The Minnesota Twins franchise if chock-full of historic Hall of Famers and World Series-winning teams. The franchise is trying to climb up that mountain once again, behind current players like Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa. Throughout their 124-year history, the franchise has captured three championships — including one when they were the Washington Nationals in 1924.
HobbyListings has put together the nine best must-have cards for every Twins fan. Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!
The List: Best Minnesota Twins Cards Every Fan Needs
1. 1955 Topps Harmon Killebrew Rookie Card (#124)
Known for his prodigious power, Harmon Killebrew was a cornerstone of the Twins’ lineup for many years, hitting 573 home runs in his career. Killebrew, an 11-time All-Star and the 1969 AL MVP, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984.
2. 1967 Topps Rod Carew Rookie Card (#569)
Known for his exceptional hitting and batting titles, Rod Carew spent 12 seasons with the Twins, winning seven batting titles and making 18 All-Star appearances over his career. The former Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player accrued over 3,000 hits and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991.
3. 1984 Fleer Update Kirby Puckett Rookie Card (#U93)
A key figure in the Twins’ 1987 and 1991 World Series victories, Puckett was known for his hitting, defense, and infectious charisma. The 10-time All-Star and six-time Gold Glove winner was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.
4. 2002 Bowman Chrome Joe Mauer Autograph Card (#391)
Joe Mauer would become one of the best catchers in baseball during his career, before concussions forced him to move to first base. A lifelong Twin, Mauer won three batting titles, an MVP award, and was a six-time All-Star, known for his hitting ability and defensive skills. He will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2024.
5. 1963 Topps Tony Oliva Rookie Card (#228)
Tony Oliva was a key part of the Twins in the 1960s and 1970s. Oliva won three batting titles and made eight All-Star appearances during his 15-year career, all with the Twins. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022.
6. 1971 Topps Bert Blyleven Rookie Card (#26)
Bert Blyleven was one of the best pitchers of his era. Known for his curveball, Blyleven had a long and successful career, including two stints with Minnesota and a World Series win in 1987. The two-time All-Star was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.
7. 2001 Bowman Chrome Justin Morneau Autograph Rookie Card (#169)
Justin Morneau’s rookie card is a reminder of his impactful years with the Twins. He won the AL MVP in 2006 and was a key offensive player for Minnesota, known for his power hitting. He and Mauer made a dominant duo in the Twins lineups when they were healthy.
8. 2000 Topps Finest Refractors Johan Santana Rookie Card (#262)
Johan Santana’s rookie card is notable for representing a dominant period in his career with the Twins. A two-time Cy Young Award winner, Santana was one of the top pitchers in baseball in the mid-2000s, known for his devastating changeup.
9. 1960 Topps Jim Kaat Rookie Card (#136)
Jim Kaat became an All-Star for the first time with the Twins in 1966, going 25-13 that year with an astounding 19 complete games. Kaat, one of the greatest fielding pitchers ever, captured 16 Gold Gloves during his 25-year career. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022.
History of the Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins, originally the Washington Senators/Nationals before relocating in 1961, have a storied history in Major League Baseball, filled with legendary players, memorable seasons, and passionate fan support. Let’s explore the journey of this cherished franchise.
The Early Years in Minnesota
- Relocation to Minnesota in 1961: The franchise, initially established as the Washington Senators in 1901, moved to Minnesota in 1961, adopting the name “Twins” to represent the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
- Immediate Impact: The Twins made an immediate impact in their new home, fielding competitive teams and featuring star players.
The Era of Stars
- Harmon Killebrew: One of the greatest power hitters of his era, Killebrew spent the majority of his career with the Twins, hitting 573 home runs and becoming a beloved figure in Minnesota.
- Rod Carew: Known for his hitting prowess, Carew won seven batting titles with the Twins and was an 18-time All-Star over his career.
- Tony Oliva and Jim Kaat: Oliva, a three-time batting champion, and Kaat, a 16-time Gold Glove winner, were other key players during this era.
World Series Championships
- 1987 World Series: The Twins won their first World Series title in Minnesota in 1987, led by players like Kirby Puckett, Kent Hrbek, and Frank Viola. They defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in a thrilling seven-game series.
- 1991 World Series: Arguably one of the greatest World Series of all time, the Twins, once again led by Puckett and a strong supporting cast, triumphed over the Atlanta Braves in seven games. Game 6, won by Puckett’s walk-off home run, is particularly memorable.
Key Players in Modern Times
- Kirby Puckett: Puckett, a fan favorite known for his hitting and defensive skills, played his entire career with the Twins, leading them to two World Series titles.
- Johan Santana: One of the top pitchers in baseball in the mid-2000s, Santana won two Cy Young Awards with the Twins.
- Joe Mauer: A Minnesota native, Mauer spent his entire career with the Twins, winning three batting titles and earning an MVP award as a catcher.
Recent Developments
- A New Era: The Twins moved to Target Field in 2010, a state-of-the-art ballpark in downtown Minneapolis.
- Continued Competitiveness: The Twins have remained competitive in recent years, known for their strong player development and commitment to fielding a quality team.