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

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

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.

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.

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.)

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.

Are you interested in Twins history? Then check out the Minnesota Twins Players Project, a community-driven project to discover and collect great information on every player to wear a Twins uniform!