The Most Iconic Pictures in Twins History

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.