On this day in Minnesota Sports Disappointment History...
Post date: Oct 30, 2018 12:29:20 AM
On Thursday October 25th, one of my favorites on Twitter (@Super70sSports) posted a gif of Jim Marshall running the wrong way in 1964 against the 49ers. It was the 54th anniversary of the infamous play. As Minnesota sports fans, I think we remember most of the bizarre events that have happened because we’ve lived through them. But it occurred to me that we may not remember WHEN they actually happened.
Here at ‘WHEN-ESOTA?’, we try to make light of our Minnesota sports disappointments. So I thought it might be fun (or painful depending how you look at it) to have an entire calendar of all of them. (See below)
If you think something’s missing, or see a mistake I’ve made, feel free to let me know. For example, I can’t seem to find an exact date the Lakers announced they were leaving (edit: Date found, Thanks @1960sSports). Also, there’s very little information about the Muskies and Pipers.
If I think your suggestion fits the darkly humorous snarky ‘WHEN-ESOTA?’ vibe, I will add it to the list. Speaking of our vibe, please remember this is supposed to be light hearted and funny. It’s a healthy way to exorcise the demons of the past. Laughter is the best medicine, and if you are a Minnesota sports fan and you CAN’T look back at our history and laugh…I don’t know what to tell you other than maybe this isn’t for you. But I will say this. What I don’t find funny is domestic or child abuse. So there are certain events that will NOT be included in this for that very reason.
Also, I am going to include the championships. Mrs. WHEN-ESOTA? says I can’t be negative ALL THE TIME. Seriously though, we need to remember the few high points in our history to fully appreciate the low ones. But that’s it. This isn’t a moral victory!
If you want to contribute, please retweet, share etc. The more people who see this, the more dates we can fill in and maybe complete the calendar.
Current Count 330 of 366 days.
January (30 of 31 days filled)
1 (1978) Vikings lose NFC championship to Dallas 23-6.
1 (1989) Vikings lose Divisional playoff to 49ers 34-9
1 (1995) Vikings lose Wild card game to Bears 35-18
2 (1961) Gophers lose Rose Bowl to Washington month after being named National Champion for last time.
2 (1993) Vikings lose Wildcard to Redskins 24-7
2 (2005) Moss leaves field before the end of a loss at Washington
3 (1960) Minneapolis St Paul group withdraws from AFL bid. The bid and draft picks would be awarded to Oakland
3 (1975) North Stars team fight at hotel, Goldsworthy injured.
3 (1981) Vikings lose Divisional Playoff to Philadelphia 31-16
3 (1983) Just days after Metrodome roof collapse, Tony Dorsett sets record for 99 yard run from scrimmage with only 10 men on field. (Thanks RJ)
3 (1998) Vikings lose Divisional Playoffs to 49ers 38-22
4 (1976) Fighting Saints lose to Ottawa Civics - Civics only win (Patrick Sweeney and FS FB Page)
4 (2009) Vikings lose Wildcard game to Eagles 26-14
5 (1969) Vikings lose "Playoff Bowl" (aka 3rd place game) to Dallas 17-13
5 (2013) Vikings lose Wildcard game to Packers 24-10
6 (1988) Dino Ciccarelli hits Maple leaf player over head with stick.
6 (1990) Vikings lose Divisional Playoffs to 49ers 41-13
7 (1973) Fighting Saints lose WHA's first ever nationally televised game in new arena.
8 (1976) Sid reports Harvey Mackays admission of NCAA violations
8 (2002) Contraction: Its reported that Pohlad loaned Selig and the Brewers $3 million in 1995, a violation of baseball's rules.
9 (1977) Vikings lose Superbowl XI to Oakland in Pasadena
9 (1994) Vikings lose Wild card game to Giants 17-10
9 (2005) Randy Moss moons Green Bay
10 (1992) Denny Green hired (Keith Grinde)
10 (2002) Mike Tice hired and the Randy Ration is born
10 (2002) Contraction: MLB gives Alabama businessman Donald Watkins permission to make offer to buy Twins.
10 (2016) Blair Walsh missed game winning kick in playoffs vs Seahawks
10 (2022) Vikings fire Zimmer and Spielman.
11 (1970) Vikings lose Superbowl IV to Chiefs in New Orleans
11 (1975) Tark and Page Douse Cosell with water.
12 (1975) Vikings lose Superbowl IX to Pittsburgh in New Orleans
13 (1974) Vikings lose Superbowl VIII to Miami in Houston
13 (2005) Straight Cash Homey
14 (1977) Fighting Saints play last game of 2nd franchise.
14 (2001) Vikings lose NFC championship 41-0 to the Giants
14 (2018) Minneapolis Miracle
14 (2020) Bruce Boudreaux lineup card mistake causes team to play with only 5 defensemen.
15 (1975) Harmon Killebrew released
15 (1983) Vikings lose Divisional Round to Redskins 21-7
15 (1997) Dennis Rodman kicks photographer Famous Amos during Timberwolves game
15 (2019) Timberwolves play Jimmy Butler for the first time after trade, give up 83 points in first half.
15 (2023) #3 seed Vikings lose Wildcard game to Giants
16 (1970) NFL realignment
16 (2000) Vikings lose Divisional Playoff to Rams 49-37. During game, Randy Moss squirts an official with a water bottle and is fined $40000
16 (2005) Vikings lose Divisional playoff to Eagles 27-14
17 (1988) Darrin Nelson’s dropped pass at goal line - Vikings lose NFC championship to Redskins 17-10
17 (1999) Vikings lose NFC championship to Atlanta, Gary Anderson miss, take a knee, Cunningham fumble, dropped INT
17 (2002) Contraction: Star Tribune’s Ruesse Quotes Jim Pohlad saying his father has NOT volunteered for contraction and Twins President Jerry Bell says he’s tired of hearing that accusation.
17 (2007) Tim Brewster hired as Gopher Football head coach. (Thanks Matt C)
18 (1960) Plane carrying Lakers thought to have crashed, makes crash landing.
18 (1961) Norm Van Brocklin hired after Bud Grant withdraws from consideration.
18 (1973) Glen Sonmor climbs into stands to fight Ottawa fans
18 (2014) Demolition of Metrodome begins
19 (1969) John Muckler fired after 3 months as North Stars coach.
20 (1974) Harry Neale kicked out of game for throwing chairs onto the ice
20 (1977) The second incarnation of Fighting Saints franchise officially folds.
21 (2018) Philadelphia Fail
22 (1998) Wild given their name
22 (2002) Contraction: The Minnesota Court of Appeals upholds the injunction that forces the Twins to honor their lease. Twins and MLB then file an appeal to MN supreme court
22 (2003) Ortiz signs with Boston (Dan Barreiro)
23 (1987) Timberwolves given their name
24 (2010) Bounty Gate NFC championship loss to Saints
25 (1972) Gopher basketball game called off with 36 seconds remaining after a brawl that left 3 OSU players hospitalized
26 (1986) Former Vikings Defensive Line coach Buddy Ryan wins Superbowl XX as Defensive Coordinator of the Bears
26 (2003) Former Vikings QB's Brad Johnson and Rich Cannon compete in Super Bowl XXXVII
27 (1972) Vikings trade to get Tarkenton back
27 (1984) Bud Grant resigns/retires the first time
27 (2020) Wolves blow 17 point lead with less than 3 minutes left
27 (2022) Mn Aurora soccer team given their name.
28 (1960) Minnesota accepts NFL bid for Franchise
28 (1976) Kicks given their name
28 (1985) Met Stadium demolished
28 (2001) Former Vikings Offensive Coordinator Brian Billick wins Superbowl XXXV as Head coach of the Ravens
28 (2011) Twins announce trees will be removed from center field
29 (1984) Less Steckel is officially announced as head coach. (Agreed to contract night before)
30 (1980) WIlliams Arena deemed unsafe.
30 (1990) Gunds moving to California unless $15 million in improvements made.
February (25 of 29 days filled)
1 (1990) Herschel Walker deal finalized
1 (2009) Former Vikings Defensive Coordinator Mike Tomlin wins Superbowl XLIII as head coach of the Steelers
2 (1967) Muskies and ABA born, Mikan named Commissioner
2 (1976) Fighting Saints sold for $1
2 (1984) Yankees sign Tim Belcher after secondary draft.
2 (2008) Johan Santana traded
2 (2014) Former Vikings Defensive Backs coach Pete Carroll wins Superbowl XLVIII as head coach of Seahawks
3 (1979) After negotiations break down with Yankees,Twins trade Rod Carew to Angels for Ken Landreaux, Dave Engle, Paul Hartzell and Brad Havens (Baseball-Almanac)
4 (2002) Contraction: The Minnesota Supreme Court refuses MLB's appeal of their ruling to force the Twins to play out their lease.
