch-hit walk-off grand slam on the Fourth of July 1961. Talk about making them count.

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Rantz Has His Jack Morris Moment
Longtime Twins executive Jim Rantz's only collegiate start was a 2-1, 10-inning complete-game win for the Golden Gophers over USC to win the College World Series, on this date in 1960. (Rantz took a 1-0 shutout into the ninth.) 

Rantz played five seasons of pro ball. He was signed out of the U of M by the Washington Senators, who—as fate would have it—moved to Minnesota the following year. Rantz never made it to the majors as a player, but enjoyed a long career as a Twins executive, for which he was inducted into the Twins Hall of Fame. 

He is probably most famous for "discovering" Kirby Puckett playing in a summer collegiate league, while watching his son on the opposing team.

Fun Fact: Rantz attended the U of M on a hockey scholarship.

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Quinlan Hits in 21st Straight Game
1995 Hill-Murray graduate and Golden Gophers all-time great Robb Quinlan collected a hit in his 21st straight game at Triple-A Salt Lake on this date in 2002. He hit .440 over the streak, en route to being named Angels Minor League Player of the Year. (The major-league club won the World Series that season.)

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Birthdate of Bob Mahoney
Former White Sox and St. Louis Browns pitcher Bob Mahoney was born in Le Roy, MN on this date in 1928.

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