1987 Minnesota Twins season

Major League Baseball season March 2026 November 2013 Minnesota Twins 1987 World Series championsAmerican League championsAmerican League West champions American League West Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Minneapolis Carl Pohlad Tom Kelly Andy MacPhail KMSP-TV (John Rooney, John Gordon, Harmon Killebrew)Twinsvision(Dick Bremer, Frank Quilici) 830 WCCO AM (Herb Carneal, John Gordon) 85–77 (.525) 1st The 1987 Minnesota Twins season was the 27th season for the Minnesota Twins franchise in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, their 6th season at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome and the 87th overall in the American League. The Twins won the World Series for the first time since moving from Washington in 1961, the second time that the franchise won the World Series (the Washington Senators won it in 1924). Having won only 85 games during the 1987 regular season, they won the World Series with the then-fewest regular season wins since Major League Baseball expanded to a 162-game season in 1961, and the fewest of any team since the 1889 New York Giants (excluding the strike-shortened 1981 and the COVID-19 pandemic-shortened 2020 seasons and later surpassed by the 2006 St. Louis Cardinals who won 83 games that season). They also became the first team to win the World Series despite being outscored by their opponents in the regular season, having scored 786 runs and allowed 806. Tom Kelly became the fifth manager to win a World Series in his first full season on the job, and one of seven total, as of 2023, to accomplish the feat.Simon Andrew Kelly Matt November 6, 2022 Rookie managers who won the World Series https://www.mlb.com/news/rookie-managers-who-won-the-world-series-c299658998 13 January 2020 MLB Offseason November 12, 1986: The Twins traded a player to be named later to the New York Mets for Ron Gardenhire. The Twins completed the trade by sending Dominic Iasparro (minors) to the Mets on April 4, 1987.Ron Gardenhire at Baseball Reference Gardenhire would spend the next 28 years in the Twins Organization including a 13-year stint as manager from 2002 to 2014. January 9, 1987: Juan Berenguer was signed as a free agent by the Twins.Juan Berenguer at Baseball Reference February 3, 1987: Neal Heaton, Yorkis Pérez, Jeff Reed and minor leaguer Al Cardwood were traded by the Twins to the Montreal Expos for Jeff Reardon and Tom Nieto.Jeff Reardon at Baseball Reference February 20, 1987: Minor leaguer Mike Shade was traded by the Twins to the Montreal Expos for Al Newman.Al Newman at Baseball Reference February 24, 1987: Billy Sample was signed as a free agent by the Minnesota Twins.Billy Sample at Baseball Reference Regular season The Twins were 85–77, first in the American League West, two games ahead of the Kansas City Royals. The team had one of the lowest winning percentages ever for a World Series champion, at .525. They also had the remarkably bad road record of 29-52 (.358 percentage) but made up for it winning 56 home games (best in MLB). Fortunately for the Twins, they played in a very weak division; only two teams finished above .500 and only 10 games separated the Twins from the last-place California Angels (the previous year's division champion) and Texas Rangers. The Twins' 85-77 was the lowest for a World Series champion for nearly two decades, until the 2006 St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series with an 83–78 record. 1987 was the first year the Twins started using their modernized logos and uniforms, which are still in use today. Only one Twin made the All-Star Game, outfielder Kirby Puckett. The highest paid player was Kent Hrbek at $1,310,000; followed by Bert Blyleven at $1,150,000. Over a late August weekend at Milwaukee, Puckett went 10 for 11, with four homers and two doubles, raising his batting average 13 points. The feat tied a major league record. Joe Niekro, a pitcher for the Twins, was suspended for 10 games when umpire Tim Tschida discovered an emery board in his pocket. Tschida suspected Niekro was scuffing the ball, and saw the emery board fly out of Niekro's pocket. Niekro said he was filing his nails in the dugout, but American League president Dr. Bobby Brown didn't believe him, and ordered the suspension. When the Twins won the pennant, Niekro set a major league record as he'd waited 20½ years since his debut to reach a World Series game. 2,081,976 fans attended Twins games, the sixth highest total in the American League. The Homer Hanky was introduced in 1987's pennant drive. When the Twins made the playoffs for the first time since 1970, three members of that team remained with the club now seventeen years later. Bert Blyleven was the only remaining player; Tony Oliva became the hitting coach and Rick Renick the third base coach. Offense This was the last year for a long time that the Twins were stocked with power hitters. In particular, Kirby