4 (2007) Former Vikings Defensive Coordinator Tony Dungy wins Superbowl XLI as head coach of the Colts (Thanks Andy J)
5 (2002) Contraction: Day after the MN Supreme court refuses to hear MLB appeal, Bud Selig calls contraction off for 2002 but says it’s still a possibility in the future.
5 (2019) Maya Moore announces she will not be returning to the team via the Players Tribune
6 (1975) Fighting Saints Mike Walton gets beer and a foreign object thrown at him in San Diego
6 (1975) In that same game Mike Walton hits a fan in the nose with his stick and would be charged with assault.
6 (2006) After threat of contraction and years of failed stadium bills, a Hennepin County District Judge rules Pohlad can sell or relocate after the 2006 season.
6 (2021) Wolves give up 83 points in first half vs OKC
7 (1975) Fighting Saints record setting brawl in phoenix
8 (1994) Wolves lose to 5-42 Mavs - for the 4th time.
9 (1966) NHL grants Minnesota a franchise - on condition of new arena being built.
10 (1967) In a letter to the Vikings, Fran Tarkenton asks for trade
11 (1967) Vikings head coach Norm Van Brocklin resigns...for the second time
11 (1973) Fighting Saints blow 5 goal lead to Oilers.
11 (1975) Vikings lose to Dodgers in ABC Super Team competition
12 (1977) Vikings lose to Reds in ABC Super Team competition
13 (1977) After a loss to Johnny Boudreaux, Scott Ledoux knocks off Howard Cosell’s toupee in a post fight scuffle claiming the fight was fixed by Don King and taunting Cosell to “tell it like it is”
14 (1985) North Stars/Red Wings brawl in Detroit
14 (2020) Celtics announce they will retire Garnett's jersey
16 (1993) Norm Green visits Dallas
17 (1993) Roger Staubach squires Norm Green around Dallas.
18 (1981) Fillies Marie Kocurek traded for critical comment
18 (1996) Laettner goes off on team after loss to Bullets. (AschNBA)
19 (1975) Fighting Saint Bill Butters bites the hand of a Crusaders fan during brawl in stands at Cleveland.
20 (2012) With 4.9s left in overtime and down by 3 points, the Timberwolves Martell Webster steals a Denver Nuggets inbounds pass and goes for a dunk instead of trying to shoot a 3 to tie it. (Thanks Twitter user @Brand842)
21 (1990) The Gund Brothers announce they will sell/move the North Stars
25 (1976) Fighting Saints play last game of first existence losing to the San Diego Mariners 2-1 in OT
26 (1981) North Stars Boston Brawl. 406 Combined penalty minutes. 18 minors 13 majors, 4 ten minute misconducts, 7 ejections. (credit Bob Showers, Al Shaver)
27 (1992) Mike Lynn sells shares of Vikings
28 (1948) Gopher/Hawkeye basketball brawl and spectator riot.
28 (1976) Fighting Saints franchise folds in the lobby of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, moments before the team was scheduled to board a flight to Cincinnati for a game that night.
28 (1978) After Bud Grant says he wont fill the DC position with anyone on the current staff, Defensive Line coach Buddy Ryan agrees to become DC of the Chicago Bears
28 (2011) Twins announces trees were removed previous week
28 (2021) Timberwolves became to worst franchise in North America (Cory Cove)
29 (1936) Patty Berg loses South Atlantic Championship in extra holes
29 (1972) Bill Goldsworthy has to choose North Stars or Saints
29 (1988) Herb Brooks impromptu morning presser in hotel room
29 (1992) North Stars lose on freak goal in OT
29 (2008) Troy Williamson traded
March (26 of 31 days filled)
1 (1973) Fighting Saints/LA Sharks penalty minute kerfuffle.
2 (2005) Randy Moss traded to Oakland for first round pick, (#7), take Troy Williamson 4/23/2005 (Courtesy Will Ragatz)
2 (2007) McHale Named best GM in Sports by Forbes magazine
3 (2002) Gophers blow 9 point lead with 3 minutes left to #15 Illinois (@GettingGophery)
3 (2017) MNUFC first game ever. Lost to Portland 5-1.
4 (1976) Due-process hearings set for 3 Gopher basketball players
6 (2017) Timberwolves postponed due to warm weather and ice sheet melting. (@ChrisGustafson4)
7 (1954) Lakers play game with 12 foot baskets (Keith Grinde)
7 (1967) Tarkenton traded
7 (1988) Gopher basketball and football sanctions handed down
8 (2005) Tice meets with NFL officials about Super Bowl tickets. Denies scalping them.
9 (1976) NCAA releases report and levies sanctions of Musselman era violations.
9 (2005) ESPN reports Tice admitted scalping tickets as an assistant, but never as head coach.
10 (1967) Bud Grant hired after Van Brocklin resigns a second time. (Thanks @KeithGrinde)
10 (1993) Norm Green announces North Stars move to Dallas
10 (1999) St Paul Pioneer press first reports the Gophers basketball academic scandal.
11 (1999) Stephon Marbury traded (Thanks @JGKfan)
13 (2022) Celtics retire Garnett's jersey
13 (2022) Vikings extend Cousins for a third time
14 (1985) Bernie Kosar declares eligible for draft
15 (2018) Kirk Cousins signed
16 (2020) Vikings extend Cousins and trade Diggs
18 (2002) Gophers Kerwin Fleming attempts a layup and missed, down by 3 with 8 seconds left. (Thanks @Skorzo60)
19 (2021) Vikings fined for salary cap violation. (coworker KG)
20 (2013) It's reported that U of M lost money on beer sales at TCF Bank Stadium.
21 (1981) Fillies walk off the court at Chicago Hustle.
21 (1983) North Stars/Black Hawks brawl. (Thanks Judd Zulgad)
21 (1996) After player lockout ends, MLB owners approve revenue sharing plan
21 (2011) Gophers Hockey announce they are leaving the WCHA to join Big 10 hockey Conference. (Thanks TSCF)
21 (2015) Adrian Peterson rides a camel into his birthday party
22 (1980) Gophers eliminated from NCAA tourney on disallowed goal.
22 (2010) Twins sign Joe Mauer 8 year 184 million (Twins Almanac)
23 (1981) Fillies play with replacement players.
24 (1996) Michigan’s Mike Legg does a trick “puck lift” to score tying goal vs Gophers, Michigan goes on to win 4-3 and advances to Frozen Four. (Thanks JD)
24 (2006) Gopher Men’s Hockey lose to Holy Cross in first round of NCAA tournament. (Thanks JD)
25 (1959) Gophers basketball coach Ozzie Cowles is forced to resign
25 (1990) Gophers lose to Georgia tech 93-91 and miss a trip to the Final Four (Thanks JD)
25 (2015) Minnesota United announced as an MLS franchise
26 (1960) Lakers final game Loss to St Louis Hawks in Playoffs 4-3
26 (2023) Whitecaps lose PHF championship
27 (1991) Entire Gopher Men's Athletic Department put on probation for 2 years
28 (1996) Puckett's vision problems first reported - goes on DL for first time. (@TwinsAlmanac)
28 (2021) Gophers do not make Frozen four. 3 other Minnesota teams do (Ben Goessling)
30 (1968) Muskies beat Colonels 3-2 in first round of ABA playoffs.
30 (1973) Saints lose last game of season to Alberta which forces a one game playoff.
31 (1971) Twins release Tiant
31 (1980) Fillies lose to Iowa Cornets in semi finals.
31 (1981) Fillies last game. League folds.
31 (1987) North Stars fire Henning
31 (2013) Star Tribune prints the Twins "silver linings" (JGKfan and BMileski)
April (28 of 30 days filled)
1 (1986) Clem Haskins hired
1 (1989) Gophers lose to Harvard in OT in national championship game
1 (2002) Contraction: After threat of contraction Twins open the season with a win over Kansas City
1 (2017) Loons first win
2 (1971) Cal Luther agrees to contract, for one day
2 (2023) Wolves lose as 19.5 favorites. Largest favorite in NBA history to lose outright. (PowerTripBets & Brad_Az)
3 (1982) First game at the Dome
3 (1971) Cal Luther rejects Gophers basketball
4 (1973) Fighting Saints win vs Alberta Oilers tie break game to advance to playoffs.
4 (1987) North Stars lose to Blues 4-1. Eliminated from playoff contention.
5 (1971) Gophers Hire Bill Musselman
5 (1973) Dennis O'Brien swings camera monopod at officials
6 (1982) Twins first regular season game in Dome. Loss to Seattle.
