Minnesota Twins: Taking Another Look at Target Field
When the Minnesota Twins officially opened the doors to Target Field, it marked the beginning of a new era for baseball in the Twin Cities.
More specifically, it marked the era of Minnesota Twins baseball sticking around for the foreseeable future.
With this week being the final week of the seventh season at Target Field, what better to talk about than this beautiful stadium?
As everyone knows, Bud Selig was threatening the Twins with the possibility of contraction unless they could find a way to build a new stadium.
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Ironically enough, this was the very same threat Selig’s Milwaukee Brewers faced prior to the team building Miller Park.
And it was an exhibit at my recent trip to the Brewer’s home field that got me thinking about the Twins’ digs.
What Target Field brought to the Twins was longevity and an All-Star game. Unfortunately, the team has yet to bring a championship to its new home.
But with an ever-evolving list of attractions being added to Target Field, one can’t help but be impressed with what the organization is trying to do.
From a fan’s perspective, I definitely appreciate the team’s commitment to improving the facilities.
Especially after the team being forced to live with the Metrodome, they really can’t afford to take any more risks with allowing their stadium to become outdated.
And sure, this is impressive for them to do but does two .500 seasons justify the new stadium?
Honestly, the record shouldn’t be something that reflects poorly on the importance of the stadium. Sure, the timing is unfortunate but there will always be stretches of losing seasons, no matter who you are.
Baseball being played outside in the beautiful Minneapolis summer weather made everything worth it.
Baseball being played in the dead cold of October and November for a championship would make especially make everything worth it.
So why discuss this at all?
With some corners of the fan base taking what I consider to be a more cynical approach to why Target Field was built, it seems people are failing to realize how important the stadium was.
And after visiting Miller Park in all its beauty, it helps make me appreciate what the Twins went through.
At the end of the day, I’m incredibly grateful for Target Field and Twins fans deserve it.
The experience alone makes everything worth it.
Next: Why I'm Still Optimistic
Here’s to hoping 2017 brings the playoffs back to Target Field and the state of Minnesota.