Puckett, Kent Hrbek, Gary Gaetti, and Tom Brunansky combined to hit 125 home runs. (The team as a whole hit 196.) Hrbek, Gaetti, and Brunansky each surpassed 30 home runs, a number that no Twin would reach again until Justin Morneau and Torii Hunter in 2006. Kirby Puckett led the AL with 207 hits. Despite the power in their lineup, the Twins were outscored 806–786, one of the largest such differentials for a World Series champion. + Team Leaders Statistic Player QuantityHR Kent Hrbek 34RBI Gary Gaetti 109BA Kirby Puckett .332Runs Kirby Puckett 96 Pitching The top three starting pitchers, Frank Viola, Bert Blyleven, and Les Straker provided stability throughout the year. Mike Smithson, Joe Niekro, and Jeff Bittiger were less reliable. Newly acquired closer Jeff Reardon was a reliable option at the end of games. Juan Berenguer was the most reliable set-up man, posting a 3.94 ERA. Bert Blyleven led the AL with 46 home runs allowed. + Team Leaders Statistic Player QuantityERA Frank Viola 2.90Wins Frank Viola 17Saves Jeff Reardon 31Strikeouts Frank Viola 197 Defense The defense was not as strong as would be typical for Twins teams under manager Tom Kelly. Hrbek was the most reliable fielder at first base, and the outfield of Dan Gladden, Puckett, and Brunansky was reliable. Third baseman Gary Gaetti and center fielder Kirby Puckett each won their second Gold Glove Award. Season standings Record vs. opponents MIN Game log Regular season background:#072764;color:#c6011f; 1987 game log: 85−77 (Home: 56−25; Away: 29−52) y background:#c6011f;color:#072764; April: 12–9 (Home: 7–3; Away: 5–6) # Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/Streak |-style= background:#cfc | 1 || April 7 || || Athletics || 5–4 (10) || Frazier (1–0) || Krueger (0–1) || — || || 43,548 || 1–0 || W1 |-style= background:#cfc | 2 || April 8 || || Athletics || 4–1 || Viola (1–0) || Plunk (0–1) || Reardon (1) || || 12,577 || 2–0 || W2 |-style= background:#cfc | 3 || April 9 || || Athletics || 5–4 || Berenguer (1–0) || Howell (0–1) || — || || 11,586 || 3–0 || W3 |-style= background:#cfc | 4 || April 10 || || @ Mariners || 8–1 || Smithson (1–0) || Morgan (0–1) || — || || 38,122 || 4–0 || W4 |-style= background:#fcc | 5 || April 11 || || @ Mariners || 5–6 || Nunez (1–0) || Reardon (0–1) || — || || 26,312 || 4–1 || L1 |-style= background:#cfc | 6 || April 12 || || @ Mariners || 8–5 || Blyleven (1–0) || Langston (0–2) || Berenguer (1) || || 9,358 || 5–1 || W1 |-style= background:#fcc | 7 || April 13 || || @ Athletics || 3–6 || Howell (1–1) || Frazier (1–1) || — || || 14,447 || 5–2 || L1 |-style= background:#cfc | 8 || April 14 || || @ Athletics || 9–8 || Atherton (1–0) || Codiroli (0–1) || Reardon (2) || || 10,435 || 6–2 || W1 |-style= background:#cfc | 9 || April 15 || || @ Athletics || 5–2 || Smithson (2–0) || Stewart (0–2) || Reardon (3) || || 17,182 || 7–2 || W2 |-style= background:#fcc | 10 || April 17 || || @ Angels || 1–2 || Witt (2–1) || Blyleven (1–1) || — || || 36,175 || 7–3 || L1 |-style= background:#fcc | 11 || April 18 || || @ Angels || 0–1 || Candelaria (2–0) || Viola (1–1) || Moore (2) || || 36,881 || 7–4 || L2 |-style= background:#cfc | 12 || April 19 || || @ Angels || 6–5 || Portugal (1–0) || Sutton (0–3) || Reardon (4) || || 49,627 || 8–4 || W1 |-style= background:#cfc | 13 || April 20 || || Mariners || 13–5 || Smithson (3–0) || Morgan (0–3) || — || || 11,927 || 9–4 || W2 |-style= background:#cfc | 14 || April 21 || || Mariners || 6–1 || Straker (1–0) || Trujillo (1–1) || — || || 10,776 || 10–4 || W3 |-style= background:#fcc | 15 || April 22 || || Mariners || 3–4 || Langston (2–2) || Frazier (1–2) || — || || 11,247 || 10–5 || L1 |-style= background:#fcc | 16 || April 23 || || Angels || 3–7 || Candelaria (3–0) || Viola (1–2) || Moore (3) || || 14,204 || 10–6 || L2 |-style= background:#fcc | 17 || April 24 || || Angels || 1–8 || Sutton (1–3) || Portugal (1–1) || — || || 20,116 || 10–7 || L3 |-style= background:#cfc | 18 || April 25 || || Angels || 8–7 || Reardon (1–1) || Finley (0–1) || — || || 51,717 || 11–7 || W1 |-style= background:#cfc | 19 || April 26 || || Angels || 10–5 || Frazier (2–2) || Cook (1–1) || — || || 19,116 || 12–7 || W2 |-style= background:#fcc | 20 || April 28 || || @ Blue Jays || 1–5 || Clancy (2–2) || Viola (1–3) || — || || 21,182 || 12–8 || L1 |-style= background:#fcc | 21 || April 29 || || @ Blue Jays || 1–8 || Johnson (1–2) || Smithson (3–1) || — || || 19,020 || 12–9 || L2 |- y background:#c6011f;color:#072764; May: 14–14 (Home: 9–8; Away: 5–6) # Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/Streak |-style= background:#cfc | 22 || May 1 || || Yankees || 7–4 || Blyleven (2–1) || Rhoden (2–3) || Reardon (5) || || 23,531 || 13–9 || W1 |-style= background:#fcc | 23 || May 2 || || Yankees || 4–6 || John (2–0) || Viola (1–4) || Righetti (7) || || 33,173 || 13–10 || L1 |-style= background:#cfc | 24 || May 3 || || Yankees || 4–3 || Frazier (3–2) || Stoddard (0–1) || Reardon (6) || || 23,798 || 14–10 || W1 |-style= background:#fcc | 25 || May 5 || || Orioles || 4–5 || Bell (3–1) || Smithson (3–2) || Dixon (1) || || 8,891 || 14–11 || L1 |-style= background:#fcc | 26 || May 6 || || Orioles || 0–6 || McGregor (1–4) || Blyleven (2–2) || — || || 10,840 || 14–12 || L2 |-style= background:#cfc | 27 || May 7 || || Orioles || 5–2 || Viola (2–4) || Flanagan (0–5) || Reardon (7) || || 14,198 || 15–12 || W1 |-style= background:#fcc | 28 || May 8 || || @ Yankees || 7–11 || Guante (2–1) || Reardon (1–2) || — || || 25,921 || 15–13 || L1 |-style= background:#cfc | 29 || May 9 || || @ Yankees || 2–0 || Straker (2–0) || Rasmussen (2–2) || Reardon (8) || || 27,220 || 16–13 || W1 |-style= background:#fcc | 30 || May 10 || || @ Yankees || 1–6 || Hudson (5–0) || Smithson (3–3) || — || || 41,691 || 16–14 || L1 |-style= background:#cfc | 31 || May 11 || || @ Orioles || 10–4 || Blyleven (3–2) || McGregor (1–5) || — || || 25,353 || 17–14 || W1 |-style= background:#fcc | 32 || May 12 || || @ Orioles || 7–10 || Dixon (3–2) || Reardon (1–3) || — || || 14,279 || 17–15 || L1 |-style= background:#fcc | 33 || May 13 || || Blue Jays || 0–7 || Clancy (5–2) || Portugal (1–2) || — || || 9,158 || 17–16 || L2 |-style= background:#fcc | 34 || May 14 || || Blue Jays || 4–16 || Stieb (2–2) || Straker (2–1) || — || || 10,053 || 17–17 || L3 |-style= background:#cfc | 35 || May 15 || || Red Sox || 3–1 || Frazier (4–2) || Hurst (4–4) || — || || 13,878 || 18–17 || W1 |-style= background:#fcc | 36 || May 16 || || Red Sox || 1–6 || Clemens (3–3) || Blyleven (3–3) || — || || 23,414 || 18–18 || L1 |-style= background:#cfc | 37 || May 17 || || Red Sox || 10–8 (10) || Atherton (2–0) || Schiraldi (1–3) || — || || 20,716 || 19–18 || W1 |-style= background:#fcc | 38 || May 19 || || @ Indians || 3–4 || Schrom (3–4) || Portugal (1–3) || — || || 7,045 || 19–19 || L1 |-style= background:#cfc | 39 || May 20 || || @ Indians || 8–2 || Berenguer (2–0) || Candiotti (1–6) || — || || 6,226 || 20–19 || W1 |-style=background:#fcc | 40 || May 21 || || @ Indians || 3–6 || Swindell (3–3) || Blyleven (3–4) || — || || 7,401 || 20–20 || L1 |-style= background:#fcc | 41 || May 22 || 7:05p.m. CDT || Tigers || 2–3 || Morris (5–2) || Viola (2–5) || — || 2:43 || 15,423 || 20–21 || L2 |-style=background:#cfc | 42 || May 23 || 7:05p.m. CDT || Tigers || 7–5 || Anderson (1–0) || Terrell (3–5) || Reardon (9) || 3:10 || 18,601 || 21–21 || W1 |-style=background:#fcc | 43 || May 24 || 1:15p.m. CDT || Tigers || 2–7 || Robinson (3–2) || Atherton (2–1) || — || 3:07 || 16,351 || 21–22 || L1 |-style= background:#cfc | 44 || May 26 || || Brewers || 4–2 || Blyleven (4–4) || Nieves (3–2) || Reardon (10) || || 23,276 || 22–22 || W1 |-style= background:#cfc | 45 || May 27 || || Brewers || 7–2 || Viola (3–5) || Wegman (3–5) || Frazier (1) || || 22,947 || 23–22 || W2 |-style= background:#cfc | 46 || May 28 || || Brewers || 13–1 || Berenguer (3–0) || Birkbeck (1–4) || — || || 26,203 || 24–22 || W3 |-style=background:#fcc | 47 || May 29 || 6:35p.m. CDT || @ Tigers || 7–15 || Terrell (4–5) || Straker (2–2) || — || 2:28 || 19,031 || 24–23 || L1 |-style=background:#bbb | — || May 30 || || @ Tigers || colspan="8" |Postponed (rain) (Rescheduled May 31) |-style=background:#cfc | 48 || May 31 (1) || 12:35p.m. CDT || @ Tigers || 9–5 || Reardon (2–3) || King (2–4) || — || 3:25 || n/a || 25–23 || W1 |-style=background:#cfc | 49 || May 31 (2) || 4:30p.m. CDT || @ Tigers || 11–3 || Frazier (5–2) || Tanana (4–3) || — || 2:56 || 20,993 || 26–23 || W2 |- y background:#c6011f;color:#072764; June: 17–11 (Home: 10–2; Away: 7–9) # Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/Streak |-style= background:#cfc | 50 || June 1 || || @ Red Sox || 9–5 || Viola (4–5) || Clemens (4–5) || — || || 20,221 || 27–23 || W3 |-style= background:#fcc | 51 || June 2 || || @ Red Sox || 5–6 || Schiraldi (3–3) || Reardon (2–4) || — || || 16,910 || 27–24 || L1 |-style= background:#fcc | 52 || June 3 || || @ Red Sox || 6–7 (10) || Schiraldi (4–3) || Klink (0–1) || — || || 20,638 || 27–25 || L2 |-style= background:#fcc | 53 || June 5 || || Rangers || 9–15 || Harris (2–4) || Blyleven (4–5) || — || || 16,092 || 27–26 || L3 |-style= background:#cfc | 54 || June 6 || || Rangers || 3–2 (13) || Atherton (3–1) || Williams (3–3) || — || || 24,992 || 28–26 || W1 |-style= background:#cfc | 55 || June 7 || || Rangers || 7–4 || Atherton (4–1) || Russell (0–1) || — || || 15,795 || 29–26 || W2 |-style= background:#cfc | 56 || June 8 || 7:05p.m. CDT || Royals || 5–3 || Niemann (1–0) || Gubicza (3–7) || Reardon (11) || 2:35 || 17,815 || 30–26 || W3 |-style= background:#cfc | 57 || June 9 || 7:05p.m. CDT || Royals || 5–2 || Niekro (1–0) || Jackson (2–8) || Atherton (1) || 3:00 || 18,563 || 31–26 || W4 |-style= background:#cfc | 58 || June 10 || 7:05p.m. CDT || Royals || 4–3 (10) || Reardon (3–4) || Gleaton (1–2) || — || 3:04 || 18,560 || 32–26 || W5 |- style= background:#bbb | — || June 11 || || @ White Sox || colspan="8" |Postponed (rain) (Rescheduled June 12) |-style= background:#cfc | 59|| June 12 (1) || || @ White Sox || 5–2 || Viola (5–5) || Long (3–2) || Reardon (12) || || n/a || 33–26 || W6 |-style= background:#cfc | 60|| June 12 (2) || || @ White Sox || 7–4 || Berenguer (4–0) || Nielsen (0–1) || Atherton (2) || || 18,906 || 34–26 || W7 |-style= background:#fcc | 61 || June 13 || || @ White Sox || 2–6 || Dotson (4–4) || Straker (2–3) || James (8) || || 28,087 || 34–27 || L1 |-style= background:#cfc | 62 || June 14 || || @ White Sox || 6–3 || Niekro (2–0) || DeLeon (4–6) || Berenguer (2)|| || 17,334 || 35–27 || W1 |-style= background:#cfc | 63 || June 15 || || @ Brewers || 5–0 || Blyleven (5–5) || Wegman (5–6) || — || || 18,403 || 36–27 || W2 |-style= background:#cfc | 64 || June 16 || || @ Brewers || 7–3 || Viola (6–5) || Crim (3–4) || Reardon (13) || || 21,613 || 37–27 || W3 |-style= background:#fcc | 65 || June 17 || || @ Brewers || 5–8 || Clear (5–1) || Straker (2–4) || Plesac (14) || || 23,389 || 37–28 || L1 |-style= background:#cfc | 66 || June 19 || || White Sox || 7–6 || Reardon (4–4) || Winn (2–3) || — || || 24,123 || 38–28 || W1 |-style= background:#fcc | 67 || June 20 || || White Sox || 5–10 || DeLeon (5–6) || Blyleven (5–6) || — || || 33,636 || 38–29 || L1 |-style= background:#cfc | 68 || June 21 || || White Sox || 8–6 || Berenguer (5–0) || Winn (2–4) || Reardon (14) || || 29,240 || 39–29 || W1 |-style= background:#cfc | 69 || June 23 || || Indians || 9–4 || Smithson (4–3) || Candiotti (2–8) || Frazier (2) || || 17,393 || 40–29 || W2 |-style= background:#cfc | 70 || June 24 || || Indians || 14–8 || Straker (3–4) || Swindell (3–7) || — || || 19,885 || 41–29 || W3 |-style= background:#cfc | 71 || June 25 || || Indians || 4–3 || Blyleven (6–6) || Niekro (5–7) || Reardon (15) || || 27,489 || 42–29 || W4 |-style= background:#fcc | 72 || June 26 || || @ Rangers || 0–1 || Witt (3–3) || Viola (6–6) || Mohorcic (10)|| || 20,605 || 42–30 || L1 |-style= background:#fcc | 73 || June 27 (1) || || @ Rangers || 6–11 || Correa (3–5) || Frazier (5–3) || Russell (2) || || n/a || 42–31 || L2 |-style= background:#fcc | 74 || June 27 (2) || || @ Rangers || 2–7 || Hough (8–3) || Atherton (4–2) || — || || 35,677 || 42–32 || L3 |-style= background:#fcc | 75 || June 28 || || @ Rangers || 3–6 || Guzman (6–6) || Smithson (4–4) || Mohorcic (11) || || 17,477 || 42–33 || L4 |-style= background:#fcc | 76 || June 29 || 7:35p.m. CDT || @ Royals || 2–3 (5) || Jackson (4–10) || Straker (3–5) || — || 1:22 || 35,872 || 42–34 || L5 |-style= background:#cfc | 77 || June 30 || 7:35p.m. CDT || @ Royals || 3–1 || Blyleven (7–6) || Leibrandt (8–6) || Reardon (16) || 2:44 || 21,515 || 43–34 || W1 |- y background:#c6011f;color:#072764; July: 13–14 (Home: 7–3; Away: 6–11) # Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/Streak |-style= background:#fcc | 78 || July 1 || 7:35p.m. CDT || @ Royals || 3–4 || Quisenberry (3–0) || Atherton (4–3) || — || 2:59 || 26,899 || 43–35 || L1 |-style= background:#fcc | 79 || July 2 || 7:35p.m. CDT || @ Royals || 3–10 || Saberhagen (14–2) || Niekro (2–1) || — || 2:42 || 35,992 || 43–36 || L2 |-style= background:#cfc | 80 || July 3 || || Orioles || 6–5 (11) || Reardon (5–4) || Niedenfuer (1–1) || — || || 26,331 || 44–36 || W1 |-style= background:#cfc | 81 || July 4 || || Orioles || 4–1 || Straker (4–5) || Bell (6–6) || Berenguer (3) || || 23,724 || 45–36 || W2 |-style= background:#cfc | 82 || July 5 || || Orioles || 4–3 || Blyleven (8–6) || Niedenfuer (1–2) || — || || 21,294 || 46–36 || W3 |-style= background:#cfc | 83 || July 6 || || @ Yankees || 2–0 || Viola (7–6) || Guidry (1–4) || — || || 20,141 || 47–36 || W4 |-style= background:#fcc | 84 || July 7 || || @ Yankees || 7–12 || Stoddard (2–1) || Atherton (4–4) || — || || 27,697 || 47–37 || L1 |-style= background:#fcc | 85 || July 8 || || @ Yankees || 4–13 || Rhoden (11–5) || Smithson (4–5) || Clements (4) || || 38,168 || 47–38 || L2 |-style= background:#cfc | 86 || July 9 || || @ Orioles || 3–1 || Straker (5–5) || Bell (6–7) || Reardon (17) || || 22,656 || 48–38 || W1 |-style= background:#fcc | 87 || July 10 || || @ Orioles || 12–13 || Williamson (3–6) || Frazier (5–4) || — || || 28,057 || 48–39 || L1 |-style= background:#cfc | 88 || July 11 || || @ Orioles || 2–1 || Viola (8–6) || Griffin (1–3) || — || || 25,690 || 49–39 || W1 |-style= background:#fcc | 89 || July 12 || || @ Orioles || 0–5 || Schmidt (9–2) || Niekro (2–2) || — || || 27,486 || 49–40 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bbcaff;" | colspan="12" | 58th All-Star Game in Oakland, California |-style= background:#fcc | 90 || July 16 || || Blue Jays || 2–5 || Key (10–6) || Blyleven (8–7) || Henke (18) || || 34,334 || 49–41 || L2 |-style= background:#cfc | 91 || July 17 || || Blue Jays || 3–2 || Viola (9–6) || Eichhorn (8–5) || Reardon (18) || || 28,234 || 50–41 || W1 |-style= background:#fcc | 92 || July 18 || || Blue Jays || 5–7 || Stieb (8–5) || Niekro (2–3) || — || || 38,365 || 50–42 || L1 |-style= background:#cfc | 93 || July 19 || || Blue Jays || 7–6 || Schatzeder (1–0) || Lavelle (1–1) || Reardon (19) || || 32,095 || 51–42 || W1 |-style= background:#fcc | 94 || July 20 || || Yankees || 1–7 || John (9–3) || Straker (5–6) || — || || 34,966 || 51–43 || L1 |-style= background:#cfc | 95 || July 21 || || Yankees || 2–1 || Blyleven (9–7) || Stoddard (2–2) || — || || 37,391 || 52–43 || W1 |-style= background:#cfc | 96 || July 22 || || Yankees || 3–1 || Viola (10–6) || Rhoden (12–6) || Reardon (20) || || 40,054 || 53–43 || W2 |-style= background:#fcc | 97 || July 23 || || @ Blue Jays || 3–4 || Stieb (9–5) || Frazier (5–5) || — || || 35,320 || 53–44 || L1 |-style= background:#fcc | 98 || July 24 || || @ Blue Jays || 6–8 || Eichhorn (9–5) || Reardon (5–5) || Henke (20) || || 30,382 || 53–45 || L2 |-style= background:#cfc | 99 || July 25 || || @ Blue Jays || 13–9 || Schatzeder (2–0) || Musselman (7–4) || — || || 36,395 || 54–45 || W1 |-style= background:#fcc | 100 || July 26 || || @ Blue Jays || 2–4 || Key (11–6) || Blyleven (9–8) || Henke (21) || || 33,393 || 54–46 || L1 |-style= background:#cfc | 101 || July 27 || || @ Mariners || 4–3 || Viola (11–6) || Nunez (3–2) || Reardon (21) || || 13,858 || 55–46 || W1 |-style= background:#fcc | 102 || July 28 || || @ Mariners || 1–6 || Morgan (8–11) || Niekro (2–4) || — || || 13,495 || 55–47 || L1 |-style= background:#fcc | 103 || July 29 || || @ Mariners || 3–8 || Guetterman (9–2) || Smithson (4–6) || — || || 14,320 || 55–48 || L2 |-style= background:#cfc | 104 || July 31 || || @ Athletics || 5–3 || Blyleven (10–8) || Lamp (1–2) || Reardon (22) || || 32,097 || 56–48 || W1 |- y background:#c6011f;color:#072764; August: 13–15 (Home: 10–4; Away: 3–11) # Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/Streak |-style= background:#fcc | 105 || August 1 || || @ Athletics || 2–3 || Stewart (14–7) || Viola (11–7) || — || || 40,929 || 56–49 || L1 |-style= background:#fcc | 106 || August 2 || || @ Athletics || 5–6 (11) || Nelson (5–2) || Reardon (5–6) || — || || 33,215 || 56–50 || L2 |-style= background:#cfc | 107 || August 3 || || @ Angels || 11–3 || Schatzeder (3–0) || Witt (13–7) || — || || 33,983 || 57–50 || W1 |-style= background:#fcc | 108 || August 4 || || @ Angels || 3–12 || Sutton (8–9) || Carlton (0–1) || Lucas (2) || || 37,371 || 57–51 || L1 |-style= background:#fcc | 109 || August 5 || || @ Angels || 1–6 || Candelaria (6–3) || Blyleven (10–9) || — || || 34,059 || 57–52 || L2 |-style= background:#cfc | 110 || August 6 || || Athletics || 9–4 || Viola (12–7) || Stewart (14–8) || — || || 39,177 || 58–52 || W1 |-style= background:#cfc | 111 || August 7 || || Athletics || 9–4 || Niekro (3–4) || Lamp (1–3) || — || || 36,146 || 59–52 || W2 |-style= background:#cfc | 112 || August 8 || || Athletics || 9–2 || Carlton (1–1) || Young (10–6) || — || || 50,237 || 60–52 || W3 |-style= background:#cfc | 113 || August 9 || || Athletics || 7–5 || Blyleven (11–9) || Ontiveros (6–6) || Reardon (23) || || 33,948 || 61–52 || W4 |-style= background:#cfc | 114 || August 11 || || Angels || 7–2 || Viola (13–7) || Candelaria (6–4) || — || || 39,163 || 62–52 || W5 |-style= background:#fcc | 115 || August 12 || || Angels || 2–8 || McCaskill (3–4) || Straker (5–7) || — || || 33,033 || 62–53 || L1 |-style= background:#fcc | 116 || August 13 || || Angels || 1–5 || Witt (14–8) || Carlton (1–2) || — || || 35,837 || 62–54 || L2 |-style= background:#cfc | 117 || August 14 || || Mariners || 6–3 || Blyleven (12–9) || Morgan (10–12) || — || || 26,291 || 63–54 || W1 |-style= background:#cfc | 118 || August 15 || || Mariners || 14–4 || Smith (1–0) || Guetterman (9–4) || — || || 31,154 || 64–54 || W2 |-style= background:#cfc | 119 || August 16 || || Mariners || 5–1 || Viola (14–7) || Moore (5–15) || — || || 28,006 || 65–54 || W3 |-style= background:#cfc | 120 || August 17 || || Mariners || 4–2 || Straker (6–7) || Langston (13–10) || Reardon (24) || || 29,623 || 66–54 || W4 |-style=background:#fcc | 121 || August 18 || 6:35p.m. CDT || @ Tigers || 2–11 || Morris (14–6) || Carlton (1–3) || — || 2:36 || 32,053 || 66–55 || L1 |-style=background:#fcc | 122 || August 19 || 6:35p.m. CDT || @ Tigers || 1–7 || Terrell (10–10) || Blyleven (12–10) || — || 2:12 || 38,163 || 66–56 || L2 |-style=background:#fcc | 123 || August 20 || 12:35p.m. CDT || @ Tigers || 0–8 || Alexander (1–0) || Niekro (3–5) || — || 2:46 || 45,804 || 66–57 || L3 |-style= background:#fcc | 124 || August 21 || || @ Red Sox || 3–11 || Clemens (13–7) || Viola (14–8) || Gardner (5) || || 33,490 || 66–58 || L4 |-style= background:#fcc | 125 || August 22 || || @ Red Sox || 5–6 || Schiraldi (8–5) || Straker (6–8) || — || || 29,794 || 66–59 || L5 |-style= background:#fcc | 126 || August 23 || || @ Red Sox || 4–6 || Sellers (5–6) || Carlton (1–4) || Gardner (6) || || 32,956 || 66–60 || L6 |-style=background:#cfc | 127 || August 24 || 7:05p.m. CDT || Tigers || 5–4 || Reardon (6–6) || King (6–9) || — || 3:07 || 27,338 || 67–60 || W1 |-style=background:#fcc | 128 || August 25 || 7:05p.m. CDT || Tigers || 4–5 || Alexander (2–0) || Niekro (3–6) || Henneman (4) || 2:52 || 30,639 || 67–61 || L1 |-style=background:#fcc | 129 || August 26 || 7:05p.m. CDT || Tigers || 8–10 || Petry (8–6) || Reardon (6–7) || Hernández (7) || 3:29 || 29,265 || 67–62 || L2 |-style= background:#fcc | 130 || August 28 || || @ Brewers || 0–1 || Bosio (8–5) || Straker (6–9) || — || || 22,461 || 67–63 || L3 |-style= background:#cfc | 131 || August 29 || || @ Brewers || 12–3 || Blyleven (13–10) || Barker (2–1) || — || || 34,834 || 68–63 || W1 |-style= background:#cfc | 132 || August 30 || || @ Brewers || 10–6 || Atherton (5–4) || Crim (5–6) || Reardon (25) || || 22,417 || 69—63 || W2 |- y background:#c6011f;color:#072764; September: 16–11 (Home: 13–5; Away: 3–6) # Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/Streak |-style= background:#fcc | 133 || September 1 || || Red Sox || 0–9 || Sellers (6–6) || Niekro (3–7) || — || || 25,508 || 69–64 || L1 |-style= background:#cfc | 134 || September 2 || || Red Sox || 5–4 || Straker (7–9) || Nipper (8–11) || Reardon (26) || || 19,565 || 70–64 || W1 |-style= background:#cfc | 135 || September 3 || || Red Sox || 2–1 (10) || Atherton (6–4) || Gardner (1–6) || — || || 20,009 || 71–64 || W2 |-style= background:#cfc | 136 || September 4 || || Brewers || 2–1 (12) || Berenguer (6–0) || Plesac (5–5) || — || || 27,380 || 72–64 || W3 |-style= background:#cfc | 137 || September 5 || || Brewers || 2–1 || Atherton (7–4) || Crim (5–7) || — || || 51,122 || 73–64 || W4 |-style= background:#fcc | 138 || September 6 || || Brewers || 0–6 || Higuera (15–9) || Carlton (1–5) || — || || 36,586 || 73–65 || L1 |-style= background:#cfc | 139 || September 7 || || White Sox || 8–1 || Bittiger (1–0) || LaPoint (3–3) || — || || 22,623 || 74–65 || W1 |-style= background:#fcc | 140 || September 8 || || White Sox || 3–4 || Bannister (12–10) || Blyleven (13–11) || Thigpen (9) || || 12,360 || 74–66 || L1 |-style= background:#cfc | 141 || September 9 || || White Sox || 2–1 || Viola (15–8) || Winn (4–6) || — || || 15,394 || 75–66 || W1 |-style= background:#cfc | 142 || September 11 || || @ Indians || 13–10 (11) || Reardon (7–7) || Gordon (0–3) || Berenguer (4) || || 7,964 || 76–66 || W2 |-style= background:#fcc | 143 || September 12 || || @ Indians || 4–5 || Jones (4–4) || Berenguer (6–1) || — || || 9,156 || 76–67 || L1 |-style= background:#cfc | 144 || September 13 || || @ Indians || 7–3 (10) || Reardon (8–7) || Candiotti (7–16) || — || || 7,474 || 77–67 || W1 |-style= background:#fcc | 145 || September 14 || || @ White Sox || 2–8 || LaPoint (4–3) || Viola (15–9) || — || || 7,898 || 77–68 || L1 |-style= background:#fcc | 146 || September 15 || || @ White Sox || 2–6 || McDowell (1–0) || Niekro (3–8) || — || || 7,947 || 77–69 || L2 |-style= background:#fcc | 147 || September 16 || || @ White Sox || 10–13 || DeLeon (10–12) || Smithson (4–7) || Thigpen (11) || || 8,921 || 77–70 || L3 |-style= background:#cfc | 148 || September 18 || || Indians || 9–4 || Blyleven (14–11) || Akerfelds (2–5) || — || || 23,173 || 78–70 || W1 |-style= background:#cfc | 149 || September 19 || || Indians || 3–1 || Viola (16–9) || Candiotti (7–17) || Reardon (27) || || 23,581 || 79–70 || W2 |-style= background:#cfc | 150 || September 20 || || Indians || 3–2 || Straker (8–9) || Yett (3–8) || Reardon (28) || || 18,906 || 80–70 || W3 |-style= background:#cfc | 151 || September 22 || || Rangers || 6–4 || Niekro (4–8) || Harris (5–10) || Reardon (29) || || 18,294 || 81–70 || W4 |-style= background:#cfc | 152 || September 23 || || Rangers || 4–2 || Berenguer (7–1) || Guzman (14–12) || Reardon (30) || || 20,640 || 82–70 || W5 |-style= background:#cfc | 153 || September 24 || || Rangers || 4–0 || Viola (17–9) || Hough (17–12) || — || || 23,496 || 83–70 || W6 |-style= background:#fcc | 154 || September 25 || 7:05p.m. CDT || Royals || 4–6 || Farr (4–3) || Schatzeder (3–1) || Garber (6) || 3:07 || 52,704 || 83–71 || L1 |-style= background:#fcc | 155 || September 26 || 11:00a.m. CDT || Royals || 4–7 || Davis (5–2) || Reardon (8–8) || Garber (7) || 3:04 || 46,263 || 83–72 || L2 |-style= background:#cfc | 156 || September 27 || 1:15p.m. CDT || Royals || 8–1 || Blyleven (15–11) || Leibrandt (15–11) || — || 2:12 || 53,106 || 84–72 || W1 |-style= background:#cfc | 157 || September 28 || || @ Rangers || 5–3 || Berenguer (8–1) || Guzman (14–13) || Reardon (31) || || 9,986 || 85–72 || W2 |-style= background:#fcc | 158 || September 29 || || @ Rangers || 5–7 || Hough (18–12) || Atherton (7–5) || — || || 10,328 || 85–73 || L1 |-style= background:#fcc | 159 || September 30 || || @ Rangers || 1–2 || Witt (8–10) || Straker (8–10) || — || || 9,309 || 85–74 || L2 |- y background:#c6011f;color:#072764; October: 0–3 (Home: 0–0; Away: 0–3) # Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/Streak |-style= background:#fcc | 160 || October 2 || 7:35p.m. CDT || @ Royals || 3–6 || Saberhagen (18–10) || Viola (17–10) || — || 2:23 || 22,578 || 85–75 || L3 |-style= background:#fcc | 161 || October 3 || 7:05p.m. CDT || @ Royals || 2–4 || Leibrandt (16–11) || Blyleven (15–12) || Garber (8) || 2:18 || 28,082 || 85–76 || L4 |-style= background:#fcc | 162 || October 4 || 1:35p.m. CDT || @ Royals || 1–10 || Gubicza (13–18) || Niekro (4–9) || — || 2:24 || 26,341 || 85–77 || L5 |- |- | Legend:      #bfb darkgray = Win      #fbb darkgray = Loss      #bbb darkgray = PostponementBold = Twins team member Postseason Game log background:#072764;color:#c6011f; 1987 Postseason game log: 8−4 (Home 6−0; Away 2−4) y background:#c6011f;color:#072764; AL Championship Series: vs. Detroit Tigers: 4−1 (Home: 2–0; Away: 2–1) # Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Series Box/Streak |-style=background:#cfc | 1 || October 7 || 7:28p.m. CDT || Tigers || 8–5 || Reardon (1–0) || Alexander (0–1) || — || 2:46 || 53,269 || MIN 1–0 || W1 |-style=background:#cfc | 2 || October 8 || 7:38p.m. CDT || Tigers || 6–3 || Blyleven (1–0) || Morris (0–1) || Berenguer (1) || 2:54 || 55,245 || MIN 2–0 || W2 |-style= background:#fcc | 3 || October 10 || 12:10p.m. CDT || @ Tigers || 6–7 || Henneman (1–0) || Reardon (1–1) || — || 3:29 || 49,730 || MIN 2–1 || L1 |-style=background:#cfc | 4 || October 11 || 7:23p.m. CDT || @ Tigers || 5–3 || Viola (1–0) || Tanana (0–1) || Reardon (1) || 3:24 || 51,939 || MIN 3–1 || W1 |-style=background:#cfc | 5 || October 12 || 2:07p.m. CDT || @ Tigers || 9–5 || Blyleven (2–0) || Alexander (0–2) || Reardon (2) || 3:14 || 47,448 || MIN 4–1 || W2 |- y background:#c6011f;color:#072764; World Series: vs. St. Louis Cardinals: 4−3 (Home: 4–0; Away: 0–3) # Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Series Box/Streak |-style=background:#cfc | 1 || October 17 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Cardinals || 10–1 || Viola (1–0) || Magrane (0–1) || — || 2:39 || 55,171 || MIN 1–0 || W1 |-style=background:#cfc | 2 || October 18 || 7:25p.m. CDT || Cardinals || 8–4 || Blyleven (1–0) || Cox (0–1) || — || 2:42 || 55,257 || MIN 2–0 || W2 |-style= background:#fcc | 3 || October 20 || 7:33p.m. CDT || @ Cardinals || 1–3 || Tudor (1–0) || Berenguer (0–1) || Worrell (1) || 2:45 || 55,347 || MIN 2–1 || L1 |-style= background:#fcc | 4 || October 21 || 7:29p.m. CDT || @ Cardinals || 2–7 || Forsch (1–0) || Viola (1–1) || Dayley (1) || 3:11 || 55,347 || Tied 2–2 || L2 |-style= background:#fcc | 5 || October 22 || 7:42p.m. CDT || @ Cardinals || 2–4 || Cox (1–1) || Blyleven (1–1) || Worrell (2) || 3:21 || 55,347 || STL 3–2 || L3 |-style=background:#cfc | 6 || October 24 || 3:00p.m. CDT || Cardinals || 11–5 || Schatzeder (1–0) || Tudor (1–1) || — || 3:22 || 55,293 || Tied 3–3 || W1 |-style=background:#cfc | 7 || October 25 || 7:26p.m. CST || Cardinals || 4–2 || Viola (2–1) || Cox (1–2) || Reardon (1) || 3:04 || 55,376 || MIN 4–3 || W2 |- | Legend:      #cfc darkgray = Win      #fcc darkgray = Loss      #bbb darkgray = PostponementBold = Twins team member Notable transactions March 31, 1987: Minor leaguers Jose Dominguez and Ray Velázquez and a player to be named later were traded by the Twins to the San Francisco Giants for outfielder Dan Gladden and minor leaguer David Blakely. The Twins completed the deal by sending Bryan Hickerson to the Giants on June 15.Dan Gladden at Baseball Reference May 10, 1987: Bill Latham was traded by the Twins to the New York Mets for Jayson Felice (minors).Bill Latham at Baseball Reference May 22, 1987: Sal Butera was signed as a free agent by the Twins.Sal Butera at Baseball Reference June 2, 1987: 1987 Major League Baseball draft Willie Banks was drafted by the Twins in the 1st round (3rd pick overall).Willie Banks at Baseball Reference Terry Jorgensen was drafted by the Twins in the 2nd round.Terry Jorgensen at Baseball Reference Larry Casian was drafted by the Twins in the 6th round.Larry Casian at Baseball Reference Mark Guthrie was drafted by the Twins in the 7th round.Mark Guthrie at Baseball Reference Chip Hale was drafted by the Twins in the 17th roundChip Hale at Baseball Reference Bret Boone was drafted by the Twins in the 28th round, but did not sign.Bret Boone at Baseball Reference Craig Paquette was drafted by the Twins in the 36th round, but did not sign.Craig Paquette at Baseball Reference June 2, 1987: Eric Bullock was traded by the Houston Astros to the Minnesota Twins for Clay Christiansen.https://www.baseball-reference.com/b/bulloer01.shtml Eric Bullock Stats - Baseball-Reference.com Baseball-Reference.com June 7, 1987: Mark Salas was traded by the Twins to the New York Yankees for pitcher Joe Niekro.Mark Salas at Baseball Reference June 24, 1987: Danny Clay and Tom Schwarz (minors) were traded by the Twins to the Philadelphia Phillies for Dan Schatzeder and cash.Dan Schatzeder at Baseball Reference July 31: The Twins traded a player to be named