7 (1977) North Stars lose to Buffalo Sabres in Preliminary Round 2-0
8 (1984) AL Secord slashes Dino Ciccarelli in the back of the head.
9 (1959) Lakers swept in NBA finals. Also last NBA finals game in Minnesota (Keith Grinde)
9 (1980) Herb Brooks leaves U of M
9 (1985) Mike Lynn trades to move up and select Bernie Kosar
9 (2014) Twins bench clearing brawl Glen Perkins and Josh Donaldson (Skor North)
9 (2011) Ty Lawson 10 straight 3s (miller_simul)
9 (2021) Wild give up 9 goals, most in franchise history. Also 8 goal deficit (assist from Jessi Pierce)
9 (2023) Gobert/Anderson kerfuffle and McDaniel punching the wall
10 (1929) - Minneapolis loses bid to host 1932 winter olympics
10 Minneapolis Lakers win the 1953 NBA Finals
10 (1982) As part of Calvin Griffith's house cleaning Roy Smalley traded to Yankees.
10 (1982) Black Hawks crowd fight (Thanks Judd Zulgad)
10 (2021) 3 Minnesota teams fail to win NCAA hockey championship.
11 (1961) Twins first game ever and first win. Beat Yankees.
11 (1975) Gord Gallant and Harry Neale fight
11 (1982) North Stars lose to Black Hawks in Division Semi Finals 3-1
11 (1989) North Stars lose to Blues in Division Semi Finals 4-1
12 Minneapolis Lakers win the 1954 NBA FInals
12 (1973) North Stars lose to Flyers in Quarterfinals 4-2
12 (2010) Inaugural game at Target Field. Twins beat the Red Sox 5-4.
12 (2014) Gophers lose to National championship to Union College
12 (2022) Glue Girl
13 Minneapolis Lakers win 1949 NBA/BAA Finals (Minnesota's first ever Major sports championship)
13 (1968) Muskies last game in MN
13 (1993) North Stars play last home game at Met Center. (Thanks @VintageMNHockey)
14 (1968) Muskies lose ABA Eastern Div Finals to Pittsburgh Pipers 4-1. Also Muskies last game before moving to Miami.
14 (1983) Snowstorm causes Metrodome roof to tear almost postponing Twins vs Angels game. (Thanks @TwinsAlmanac)
14 (2016) Twins fall to 0-9. Worst start in franchise history. (Twins Almanac)
14 (2011) Mauer diagnosed with bi-lateral leg weakness
15 (1969) Pipers last game in Minnesota
15 (1973) Fighting Saints Loss to Jets in first round of WHA playoffs 4-1
15 (1986) North Stars lose to Blues in Division Semi Finals 3-2
15 (1993) North Stars play last game ever before moving to Dallas
16 (1963) Totten P Heffelfinger calls Hazeltine the 'Augusta of the North'
16 (1970) North Stars lose to Blues in Quarterfinals 4-2
16 (1972) North Stars lose to Blues in Quarterfinals 4-3
16 (1982) U of M board of Regents votes 10-1 to move Gopher football off campus to the Metrodome. (Thanks JD)
16 (1990) North Stars lose to Black Hawks in Division Semi Finals 4-3
17 (1948) Lakers win NBL championship
17 (1999) Vikings draft Dimitirus Underwood
19 (1969) Pipers lose first round of playoffs vs Miami Floridians 4-3, also last game before moving back to Pittsburgh
19 (2006) Mark Madsen goes 0-7 in 3 point attempts helping Timberwolves lose last game of season.
19 (2007) Wild lose to Ducks 4-1 in first round of playoffs (Conference Quarterfinals)
19 (2008) Wild lose to Avs in first round of playoffs 4-2 (Courtesy Will Ragatz)
20 (1948) John Wooden signs as UCLA basketball coach instead of Minnesota. (Thanks coworker MA)
20 (1974) Saints fight Houston fans on way back to locker room.
20 (1983) North Stars lose to Black Hawks in Division Finals 4-1
20 (1988) Twins give up 10,000th HR in Yankee history (uniformcritic)
20 (2002) Chiefs trick Vikings into thinking they had run out of time on draft clock
20 (2018) Wild lose to Jets 4-1 in first round of playoffs
21 (1961) Twins first home game at the Met. Loss to Senators.
21 (1974) Goldthorpe attacks Schella after Schella attacked walton
21 (1991) Vikings have no 1st or 2nd round picks due to Herschel Walker trade.
21 (2005) Onterrio Smith busted at airport with Whizzinator.
21 (2022) Wolves blow two double digit leads to Memphis.
22 (1961) Twins first home win at the Met. Beat senators.
22 (1988) Luther Darville fired for misappropriation of University funds
22 (1987) NBA awards Minnesota an expansion franchise
22 (1990) Vikings have no 1st or 2nd round picks due to Herschel Walker trade.
22 (1998) Minnesota awarded a WNBA franchise
22 (2017) Wild lose in first round to Blues 4-1 (Courtesy Will Ragatz)
23 Minneapolis Lakers win 1950 NBA Finals
23 (1980) Twins lose 17-0 to Angels. Largest shutout. (@Stoke63538501 TwinsTrivia.com)
23 (2005) Vikings Draft Troy Williamson AND Erasmus James ahead of Aaron Rodgers
24 (1956) First game ever at Met Stadium
24 (1975) Saints get equipment confiscated over 3 year old bus bill
24 (1976) Kicks first game
24 (2016) Wild lose to Dallas Stars 4-2 in first round of playoffs
25 Minneapolis Lakers win 1952 NBA Finals
25 (1961) Twins lose 20-2 to KC Athletics largest loss margin in team history (@Stoke63538501 TwinsTrivia.com)
25 (1987) Twins hat night Kerfuffle (luvernechatter)
25 (2018) After 14 year absence from playoffs, Wolves lose to Rockets in first round of playoffs 4-1
25 (2023) Wolves eliminated in game 5 by Nuggets
26 (1986) Wind causes Metrodome roof to tear causing a delay in the 8th inning of Twins game vs Angels
26 (1992) Vikings have no 1st or 3rd round picks due to Herschel Walker trade.
26 (2002) Contraction: Judd Zulgad & Randy Furst report that Twins may have volunteered as for contraction as early as April of 01.
26 (2003) Vikings don’t get draft card to podium in time and slip 2 spots in first round
26 (2021) Twins have to pull pitcher because of too many mound visits.
26 (2022) Wolves become first team in NBA history to blow double digit 4th quarter leads in same series.
27 (1960) NBA owners vote to let Bob Short move the Lakers to LA (Los Angeles Lakers encyclopedia and @1960sSports)
27 (1982) Vikings draft Disco Darrin Nelson over Marcus Allen
28 (1968) North Stars blow 3-0 lead, give up goal with 11s lose 4-3 in OT
28 (2002) Wolves lose to Mavericks in first round of playoffs 3-0. (Courtesy Will Ragatz)
28 (2011) Christian Ponder drafted by Vikings
28 (2012) Blair Walsh drafted by Vikings
28 (2018) Daniel Carlson drafted by Vikings
29 (1971) North Stars lose to Canadiens in Semi Finals 4-2
29 (1974) Goldthorpe and Sonmor fight Houston fans on way back to locker room
29 (1997) Wolves lose to Rockets in first round of playoffs 3-0 (Courtesy Will Ragatz)
30 (1985) North Stars lose to Black Hawks in Division Finals 4-2
30 (1992) North Stars lose to Red Wings in Division Semi Finals 4-3
30 (2001) Wolves lost to Spurs in first round of playoffs 3-1 (Courtesy Will Ragatz)
May (31 of 31 days filled)
1 (1974) Fighting Saints lose to Houston Aeros 4-2 in second round Division Finals of WHA playoffs/Disputed goal Curran
1 (1975) Fighting Saints lose to Quebec Nordiques 4-2 in Second Round WHA semi Finals
1 (1984) North Stars lose to Edmonton Oilers in Conference Finals 4-0
1 (2002) Contraction: Twins officials meet with legislators about stadium situation and inform them that Donald Watkins does not have the money to buy the team.
1 (2003) Wolves lose to Lakers in first round of playoffs 4-2 (Courtesy Will Ragatz)
2 (1990) Howard Baldwin buys the North Stars
2 (1998) Wolves lose to Sonics in first round of playoffs 3-2 (Courtesy Will Ragatz)
2 (2000) Wolves lose to Portland in first round of playoffs 3-1 (Courtesy Will Ragatz)
2 (2001) Knoblauch pelted with hot dogs on dollar night (@luvernechatter)
2 (2013) David Kahn's contract not renewed, Flip returns.
