While the Minnesota Twins have struggled to compete with other big market franchises, they did manage to break through to win two World Series Championships since 1980. And that's as many as any other team. That includes huge spenders like the Yankees, Dodgers, Blue Jays, and Braves.

In 1987, The Twins made the playoffs with an 85-77 record. They were heavy underdogs in the A.L.C.S. against the Detroit Tigers. But behind the heavy-hitting "Fab Four" of Kirby Puckett, Kent Hrbek, Gary Gaetti, and Tom Brunansky, they managed to win the series in five games. Minnesota then defeated St. Louis in seven games to capture their first World Series Championship. The Twins were led by the outstanding pitching of left-hander Frank Viola. After winning the 1988 Cy Young Award, Viola was dealt to the New York Mets for five players. The package included starter Kevin Tapani, closer Rick Aguilera, and left-hander David West. All three of those players contributed to Minnesota's second championship in 1991. In perhaps the most exciting World Series in history, the Twins defeated the Atlanta Braves in seven games. Five of those game were decided by the winning teams last at-bat. Gene Larkin's bases-loaded single in the 10th inning of Game 7 capped the victory.

The rest of this page includes images of the Twins two championships.