later to the Cleveland Indians for Steve Carlton. The Twins completed the trade by sending minor leaguer Jeff Perry to the Indians on August 18. September 1: The Twins traded a player to be named later to the Boston Red Sox for designated hitter Don Baylor.https://www.baseball-reference.com/b/baylodo01.shtml Don Baylor Stats - Baseball-Reference.com Baseball-Reference.com The Twins completed the deal by sending minor leaguer Enrique Rios to the Red Sox on December 18. Opening Day Lineup +Opening Day Starters # Name Position32 Dan Gladden DH4 Steve Lombardozzi 2B34 Kirby Puckett CF8 Gary Gaetti 3B14 Kent Hrbek 1B24 Tom Brunansky RF27 Mark Davidson LF7 Greg Gagne SS11 Tom Nieto C28 Bert Blyleven P 1987 Opening Day Lineup at Baseball-Reference Roster 1987 Minnesota Twins Roster Pitchers 49 Allan Anderson 22 Keith Atherton 40 Juan Berenguer 30 Jeff Bittiger 28 Bert Blyleven 38 Steve Carlton 21 George Frazier 46 Joe Klink 36 Joe Niekro 19 Randy Niemann 36 Mark Portugal 41 Jeff Reardon 31 Dan Schatzeder 23 Roy Smith 48 Mike Smithson 17 Les Straker 16 Frank Viola Catchers 33 Sal Butera 15 Tim Laudner 11 Tom Nieto 12 Mark Salas Infielders  8 Gary Gaetti  7 Greg Gagne 14 Kent Hrbek  9 Gene Larkin  4 Steve Lombardozzi 26 Al Newman  2 Chris Pittaro  5 Roy Smalley Outfielders 20 Billy Beane 24 Tom Brunansky 25 Randy Bush 27 Mark Davidson 32 Dan Gladden 34 Kirby Puckett Other batters 18 Don Baylor Manager 10 Tom Kelly Coaches  6 Tony Oliva (Hitting) 44 Rick Renick (Third base) 43 Rick Stelmaszek (Bullpen) 42 Dick Such (Pitching) 45 Wayne Terwilliger (First base) Player stats = Indicates team leader = Indicates league leader Batting Starters by position Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in Pos Player G AB H Avg. HR RBI C Tim Laudner 113 288 55 .191 16 43 1B Kent Hrbek 143 477 136 .285 34 90 2B Steve Lombardozzi 136 432 103 .238 8 38 3B Gary Gaetti 154 584 150 .257 31 109 SS Greg Gagne Greg Gagne (baseball) 137 437 116 .265 10 40 LF Dan Gladden 121 438 109 .249 8 38 CF Kirby Puckett 157 624 207 .332 28 99 RF Tom Brunansky 155 532 138 .259 32 85 DH Roy Smalley Roy Smalley (shortstop, born 1952) 110 309 85 .275 8 34 Other batters Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in Player G AB H Avg. HR RBI Al Newman 110 307 68 .221 0 29 Randy Bush 122 293 74 .253 11 46 Gene Larkin 85 233 62 .266 4 28 Mark Davidson 102 150 40 .267 1 14 Sal Butera 51 111 19 .171 1 12 Tom Nieto 41 105 21 .200 1 12 Don Baylor 20 49 14 .286 0 6 Mark Salas 22 45 17 .378 3 9 Billy Beane 12 15 4 .267 0 1 Chris Pittaro 14 12 4 .333 0 0 Pitching Starting pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Player G IP W L ERA SO Bert Blyleven 37 267.0 15 12 4.01 196 Frank Viola 36 251.2 17 10 2.90 197 Les Straker 31 154.1 8 10 4.37 76 Mike Smithson 21 109.0 4 7 5.94 53 Joe Niekro 19 96.1 4 9 6.26 54 Other pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Player G IP W L ERA SO Mark Portugal 13 44.0 1 3 7.77 28 Steve Carlton 9 43.0 1 5 6.70 20 Joe Klink 12 23.0 0 1 6.65 17 Roy Smith 7 16.1 1 0 4.96 8 Allan Anderson 4 12.1 1 0 10.95 3 Jeff Bittiger 3 8.1 1 0 5.40 5 Relief pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Player G W L SV ERA SO Jeff Reardon 63 8 8 31 4.48 83 Juan Berenguer 47 8 1 4 3.94 110 Keith Atherton 59 7 5 2 4.54 51 George Frazier 54 5 5 2 4.98 58 Dan Schatzeder 30 3 1 0 6.39 30 Randy Niemann 6 1 0 0 8.44 1 Postseason See 1987 American League Championship Series and 1987 World Series. The Twins won the American League Championship Series beating the Detroit Tigers 4 games to 1. Gary Gaetti was named the ALCS MVP. He'd set a record by homering in his first two post-season at-bats. The Twins won the series by winning two of the three road games at Detroit despite a 4–8 regular season record vs the Tigers as well as 29 regular season wins on the road. The Twins won all four home games to top the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. Frank Viola was named the Series' MVP even though it was the Twins bats that were instrumental in the first three wins outscoring St. Louis 29–10 in the process. Farm system Minor League Baseball AAA Portland Beavers Pacific Coast League Charlie Manuel AA Orlando Twins Southern League George Mitterwald A Visalia Oaks California League Danny Schmitz A Kenosha Twins Midwest League Don Leppert Rookie Elizabethton Twins Appalachian League Ray SmithLEAGUE CHAMPIONS: KenoshaJohnson, Lloyd, and Wolff, Miles, ed., The Encyclopedia of Minor League Baseball, 2nd and 3rd editions. Durham, North Carolina: Baseball America, 1997 and 2007 References External links Player stats from baseball-reference.com Team info from www.baseball-almanac.com 1987 Standings A set of 10 audio clips of plays from the World Series with the Cardinals Category:Minnesota Twins seasons Minnesota Twins season Category:American League West champion seasons Category:American League champion seasons Category:World Series champion seasons Category:1987 in sports in Minnesota