3 (1968) North Stars lose Semi Finals to Blues 4-3
4 (1984) Oakland A's Dave Kingman hits a pop fly into drainage hole the dome roof that never comes down.
5 (1998) North Carolina citizens vote down Don Beavers plan for stadium, killing plan to move Twins
6 (2010) Kestral
6 (1962) Twin Cities Skippers lose to Detroit Thunderbirds 27-15 in the first ever finals of the National Bowling League (Reusse)
7 (2015) Wild lost to Black Hawks 4-0 in second round of playoffs.
8 (1980) North Stars lose to Flyers 4-1 in Semi Finals.
8 (2004) After hitting a big shot in with 24s left in game 2 of the Western Conference Semis, Sam Cassell does big balls taunting dance, injures hip, wolves go on to lose Conference Finals to Lakers. (Courtesy Will Ragatz)
9 (1976) Kicks first home game
9 (2013) Wild lose to Black Hawks 4-1 in first round of playoffs (Conference Quarterfinals)
10 (1974) Gordie Howe named to first team All Star over Mike Walton who led league in goals and points.
11 (1977) Top 10 Boxer (and Minnesotan) Duane Bobick loses to Ken Norton in 58 seconds.
11 (1982) As part of Calvin Griffith’s housecleaning Rob Wilfong and Doug Corbett are traded.
12 (1978) Carew says he will never again sign with Twins
12 (1982) As part of Calvin Griffiths housecleaning Butch Wynegar and Roger Erickson are traded.
13 (1985) Ron Davis gives up 2R HR to Mattingly in top of 9th. 5th game in a row with 9th inning HR (credit Barreiro)
13 (2014) Wild lose to Blackhawks in 2nd round 4-2 (Courtesy Will Ragatz)
14 (1982) Twins/Tigers 2 brawls
14 (1990) Vikings leave for Pecos NM ranch for week long retreat to end team discord (Keith Grinde)
15 (1988) Minnesota Strikers lose Eastern Division Finals 4-1 to Cleveland Force. Also last game in Minnesota.
15 (1999) Wolves lose to Spurs in first round of playoffs 3-1 (Courtesy Will Ragatz)
16 (1974) Vikings GM Jim Finks resigns
16 (2003) Wild lose Western Conference Finals to Mighty Ducks 4-0
17 (2002) After scoring 3 runs in top of 14, Giambi hits a GS off Trombley in bottom 14.
17 (2004) Garnett's 'weaponized' comments before Game 7 of the WCSF
18 (1961) Twins play first game under lights at Met Stadium, Lose to A's 4-3 (Keith Grinde)
19 (2015) Wolves finally get a 1st overall pick after 26 years.
20 (1956) Saints/Millers brawl at met stadium
20 (1987) Bill Lester named Executive Director of the Metropolitan Sports Commission
20 (2006) MN Legislature approves funding for what will be TCF Bank Stadium
21 (1980) Blow up doll delays Twins White Sox game
21 (1981) North Stars lose Stanley Cup to New York Islanders
21 (2006) The Minnesota legislature approves funding for a ballpark bill
21 (2007) Target field construction begins.
21 (2018) Wild hire Gm Fenton
21 (2022) Vixen lose at STL because they wont turn the lights on.
22 (1969) Mikan announces ABA headquarters will move to New York
22 (2009) David Kahn hired as Gm of Wolves
22 (2005) Twins pitcher Terry Mulholland scratches eye with a pillow feather in hotel. (Johner)
23 (1945) Fort Wayne Daises, play first AAGPBL game after moving from Minneapolis (Millerettes)
23 (1994) Marv/Harv sell wolves to NO
24 (1968) Muskies announce move
25 (1966) Mariucci resignation made public
25 (1991) North Stars lose Stanley Cup to Pittsburgh
26 (1986) Strikers lose 5-3 to San Diego in game 7 of MISL championship after being up 3-1
27 (1944) Millerettes play first AAGPBL game in loss to Rockford Peaches 5-4
27 (1974) Fenway fan throws cherry bomb in Twins dugout
28 (1944) Millerettes get first AAGPBL win beating peaches 7-6 in game one of DH at Nicollet Park.
28 (1974) Gordie Howe named MVP over Mike Walton who led the league in scoring and points.
28 (2021) Wild eliminated by Vegas in game 7
29 (2017) The Twins lose to Astros 16-8 after being up 8-2 through 7. Astros score 14 unanswered.
30 (1991) NHL Dispersal Draft to let the San Jose Sharks take half the North Stars roster
31 (1976) Blyleven gives fans the middle finger
31 (2004) Wolves lose to Lakers in Western Conference Finals 4-2
31 (2019) Sano robbed of HR in Tampa because of a speaker
June (28 of 30 days filled)
1 (1976) Blyleven traded
2 (1968) Halsey Hall's cigar starts Chicago press box on fire (Assist from Keith Grinde)
2 (1982) 14th Loss in a row for twins
3 (1947) Ben Berger buys the Detroit Gems, Sid Hartman delivers the check.
3 (1982) Twins get a day off after losing streak - rain check promotion
3 (1984) Bill Mahoney hired by North Stars
4 (1982) Twins beat Orioles ending streak.
4 (2021) Shoemaker: 1/3 inning in first, 9 runs. (Gleeman)
5 (1983) Twins inform Belcher they will be drafting him. Less than enthused.
6 (1960) "Minnesota Vikings" join NBL
6 (1983) Twins Draft Tim Belcher with #1 Overall pick even though he informs them beforehand that he will be asking for $125k minimum signing bonus
7 (1966) Twins draft Steve Garvey in the amateur draft. Garvey goes to college in stead and is later drafted by the dodgers in the secondary phase. (Bleacher report)
8 (1983) North Stars draft Brian Lawton
9 (1975) Twins manager Frank Quilici gives wrong lineup card, Twins bat out of order (Twins Trivia)
9 (1976) Kicks lose to Pele/Cosmos 2-1 but set NASL Attendance record
9 (2022) Twins lead off with 3 consecutive HR's but lose to Yankees 10-7. Only 2nd time in MLB history.
10 (1961) Twins play first ever nationally televised game, lose 4-3 to the Orioles. (TwinsTrivia.com)
10 (2017) Former MN NLL franchise (Georgia Swarm) wins championship. Left in 2015 (Keith Grinde)
12 (1973) Dave Winfield pulled, Gophers give up 8 runs and blow lead (@JGKFAN)
12 (1997) After legislature fails to approve ball park in late 90s, MLB gives Pohlad ok to sell team or move
13 (1978) Kicks lose to Cosmos 4-2 set new attendance record at Met
14 (1978) After trying to trade Rod Carew for the previous few weeks Griffith says Carew will stay the rest of the season.
15 (1989) Rick Mahorn selected as the first ever Timberwolf in the expansion draft
15 (1994) NBA rejects New Orleans purchase of Wolves
15 (2006) Ortiz hits speaker in Dome
16 (2022) Golden State Warriors win NBA Finals with Andrew Wiggins.
17 (2007) Lew Ford loses ball in Dome roof Prince Fielder IP HR (@PaulStMartin)
17 (2008) Boston Celtics win NBA Finals with Kevin Garnett
18 (1955) Bloomington farmer Paul Gerhardt barricades his land with tractors to prevent groundbreaking
18 (1999) Alonzo Newby fired for refusing to cooperate in Gopher investigation
19 (1970) Golfer Dave Hill savages Minnesota's Hazeltine Golf Course at US Open: 'If I had to play this course every day, I'd take up another game,' 'They ruined a good farm when they built this place. All it needs are a few cows and 80 acres of corn.''They ought to plow up the whole thing and start over,' 'The guy who designed this course had the blueprints upside down.' (UPI, MPR News, Coworker PP)
19 (2016) Cleveland Cavaliers win NBA Finals with Kevin Love
20 (1955) Met Stadium ground breaking finally takes place after delayed by unpaid farmer
20 (1967) Fight on Twins team bus in Detroit
20 (1997) Nursing home mogul Don Beaver from North Carolina approaches Twins officials about buying team.
20 (1999) Dallas Stars win first Stanley Cup (1:30 Am EST 12:30 CST)
21 (1985) Lorne Henning hired by North Stars
22 (1984) Carl Pohlad buys Twins from Calvin Griffith
22 (1988) MN Strikers announce they are dissolving the team.
22 (1988) After turbulent year as coach the North Stars announce Herb Brooks will not return.
22 (2017) Wolves trade for Jimmy Butler
22 (2017) Twins delayed 4:50 longest in team history
23 (1961) Twins fire Cookie Lavagetto replace him with Sam Mele (@Stoke63538501 TwinsTrivia.com)
24 (1989) Twins players upset about being lied to about timing of 2nd game in DH
24 (2004) The Timberwolves have no 1st Round draft pick due to penalties from illegal Joe Smith deal
25 (1997) Wild founded
25 (1999) University buys out Clem Haskins contract
25 (2009) Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn drafted…ahead of Steph Curry.
