The Minnesota Twins season died about 4 weeks ago. They’ve been the worst team in the American League since the start of August. They went from having a winning record to being 10 games below .500 and 6 games out of a wild card spot in a matter of like 2 weeks… Pathetic but also completely on brand for this loser franchise.
I attended my first game at Target Field last night since the 2024 season. The crowd and atmosphere were exactly what you would expect for a team that has completely collapsed in the second half of the season. Dead. I think 70% in attendance were Yankees fans. This brings me to the point of this blog. Seeing how disinterested the fans were, not to mention the Twins themselves, it made me think back to what we had for one post season run back in 2023.
My God what two days that was at Target Field. I was at both Wild Card games vs Toronto that year, snd I can still remember both those Lewis homeruns like they were yesterday. I thought Target Field was going to lift off the ground after the first one. What a time that was. Pregame beers at Cowboy Jacks, the pre-game hype and anticipation, going wild with the boys in the stands, celebrating in the north loop till bar close. Those were better times.
What have we gotten since? Three straight second half collapses. A complete sell off at last year’s deadline. A decline in payroll every year. And a combine record of 223-253 (.467 winning percentage) in the three seasons since that 2023 post season appearance. No wonder attendance has declined literally every season since that year.
That’s the other part of this that makes this whole thing suck. Target Field is still an elite place to watch a baseball game. From the skyline views, in game experience, food, the plaza, and other viewing decks, going to a Twins game on a nice summer night while they’re in contention is a top two summer activity behind day drinking at the cabin. Also, how much better is summer when your baseball team is in the pennant race? Whether you go to a game, are watching at home, or listening on the radio on the boat or near a lake. Every game is intense, every day you’re checking the standings, and building your plans around the Twins game. Unfortunately, the Pohlad’s have taken that all from us for now and it doesnt appear they are going to be a real threat for the playoffs anytime soon, even with some young promising players on the horizon.
So thank you Pohlad’s for ruining our favorite baseball team, interest in major league baseball, and overall vibes of our summer.
Minnesota summers are great but when the Twins are in contention it can be the cherry on top. I boycotted the Twins this year and didn’t go to a game or buy the streaming package. Maybe next year I’ll go back to watching them if they actually spend some money this offseason, but I’m not getting my hopes up.
Maybe what the Twins need is a publically funded stadium. That way the Polhads can spend the money they would have saved on interest and loan payments on the payroll.
They would NEVER bait and switch on the voters of Minnesota, and besides, its for the children. Where’s that Minnesota Nice I grew up with?