A Diamond’s Journey: Unearthing the Twins’ Pre-Target Field Legacy

Before the roar of the crowd echoed through the modern marvel that is Target Field, the Minnesota Twins called a different ballpark home: the Metropolitan Stadium, affectionately known as the Met.

The Met: A Multi-Purpose Beginning

From Football to Foul Balls

The story of the Met is a tale of adaptability. Initially conceived as a home for the Minneapolis Millers minor league baseball team and the Minnesota Vikings football team, it opened its gates in 1956 in Bloomington, Minnesota. It was built to lure a Major League Baseball team to the Twin Cities. This ultimately succeeded in 1961 with the relocation of the Washington Senators to become the Minnesota Twins.

A Retrofitted Haven

Initially, the Met wasn’t a baseball palace. It was a somewhat quirky, dual-purpose stadium with a football-shaped outfield. However, as the Twins solidified their place in the hearts of Minnesotans, the stadium underwent several expansions and renovations to better suit baseball. While it never reached the level of elegance of some of baseball’s classic parks, it held a certain charm, a blue-collar grit that resonated with the region. The Metropolitan Stadium became synonymous with Twins baseball for over two decades. It hosted unforgettable moments, from Harmon Killebrew’s legendary home runs to the electric atmosphere of the 1965 World Series.

Leaving the Met: A bittersweet farewell

By the late 1970s, the Met was showing its age. Concerns arose regarding seating capacity, amenities, and accessibility. The decision was made to move to a new, indoor stadium in downtown Minneapolis. The last game played at Metropolitan Stadium was on September 30, 1981. It was a bittersweet moment for fans who had grown up with the Met as their baseball haven. A chapter closed, paving the way for a new era of Twins baseball.

The Metrodome: A Controversial but Memorable Interlude

An Indoor Experiment

Following their departure from the Met, the Twins moved into the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in 1982. This was a significant shift. The Metrodome, an indoor stadium, was a marvel of engineering at the time. The promise was a climate-controlled environment, guaranteeing games regardless of Minnesota’s unpredictable weather.

“The Homer Hanky” and Two World Series Titles

While the Metrodome offered respite from the elements, it was never universally loved by baseball purists. The sterile atmosphere, the lack of natural light, and the quirky dimensions of the playing field drew criticism. However, it also became the site of some of the greatest moments in Twins history, including the 1987 and 1991 World Series championships. The “Homer Hanky” became a symbol of the Metrodome era, and the deafening roar of the crowd under the Teflon roof was unlike anything else in baseball.

Moving on to a new era

Despite the successes, the desire for an outdoor ballpark grew over time. The Metrodome, while functional, lacked the romance and charm of a traditional baseball stadium. Eventually, plans were made to build a new stadium, culminating in the opening of Target Field in 2010. The Metrodome hosted its last Twins game on October 5, 2009, ending a memorable but sometimes controversial chapter in the team’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What was the seating capacity of Metropolitan Stadium?

The seating capacity of Metropolitan Stadium varied over the years due to expansions. By the time the Twins left in 1981, it could hold approximately 45,000 fans for baseball games.

2. Why was the Metrodome nicknamed the “Homer Dome?”

The Metrodome earned the nickname “Homer Dome” due to its relatively short outfield distances and the artificial turf, which allowed balls to travel further and faster. This led to a perception that the stadium was more favorable to hitters, resulting in more home runs. The unique characteristics were favorable to hitters, such as the Teflon roof which gave batted balls lift to the seats in left field.

3. Did the Vikings also play at Metropolitan Stadium?

Yes, the Minnesota Vikings were co-tenants with the Twins at Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 until 1981. They also moved to the Metrodome in 1982.

4. What were some of the notable features of Metropolitan Stadium’s design?

Metropolitan Stadium’s most distinctive feature was its initially asymmetrical outfield dimensions, a result of its original design as a dual-purpose stadium. There was also the flagpole in center field that was in play, and a relatively short porch in right field. Over time, improvements were made for baseball, but it retained a quirky, retro charm.

5. How did the weather affect games at Metropolitan Stadium?

Because Metropolitan Stadium was an outdoor stadium, it was susceptible to the vagaries of Minnesota weather. Games could be affected by rain, snow, wind, and extreme temperatures. The Met was notorious for its chilly conditions, especially during the early and late seasons.

6. What was the significance of the “Homer Hanky” at the Metrodome?

The “Homer Hanky” was a white handkerchief that fans waved to cheer on the Twins, particularly during the 1987 World Series. It became a beloved symbol of Twins fandom and a ubiquitous sight at Metrodome games. It was born as a promotional giveaway by the Star Tribune newspaper and quickly became a cultural phenomenon.

7. Why did the Twins move from the Metrodome to Target Field?

The Twins moved to Target Field because they desired a dedicated outdoor baseball stadium with modern amenities and a more intimate atmosphere. The Metrodome, while functional, was considered sterile and lacked the charm of a traditional ballpark.

8. Who hit the last home run at Metropolitan Stadium?

John Castino hit the last home run in the Metrodome on September 30, 1981 in the second inning.

9. How did the Twins perform in the World Series while playing at the Metrodome?

The Twins won both of their World Series titles (1987 and 1991) while playing at the Metrodome. The deafening noise of the home crowd was considered a significant advantage.

10. Was there any opposition to the construction of Target Field?

Yes, there was opposition to the construction of Target Field, primarily due to the public funding involved. Some argued that the money could be better spent on other public services.

11. What happened to the sites where Metropolitan Stadium and the Metrodome once stood?

The site of Metropolitan Stadium is now home to the Mall of America. The Metrodome was demolished in 2014 and replaced by U.S. Bank Stadium, the current home of the Minnesota Vikings.

12. What are some lasting memories or legacies associated with the Twins’ time at the Met and the Metrodome?

The Met is remembered for its classic ballpark feel, the exploits of Harmon Killebrew, and the excitement of the 1965 World Series. The Metrodome is remembered for the “Homer Hanky,” the two World Series championships, and the unique atmosphere of indoor baseball. Both stadiums hold a special place in the hearts of Twins fans who witnessed the team’s evolution over the years. They were stepping stones to becoming the respected team they are today.