26 (1977) A certain MN sports historian climbs the foul pole at Metropolitan Stadium
26 (1996) Wolves draft Ray Allen, trade for Stephon Marbury (Courtesy Will Ragatz)
26 (2002) The Timberwolves have no 1st Round draft pick due to penalties from illegal Joe Smith deal
26 (2003) After not having a 1st Round pick for 2 years, the Wolves draft Ndudi Ebi
26 (2014) Zach Lavine says "eff me" after the wolves draft him.
27 (1969) It's reported that Pipers announce they will play 69-70 season back in Pittsburgh
27 (2001) The Timberwolves have no 1st Round draft pick due to penalties from illegal Joe Smith deal
27 (2011) Twins lose to Dodgers 15-0
27 (2013) Wolves draft, Trey Burke trade for Shabazz Muhammad ahead of Giannis, CJ McCollum
28 (1968) Pipers announce moving to Minnesota (Keith Grinde)
29 (1977) Twins lose longest 1-0 game in history (Aaron Sims)
30 (1993) JR Rider drafted by Wolves.
30 (2005) Mike Tice fined $100,000 for scalping Superbowl tickets
July (24 of 31 days filled)
4 (1929) Saints Millers Brawl
4 (1959) Mpls Miller Manager Gene Mauch climbs into stands to fight heckler
4 (2012) Wild Sign Zach Parise and Ryan Suter to identical 13 year $98 Million guaranteed contracts
5 (1984) Keith Millard signs with USFL (Keith Grinde)
5 (1988) After being AD during many scandals Paul Giel is fired.
5 (1992) Twin's Chili Davis hit a ball off a speaker on the dome roof, and the ball was caught by Baltimore second baseman Mark McLemore for an out. (LA Times)
5 (2004) GI Joe giveaway Kerfuffle
6 (1971) Harmon Killebrew mug night. (Twins Almanac)
7 (1980) Minnesota's Scott Ledoux Loses WBC World Heavyweight title bout to Larry Holmes. (Thanks Coworker PP)
8 (2012) Twins Rangers lightning strike
9 (1968) Harmon Killebrew injures hamstring during the 3rd inning of the All Star Game
10 (2022) Vixen lose WFA pro championship to Boston 32-12
12 (1996) Kirby Puckett announces retirement due to loss of vision in his eye.
13 (2021) Parise/Suter buyout.
14 (1944) Millerettes unknowingly play last home game at Nicollet park before becoming permanent road team. They beat Milwaukee 7-6
14 (2010) Kahn compares Darko to Chris Webber uncomfortable conversation. Good Luck!
16 (1974) Twins/Brewers brawl - Reusse
17 (2002) Torii Hunter throws ball at Cleveland Pitcher Danys Baez and hits him in the leg (TwinsTrivia.com)
18 (1965) Twins manager Sam Mele punches 1st base umpire Bill Valentine (TwinsTrivia.com)
18 (2016) Twins fire Terry Ryan
19 (1956) Metropolitan Stadium officially named
19 (1966) Billy Martin bloody nose Howard fox (Twins Almanac)
19 (1976) Disco Dan Ford slides into 3rd and misses 5 feet to the left.
20 (2009) Twins blow 10 run lead to A’s lose 13-14 which we think is the Twins biggest blown lead of all time.
21 (1984) Les Steckel holds “Ironman” competition
21 (1988) Lombardozzi and Gladden fight
22 (1944) Millerettes announce they will play rest of season on road.
22 (1990) Twin lose 10-6 on 5 errors causing 10 unearned runs.
23 (1975) U of M receives NCAA letter about basketball investigation
23 (1996) JR Rider traded
23 (2014) Vikings announce they won't spend extra $1.1 million for bird safe glass.
24 (2021) Vixen lose D1 championship to Boston 42-26
27 (1929) Minnesota loses and gains an NFL franchise on the same day.
27 (1959) Continental League forms with team in Mpls/St.Paul (Keith Grinde)
28 (1975) Musselman leaves U after NCAA investigation breaks
28 (2021) Twins hit 7 HRs, Tigers hit 0 HRs. Twins lose 17-14. (@PaulStMartin)
29 (1944) Minneapolis Millerette pitcher Annabelle Lee throws the first perfect game in AAGPBL history in an 18-0 win over the Kenosha Comets.
29 (1991) Keith Millard crashes Corvette in Hardees parking lot, leaves scene to beat training camp curfew
30 (2019) Wild GM Paul Fenton fired
31 (1972) Dick Allen hits 2 Inside the park home runs in the game off Bert Blyleven
31 (2007) Kevin Garnett traded to the Boston Celtics
31 (2019) Twins make last minute trade deadline deal for Kevin Dyson who turns out to be injured
August (27 of 31 days filled)
1 (1999) Dimitrius Underwood signs 7 million dollar contract
2 (1960) Continental League folds.
2 (1977) NCAA wins appeal that places Men’s Athletic Department back on probation
2 (1982) Ron Yary demands trade
2 (1984) Metrodome survey
2 (1999) Dimitrius Underwood walks out of practice and doesn’t return
3 (1987) Umpire Tim Tschida asks Twins pitcher Joe Niekro to empty his pockets. He drops an emery board and sandpaper. Niekro is suspended for 10 games.
4 (1984) Steckel’s first game as head coach, replacing Bud Grant
4 (1985) Carew gets 3000th hit against Twins and Frank Viola (@Plouffe24fan)
5 (1961) Vikings lose first exhibition game ever to Dallas 38-13
5 (1987) Niekro suspended
5 (1994) Glen Taylor buys Timberwolves
6 (1969) Billy Martin knocks out Dave Boswell
7 (2005) Shannon Stewart gives ball to fan with only 2 outs (TwinsTrivia.com)
7 (2020) Wild lose to Canucks in bubble playoff series
7 (2022) Rocco Baldelli loses his mind after overturned call.
9 (1976) WHA approves transfer of Cleveland Crusaders to Minnesota to become the second incarnation the (New) Fighting Saints
10 (1971) In a 4-3 loss to Baltimore, Killebrew hits 500 & 501 (Twins Almanac)
11 (2019) Vikings trade 5th round pick for kicker Kaare Vedvick
13 (1954) "The Sports Commission" formed.
13 (1986) Twins trade Ron 'Boom Boom" Davis (TwinsTrivia.com)
14 (1959) Minneapolis/St Paul awarded an original (not yet called AFL) franchise.
15 (2006) Koren Robinson leads police on a high speed chase on hwy 169
16 (1977) Moth gets stuck in Butch Wynegar's ear.
16 (1983) After losing #1 pick Tim Belcher to the Yankees because he refused to pay an appropriate signing bonus, Calvin Griffith is quoted as saying he hopes he never has the first round pick again.
17 (2010) Favre arrival- Part 2.
17 (2017) Twins strikeout 19 times in 9 innings. (@awasmoen & TwinsTrivia.com)
18 (2009) Brett Favre arrives (the first time)
19 (2013) Mauer takes foul tip, would be last game at catcher. (TwinsTrivia.com)
22 (1982) Vikings trade Yary
22 (2005) Wolves hold voluntary mini camp in Vegas but pay for expenses, which is violation of salary cap.
23 (1988) Musselman hired as Wolves coach
23 (2014) Wolves trade Kevin Love to Cleveland for Andrew Wiggins
24 (1988) Dino Ciccarelli sentenced to $1000 fine 1 day in jail for on ice incident hitting Maple Leaf over head with stick. (@VintageMNHockey)
25 (1928) Duluth Eskimos disband
25 (1969) Billy Martin refuses Vice President Hubert Humphrey's cameras in the Locker room after a loss.
25 (1970) Met stadium bomb threat (@Michael_J_Adair @TwinsWild16)
26 (1981) Kicks last game at Met Stadium.
26 (2009) Schism
27 (1921) Minneapolis Marines (and Green Bay) admitted to APFA (Keith Grinde)
27 (2015) Sano hits ball off Tampa Catwalk (@bstoffel350)
27 (2019) Loons lose USOC to ATL
28 (1976) Kicks lose NASL Championship (aka the Soccer Bowl) to Toronto 3-0
29 (1992) Lights go out in Metrodome causing delay
30 (1960) American League votes to expand, Twin Cities chosen as candidate.
30 (1990) White Sox, Ron Karkovice hits inside park grand slam vs Twins (Twitter @Tinger_3)
30 (2007) Target Field official ground breaking ceremony held.
30 (2005) Wolves fined $200K for Vegas trip.
31 (2005) Michael Finley chooses Spurs after Garnett recruiting him. (Thanks JG)
31 (2019) Vikings cut Kaare Vedvik after trading a 5th round pick for him.
31 (2019) Twins hit 6 Hr's to break all time HR record, lose 10-7. (@firearmofmutiny)
September (28 of 30 days filled)
2 (1965) Bob Allison goes 0-5 with 5 Ks in 5-4 loss (Twins Almanac)
3 (1994) PSU beats Gophers 56-3. Ki-Jana Carter runs 210 yards virtually untouched.
3 (2006) Bert Blyleven drops F Bomb on live TV.
3 (2016) Vikings trade for Sam Bradford after Teddy Bridgewater has life threatening leg injury
4 (1915) First and only Minneapolis 500 Race (Keith Grinde)
5 (1978) Disco Dan Ford (Twins Almanac, Roy Smalley @barteltt2)
6 (1944) Minneapolis 'Orphans' play last game of season losing game 2 of DH to Milwaukee 6-4
6 (1981) Kicks unknowingly play last game ever
6 (1995) Saints outdraw Twins
6 (2005) Kyle Lohse bashes Gardy's door with a bat
7 (1974) Twins lose 1-0 strand 14 runners (Twins Almanac)
7 (1997) The Star Tribune reports that Pohlad has an offer from Don Beaver on the 6th, but a day later he denies the report.
7 (2021) Timberwolves hold offseason team activities outside of market, will later be fined $250K
8 (2000) Glen Taylor called to meeting with NBA Commissioner and admits secret deal with Joe Smith
9 (1989) First Timberwolves Hoopfest - Rick Mahorn promotional appearance
11 (1995) Twins inform Legislative panel that the Metrodome is obsolete. Although they never officially say “new stadium” That is the intention.
11 (2010) Gophers football loses to FCS South Dakota. 41-38
12 (1982) Twins lose 18-7 and Terry Felton is credited with his 13th loss of the season and the 16th loss of his career. He would be released after the season and would finish his career 0-16.
13 (2007) Bill Smith named Twins GM
13 (2021) Twins blow 5 run lead to yankees, lose 6-5. NYDN runs "punching bag" headline.
14 (1984) Strikers play last NASL outdoor game due to league folding (Keith Grinde)
14 (2020) Byron Buxton robbed of IP HR due to ball being "stuck"
15 (2002) Mike Tice calls into radio show to discuss his kicker Doug Brien missing 2 XPs in overtime loss to Bills. Brien was fired and Gary Anderson was brought back.
16 (2018) Daniel Carlson's bad day vs Packers.
17 (1961) Vikings play first ever regular season game
17 (1978) Blown PR call in Vikes/Bucs game.
17 (1983) Gophers lose to Nebraska 84-13
17 (2018) Vikings cut kicker Daniel Carlson, replaced by Dan Bailey
17 (2020) Josh Donaldson ejected from game after hitting HR
18 (1997) Pohlad begins negotiations with Don Beaver to sell Twins to NC, and claims it’s not a ploy to pressure Minnesota for a new stadium.
19 (1926) Duluth Kelleys reborn as the Eskimos win first game 7-0 over KC Cowboys
19 (1985) Jim McMahon comes off the bench to throw 3 touchdowns in 3rd quarter.
19 (2018) Jimmy Butler requests trade
20 (1965) Twins lose to KC 8-2 in front of 537 fans
20 (1986) Gophers lose to Oklahoma 63-0
21 (1969) Fran Tarkenton leads Giants to 13 pt comeback, win 24-23 vs Vikings
21 (1970) Vida Blue no hits Twins in 8th career start. (@Super70’sSports)
22 (1929) Minneapolis Marines reborn as Red Jackets play first game lose to Bears 19-6
23 (2018) Vikings lose to Bills by 21 after being favored by 16 - "Ballcap Game" (Keith grinde)
24 (2002) Randy Moss hits a traffic officer and pot is found in his car
24 (2011) Gophers lose to FCS North Dakota State 37-24
25 (1981) Last night game at the Met.
25 (2021) Gophers lose to Bowling green 14-10 as 31 point favorites
26 (1976) Vikings bus late to game in Detroit
27 (1960) Vikings given their name.
27 (1975) Fighting Saints/Johnstown Jets melee in Mankato
27 (1984) Jamie Quirk only major league at bat - HR off Twins. (@allmediareviews)
27 (2003) Jesse Orosco final pitch of career walkoff K in loss to Detroit. (Twins Almanac)
28 (1978) Calvin Griffith's racist remarks in speech at Waseca Lions.
28 (1984) Twins blow 10 run lead. (Thanks D. Graham email submission)
28 (2012) Tsuyoshi Nishioka gives back $3.25 million as an apology for poor play (Yahoo sports and SKOR North)
29 (1981) Fillies sold to Detroit?
29 (2005) Torii Hunter throws punch at Justin Morneau that hits Nick Punto (Twins Almanac, @ErikThibault, @awasmoen, @AschNBA)
29 (2020) Twins lose 17th straight playoff game setting the American record
30 (1923) Duluth Kelleys play first NFL game beating Akron Pros 10-7
30 (1967) Twins need 1 win to win AL go into Boston for 2 game series and get swept. (@mapahansen)
30 (1981) Twins play last game at Met Stadium
30 (2016) Twins lose for the 103rd time of the season 3-7 to White Sox marking it as the worst season in team history (Baseball Reference)
30 (2020) Twins swept by Astros in first round. 18th straight postseason loss.
October (30 of 31 days filled)
1 (1961) Vikings lose at Colts in last seconds of game. First loss to colts and probably Vikings first "heartbreaking" loss (Keith Grinde)
1 (1967) Twins need 1 win to win AL go into Boston for 2 game series and get swept. (@mapahansen)
2 (1921) Minneapolis Marines play first game, lose to Cardinals 20-0
2 (1981) Dome raised for the first time
2 (1988) Allan Anderson skips final start to win ERA title.
2 (2016) Twins finish their worst season ever 59-103 with win over Chicago White Sox 6-3
2 (2018) Manager Paul Molitor is fired a year after taking the Twins to the Wildcard game and being named Manager of the Year.
3 (1982) Twins end season losing 102nd game of the year. 2nd worst record in franchise history.
3 (1997) Pohlad signs a letter of intent to sell the Twins to Don Beaver
3 (2017) Twins lose to Yankees in Wildcard game 8-4 (Courtesy Will Ragatz)
4 (1987) Ciccarelli pushes referee/given 2 game misconducts refuses to leave ice
4 (1987) Vikings replacements lost to Green Bay.
4 (2010) New York Daily News "EZ Pass" (@BillFehlberg)
4 Lynx win 2017 WNBA championship
5 (1970) Twins lose ALCS to Orioles
5 (2003) Twins lose to Yankees in ALDS (Courtesy Will Ragatz)
5 (2004) Twins beat Yankees in Game 1 of ALDS. Last playoff victory. Lost 18 straight since.
6 (1963) Vikes lose 56-14 worst home loss.
6 (1969) Twins lose ALCS to Orioles
6 (2000) The Wild play their first game ever losing to Ducks 3-1.
6 (2002) Contraction: The Twins beat the Oakland As in the Division Series and advance to the ALCS
6 (2002) Contraction: On that very same day, during the post- game celebration, Pohlad finally admits volunteering the team for contraction
6 (2005) Vikings Love Boat cruise on Lake Minnetonka
6 (2006) Twins swept by A’s in ALDS 3-0 (Courtesy Will Ragatz)
7 (1976) Fighting Saints play first game of new franchise
7 Lynx win 2011 WNBA championship
8 (1982) In his 2nd game as a North Star, Willi Plett slashes Detroit goalie on back of neck.
9 - Twins are 0-6 on October 9th. Never won. (1965, 1991, 2002, 2004, 2009, 2010) Twins Almanac.
9 (2004) Twins lose to Yankees in ALDS (Courtesy Will Ragatz)
9 (2009) Phil Cuzzy’s famous blown call on Mauer's ground rule double - costs Twins a run, possibly game.
9 (2010) Twins swept by Yankees in ALDS 3-0 (Courtesy Will Ragatz)
10 (2003) Gophers blow 21 point lead on Michigan in 4th quarter lose 38-35.
10 Lynx win 2013 WNBA championship
10 (2018) Jimmy Butler crashes Wolves practice after holding out and yells at owner and management
11 (1964) Lions and Vikings both wear white Jerseys (Keith Grinde)
11 (1967) North Stars play first game ever. Tie with Blues 2-2
11 (2000) The Wild play first home game at the Xcel. Tie Flyers 3-3
11 (2009) Twins swept by Yankees in ALDS 3-0 (Courtesy Will Ragatz)
11 (2016) Zimmer and the Fat Cats
11 (2017) Wiggins 5 year Max deal
11 (2020) Vikings blown leads to Seahawks.
11 (2023) Twins lose ALDS to Astros 3-1
12 (1965) Twins groundskeeper adds 8 wheelbarrows of sand to first base to slow Dodgers runners
12 (1969) Billy Martin fired/not rehired
12 (1989) Herschel Walker trade
13 (1972) Fighting Saints first game ever. Loss vs Winnipeg Jets
13 (2002) Contraction: Twins Lose the ALCS to Anaheim 4-1 (Courtesy Will Ragatz)
14 (1965) Twins lose game 7 of World Series to Dodgers
14 Lynx win 2015 WNBA championship
15 (1972) Fighting Saints first win ever. Beat Chicago Cougars 3-2.
15 (2005) Leading 34-31 with 30 seconds left, Minnesota’s punt is blocked by Wisconsin in the endzone and lose 38-34 (Thanks JD)
16 (1972) North Stars bar fight at the Moustrap in Atlanta.
16 (2018) Kevin Garnett says Glen Taylor doesn’t know sh$% about basketball on National television.
17 (2010) Tim Brewster fired
18 (1989) First pre-season Wolves game at dome
18 (2000) After starting 0-4-1, Wild get first win and first win at home vs Tampa Bay 6-5.
20 (1991) Ron Gant/Kent Hrbek first base World Series
20 (2019) Loons lose to LA Galaxy 2-1 in first round of their first MLS playoffs.
21 (1967) North Stars get first win and first win at home vs the Oakland Seals 3-1
21 (1976) NCAA places men's Athletic Dept on probation for not declaring players ineligible
21 (2012) Lynx lose WNBA finals
21 (2013) Josh Freeman game. Worst single QB grade by PFF (@BobbyWescott)
21 (2016) Lynx lose WNBA finals - controversial shot clock violation with 1:12 left (Zeke Fuhrman)
22 (1967) Muskies first game. Loss to Kentucky Colonels 104-96.
22 (2001) Contraction: The first reports surface of contraction officially happening before 2002 season
23 (1921) Marines lose to Packers 7-6 on missed kick
23 (1982) Fry dresses as farmer to throw shade at Gophers. (Bumper to Bumper)
23 (1997) "No room for Crybabies" is released for purchase in the Twin Cities
24 (1967) Muskies first win. Beat the Pittsburgh Pipers 104-86.
24 (1977) ACIA reverses decision about players ineligibility so football can get Bowl game.
24 (2000) Gophers vacated 1997 Final Four appearance as well was other years tourney appearances as punishment for academic scandal
25 (1964) Jim Marshall recovers a fumble and runs the wrong way vs San Francisco
25 (1983) Joe Salem resigns
25 Twins win 1987 World Series
25 (2001) Contraction: After first reports of contraction happening to the expos and Marlins, the Twins are rumored to be candidate
26 (1960) Calvin Griffith talks owners into letting him move Senators to Minnesota
27 (1968) Pipers first game, win vs Miami Floridians 126-94.
27 (1974) Fran Tarkenton gets ejected after throwing a ball at a Patriots player (Thanks @MrZMovies)
27 (1989) Rick Mahorn traded
27 (1991) Corvette carrying Sal Butera during Twins championship parade starts on fire (@murphfrommidway)
27 Twins win 1991 World Series
28 (1983) Bobby Smith traded
28 (1984) Archie Manning first start, sacked 11 times by Bears. (Keith Grinde)
28 (1989) Gophers blow 31 pt lead against Ohio State
28 (2000) Gophers blow 21 point lead against Northwestern and lose on hail mary (Ivan Carter)
29 (2010) Randy Moss lashes out about catering in locker room
29 (2001) Gophers blow 7pt leaf with 19s left. Lose in OT to Purdue. (HoopsMaven)
30 (1968) Wren Blair steps down as coach for the first time.
30 (1988) Steve Young's 49 yard Run vs Vikings with 2 min left to win 24-21
30 (2020) Gophers/Maryland game, spread, blown lead, missed kick)
31 (1936) Gophers undefeated season ruined by phantom unnecessary roughness penalty giving PSU ball on the 1. Lose 6-0 (Dan B and JG)
31 (2001) Contraction: Pohlad denies that he asked for a buyout from other owners (denies volunteering team for contraction).
31 (2004) Latrell Sprewell declines Timberwolves $21 million contract offer saying "I have a family to feed".
31 (2010) After loss to Patriots, Randy Moss gets emotional in press conference about how much he misses them (Coworker PP)
31 (2015) Gophers/Michigan goal line debacle with 30s left. (@CoryOlson89)
31 (2018) The term "General Soreness" is used to excuse why Jimmy Butler isn’t playing.
November (27 of 30 days filled)
1 (1925) Duluth Kelleys play last game, loss to Cardinals 10-6
1 (1955) Calvin Griffith named President of Senators after his Uncle Clark the previous owner dies.
1 (2008) Gophers lose to NW on pick 6 with 12s left. (Ryan Stieg)
1 (2010) Even though it wouldn't be official until the next day, Randy Moss is released by the Vikings ending his 2nd stint with the team
2 (2016) Norv Turner resigns as Vikings Offensive Coordinator, replaced by Pat Shurmur
3 (1989) Timberwolves play first ever game, losing to Seattle.
4 (2019) Timberwolves game delayed by rim 1 degree off. (@HoopsMaven)
5 (1989) Following a win against the Rams, Jerry Burns goes on an epic NSFW rant defending his OC, Bob Schnelker.
5 (2001) Contraction: MSFC threaten legal action if Twins don’t fulfill lease.
6 (1968) John Muckler's first game as North Stars coach Loss 1-0 to Maple Leafs
6 (2000) Antonio Freeman catch to win game in OT vs Vikings on MNF
6 (2001) Contraction: Owners vote 28-2 in favor of eliminating 2 teams for the 2002 season. (Expos & Twins vote against)
7 (1992) Gophers/OSU brawl (JGKFAN)
7 (2007) Williamson fined by Childress for going to funeral
7 (2011) Twins fire Bill Smith replace with Terry Ryan
8 (1989) Timberwolves play first ever home game...in the Metrodome, losing the Micheal Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.
8 (1994) JR Rider's "Funk in the Trunk" released.
9 (2001) Contraction: In an effort to prevent employees from bailing, Jim Pohlad sends letter to employees telling them to hold tight
10 (2018) Butler traded to Philadelphia
10 (1989) Timberwolves first win, defeating Sir Charles and the 76ers 125-118 in OT. Former TWolf Rick Mahorn comes off the bench for the 76ers (Basketball Reference)
11 (2001) Randy Moss verbally abuses a team corporate sponsor on the team bus and is fined and required to attend anger management
12 (2018) Butler trade becomes official. Deal struck on 10th.
13 (1985) Lorne Henning throws water bottle at ref.
13 (2020) Gopher/Iowa timeout pissing contest. “Figured we’d take Floyd with us and leave the timeouts here.”
14 (2001) Contraction: Mn legislators file lawsuit to break Baseball's federal antitrust exemption
14 (2014) Timberwolves lose to Pelicans by 48
14 (2017) Twins Manager Paul Molitor gets Manager of the Year a year before being fired.
15 (1924) Mpls Marines last game, loss to Frankford Yellow Jackets 39-7
15 (1965) Norm Van Brocklin quits, would be talked into returning the next day.
15 (2001) Contraction: Commissioner Bud Selig tells Minnesotans they should look themselves in the mirror
15 (2016) Vikings kicker Blair Walsh is cut and replaced by Kai Forbath
15 (2021) WOlves fined for holding minicamp in Miami in September
16 (1965) Van Brocklin is talked into returning
16 (2001) Contraction: MN judge grants injunction filed by the MSC to force Twins to play in 2002. The Twins and MLB appeal
16 (2002) Iowa fans take down goal posts at Metrodome (Keith Grinde)
16 (2019) #8 Gophers lose to Iowa after being ranked in top ten first time since 1962.
19 (1981) Metrodome roof collapses from almost a foot of snow requiring it to be re-inflated.
19 (1999) McKinley Boston and Mark Dienhart resign amid Gopher basketball scandal
19 (2008) Williamson challenges Childress to fight.
20 (1943) Gophers refuse "Slab of Bacon" trophy after beating Wisconsin. (Keith Grinde)
20 (1966) Tarkenton benched for Vander Kelen
20 (1977) Walter Payton runs for 275 yards against vikings with flu and 101 degree fever
20 (1981) Dome at Winter Park collapses (Keith Grinde)
21 (2021) Loons lose to Portland Timbers 3-1 in first round of MLS playoffs.
22 (1950) Lakers lose to Fort Wayne 19-18. Lowest scoring game in NBA history. (Keith Grinde)
22 (2001) After being criticized for taking plays off, Randy Moss famously declares to Sid Hartman, I play when I want to play
22 (2007) Torri Hunter signs with Angels in free agency.
22 (2008) Gophers lose to Iowa 55-0 at final game in metrodome. (Judd Zulgad)
22 (2010) Brad Childress fired.
24 (1962) Penalties in final minutes cost Gophers Big 10 championship and Rose Bowl.
24 (1979) Minnesota's Scott Ledoux loses IBF USBA world Heavyweight title bout to Mike Weaver. (Thanks Coworker PP)
24 (2001) Contraction: Alabama businessman Donald Watkins says he wants to buy Twins.
25 (1975) Kicks were purchased from Denver.
25 (1987) Dino Ciccarelli exits his home without pants and is charged with indecent exposure.
25 (2017) Gophers almost lose to Alabama playing 5 on 3.
26 (1960) Washington Senators officially change their name to Minnesota Twins.
26 (2010) Twins win negotiating rights to Tsuyoshi Nishioka.
27 (1985) Lou Holtz accepts Notre Dame job after 2 year as Gopher coach. The terms "Lou Holtz clause" and "Notre Dame clause" are born
28 (1941) Bruce Smith wins Heisman trophy.
28 (1978) Cal Stoll asked to resign, refuses and is fired by letter in mail.
28 (2009) Adrian Peterson busted for driving 109 MPH on Hwy 62
29 (1960) Gophers last football championship named by AP and UPI, lose Rose Bowl month later.
30 (1966) Vikings placed in NFC Central via coin flip - Other teams didn't want us.
30 (1983) Fort Lauderdale Strikers announce they are relocating to Minnesota
30 (2019) #9 Gophers lose to Wisconsin at home after being ranked in the top 10.
December (28 of 31 days filled)
1 (1978) MSFC votes 4-3 for domed stadium.
1 (2002) Michael Vick's run to beat Vikes in OT (Larry Mondello Guy)
2 (1976) University gets temporary injunction against NCAA probation
4 (1966) Tarkenton benched in Atlanta
4 (2013) Timberwolves game in Mexico cancelled due to escalator fire. (@ChrisGustafson4)
5 (1996) Collective Bargaining Agreement between players and owners which includes revenue sharing.
5 (1998) Lynx given their name
5 (2021) Vikes lose to winless Detroit on last play of game.
6 (2001) Contraction: Bud Selig is verbally assaulted by MN House Judiciary Committee members and the governor.
6 (2019) Chris Paul snitches on untucked jersey allowing comeback
7 (1930) Red Jackets play last game, loss to Portsmouth Spartans 42-0, last NFL game in MN until 1961
7 (1978) Rod Carew traded to the Giants but he would refuse to report.
7 (1981) Kicks fold due to financial losses and dispersal draft for players is held.
7 (2001) Contraction: Players are informed of possible spring training lockout by owners
7 (2020) MNUFC blows 2 goal lead with 15 Minutes left in game (tieing goal with 1 minute left and GWer in 3rd minute of extra time)
8 (1978) After being traded to the Giants, Carew says he will not report.
8 (1984) Vikings lose 71-7 to 49ers. Greatest deficit in franchise history. (Ben Goessling)
8 (2000) Glen Taylor and Kevin McHale suspended for illegal Joe Smith Deal
9 (1941) Bruce Smith receives his Heisman Trophy
9 (1993) Dallas Stars return to play Ottawa at Target Center.
9 (2010) Twins trade JJ Hardy to Orioles. (@TwinsAlmanac)
10 (1969 Twins trade Graig Nettles (Reusse)
11 (1927) Eskimos last game, loss to Bears 27-14
11 (1981) Minnesota's Scott LeDoux loses IBF USBA world Heavyweight title bout to Greg Page. (Thanks Coworker PP)
11 (2018) Vikings OC John Defilippo fired and replaced by Kevin Stefanski
12 (2010) Metrodome roof collapses for final time
13 (1919) Clark Griffith buys Senators because he was tired of previous owner’s penny pinching.
13 (1994) Met Center torn down
13 (2020) Dan Bailey 0/1 XP 0/3 FG
14 (1962) Vikings lose bidding war for Bobby Bell.
14 (1969) Balloon with boy leaves Met Stadium ends up in river.
14 (1984) Lou Holtz speech to regents supporting move to Dome
15 (1978) Minnesota Fillies first game, loss to Cornets 103-81 (Keith Grinde)
16 (1984) Les Steckel’s last game as head coach, loss to Packers. 3-13 season. Worst record in team history
16 (1991) Pohlad sells shares of Vikings
16 (2002) Twins release David Ortiz
17 (1961) Lakers return for exhibition game.
17 (1984) Les Steckel is fired, replaced by Bud Grant
17 (2010) Nishioka signs
17 (2016) Wolves blow 7pt lead with 45s left (HoopsMaven)
18 (1975) University committee presents findings of Musselman era violations to NCAA, 'deal' struck about players.
18 (1991) Morris signs with Blue Jays after Carl Pohlad tells him to sign elsewhere because he is saving his money for Kirby
18 (2000) Contraction: Star Tribune quotes Pohlad as saying he wants no part of contraction, and that his objective is to keep baseball here
18 (2009) Wild equipment fire in Ottawa
20 (1975) Chuck Foreman hit with snowball in Buffalo that blurs his vision.
20 (1979) Construction begins on Metrodome
20 (1981) Kansas City beats the Vikings 10-6 in the final game ever played at Met Stadium. (@TwinsAlmanac)
21 (2001) Contraction: Teams are given permission to release schedules and sell tickets for 02 season.
22 (1968) Vikings lose Divisional Playoff to Colts 24-14
22 (1979) Fogged out North Stars game at Met Center
22 (1982) Broten/Gretzky fight
23 (1998) Pohlads announce Twins will be slashing their payroll from 27 million in 1998 to 10-15 million for the following season. Merry Christmas Twins fans!
23 (2001) Contraction: Two days after teams given permission to sell tickets commissioner says contraction could still happen in February.
23 (2016) Vikings plane slips off runway (Keith Grinde)
24 (1995) Vikings blow 21 point lead to Bengals
24 (2006) Childress cuts Marcus Robinson on Christmas Eve
25 (1971) Vikings lose Divisional Playoff to Cowboys 20-12
27 (1970) Vikings lose Divisional Playoff to 49ers 17-14
27 (1997) Denny Green punts down 9 points to Giants with less than 4 mins left.
27 (2001) Contraction: The Minnesota Court of Appeals begins hearing testimony on MLB's appeal to lift an earlier decision that the Twins must fulfill their 2002 lease to play in the Metrodome.
28 (1975) Vikings lose Divisional Playoff to Cowboys 17-14 on Drew Pearson's famous pushoff. Also the birth of the term 'Hail Mary' thanks to Roger Staubach's pass on that play.
28 (1996) Vikings lose Wild card game to Cowboys 40-15
28 (2003) Cardinals knock Vikings out of playoffs on last second 4th down play. Noooooooooo!
28 (2009) Peterson's fumble in OT in Chicago
29 (1988) Bellows kicked off team bus
29 (2006) Gophers blow 31 point lead in Insight Bowl and lose to Texas Tech in OT
30 (1982) Metrodome roof tears and deflates due to heavy snow.
30 (1988) North Stars blow 2 gal lead with 18s left.
30 (1997) Prank call to Bulls locker room/Michael Jordan
30 (2013) Vikings fire Leslie Frasier (Keith Grinde)
31 (1975) Fighting Saints players vote to play for free. (MN Fighting Saints Facebook Group)
31 (1978) Vikings lose Divisional Playoff to Los Angeles Rams 34-10
31 (2006) Glen Mason fired for Insight Bowl meltdown.
Sources, Wikipedia, Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, Bleacher Report, New York Times, Minnesota Twins, MLB.com, ESPN, VICE Sports, CBS Sports, Gopher Chatter, Sports-Reference.com, Basketball Reference, Will Ragatz, Coworker MC, Coworker JD, Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Coworker PP, Coworker MA, Twins Almanac, Friend TSCF, Lakers Encyclopedia, @1960sSports, @TwinsAlmanac, Baseball Almanac, UPI, MPR News, LA Times, Baseball Reference, MeterologyNews.com, NBC Sports, Minnesota Hoops: Basketball in the North Star State by Marc Hugunin and Stew Thornley, Yahoo Sports, SKOR North