1979 Minnesota Twins season
Encyclopedia
The 1979 Minnesota Twins
season was a season in American baseball. The team finished 82-80, fourth in the American League West
.
Rod Carew
to the New York Yankees
in exchange for Chris Chambliss
, Juan Beníquez
, Dámaso García
, and Dave Righetti
, but were unable to finalize a deal. Carew would instead be traded to the California Angels
on February 3.
. It was only the second time since 1970 the team attracted over one million fans.
Only one Twins player made the All-Star Game
: shortstop Roy Smalley. Smalley hit 24 HR, drove in 95 runs, and scored 85 runs, all team-leading totals. Ken Landreaux
, acquired in the Carew trade, batted .305 with 15 HR and 83 RBI. Ron Jackson
, acquired in the Dan Ford
trade, hit 14 HR and collected 68 RBI.
Reliever Mike Marshall continued as manager Gene Mauch
's all-purpose reliever, pitching in a league-leading 90 games, racking up 10 relief wins along with a league-leading 32 saves. Veteran Jerry Koosman
won 20 games. Dave Goltz
(14-13) and Geoff Zahn
(13-7) had double-digit wins.
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
season was a season in American baseball. The team finished 82-80, fourth in the American League West
American League West
The American League West is one of three divisions in Major League Baseball's American League. The division currently has four teams, but it has had as many as seven teams before the 1994 realignment. Although its teams currently only reside along the west coast and in Texas, historically the...
.
Offseason
In January 1979, the Twins attempted to trade first basemanFirst baseman
First base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run for that player's team...
Rod Carew
Rod Carew
Rodney Cline "Rod" Carew is a former Major League Baseball first baseman, second baseman and coach. He played from 1967 to 1985 for the Minnesota Twins and the California Angels and was elected to the All-Star game every season except his last. In 1991, Carew was inducted into the National...
to the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
in exchange for Chris Chambliss
Chris Chambliss
Carroll Christopher Chambliss is a former Major League Baseball player who played from to for the Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves...
, Juan Beníquez
Juan Beníquez
Juan José Beníquez Torres is a former center fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Boston Red Sox , Texas Rangers , New York Yankees , Seattle Mariners , California Angels , Baltimore Orioles , Kansas City Royals and Toronto Blue Jays...
, Dámaso García
Dámaso García
Dámaso Domingo García Sánchez is a former Major League Baseball player best known for his time spent with the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1980s....
, and Dave Righetti
Dave Righetti
David Allan Righetti is a former left-handed pitcher for various Major League Baseball teams, primarily the New York Yankees. He is currently the pitching coach for the San Francisco Giants and was the first player in history to both pitch a no-hitter and also lead the league in saves in his career...
, but were unable to finalize a deal. Carew would instead be traded to the California Angels
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
on February 3.
Notable transactions
- October 3, 1978: Dave JohnsonDave Johnson (1970s pitcher)David Charles Johnson is a former professional baseball pitcher. He played all or part of four seasons in Major League Baseball between 1974 and 1978 for the Baltimore Orioles and Minnesota Twins.-External links:...
was released by the Twins. - December 4, 1978: Dan FordDan FordDarnell "Disco Dan" Glenn Ford , is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues primarily as an outfielder from 1975-1985...
was traded by the Twins to the California AngelsLos Angeles Angels of AnaheimThe Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
for Ron JacksonRon JacksonRonnie Damien Jackson is a coach and a former player in Major League Baseball. He was a hitting coach for the Boston Red Sox from 2003-2006...
and Danny GoodwinDanny GoodwinDanny Kay Goodwin was a Major League Baseball player from 1975 to 1982 for the California Angels, Minnesota Twins, and Oakland Athletics. Goodwin, who played a majority of his games as a designated hitter, is the only player to be the first overall pick in the Major League draft in two separate...
. - December 8, 1978: Greg Field (minors) and a player to be named later were traded by the Twins to the New York MetsNew York MetsThe New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
for Jerry KoosmanJerry KoosmanJerome Martin Koosman is a former left-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Phillies between 1967 and 1985...
. The Twins completed the deal by sending Jesse OroscoJesse OroscoJesse Russell Orosco is a former relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who holds the major league record for career pitching appearances. He pitched most notably for the New York Mets in the 1980s. He won a World Series in 1986 with the Mets and in 1988 with the Dodgers. He threw left-handed,...
to the Mets on February 7, 1979. - January 6, 1979: Mike Marshall was signed as a free agent by the Twins.
- February 3, 1979: Rod CarewRod CarewRodney Cline "Rod" Carew is a former Major League Baseball first baseman, second baseman and coach. He played from 1967 to 1985 for the Minnesota Twins and the California Angels and was elected to the All-Star game every season except his last. In 1991, Carew was inducted into the National...
was traded by the Twins to the California AngelsLos Angeles Angels of AnaheimThe Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
for Ken LandreauxKen LandreauxKenneth Francis Landreaux is a former center fielder in Major League Baseball.After graduating from Dominguez High School in Compton, California, Landreaux carried on his education at Arizona State University before joining the California Angels in...
, Dave EngleDave EngleRalph David Engle is a former Major League Baseball utility player who played for the Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers and Milwaukee Brewers all of the American League and the Montreal Expos of the National League from 1981 to 1989.-Pro career:A graduate of the University of Southern California,...
, Paul HartzellPaul HartzellPaul Franklin Hartzell is a former professional baseball player who played six seasons for the California Angels, Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles, and Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball....
, and Brad HavensBrad HavensBradley David Havens is a former Pitcher for the Minnesota Twins , Baltimore Orioles , Los Angeles Dodgers , Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers ....
.
Regular season
1,070,521 fans attended Twins games, the fourth lowest total in the American LeagueAmerican League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
. It was only the second time since 1970 the team attracted over one million fans.
Only one Twins player made the All-Star Game
Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
: shortstop Roy Smalley. Smalley hit 24 HR, drove in 95 runs, and scored 85 runs, all team-leading totals. Ken Landreaux
Ken Landreaux
Kenneth Francis Landreaux is a former center fielder in Major League Baseball.After graduating from Dominguez High School in Compton, California, Landreaux carried on his education at Arizona State University before joining the California Angels in...
, acquired in the Carew trade, batted .305 with 15 HR and 83 RBI. Ron Jackson
Ron Jackson
Ronnie Damien Jackson is a coach and a former player in Major League Baseball. He was a hitting coach for the Boston Red Sox from 2003-2006...
, acquired in the Dan Ford
Dan Ford
Darnell "Disco Dan" Glenn Ford , is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues primarily as an outfielder from 1975-1985...
trade, hit 14 HR and collected 68 RBI.
Reliever Mike Marshall continued as manager Gene Mauch
Gene Mauch
Gene William Mauch was an American professional baseball player and manager. He played in Major League Baseball as a second baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers , Pittsburgh Pirates , Chicago Cubs , Boston Braves , St...
's all-purpose reliever, pitching in a league-leading 90 games, racking up 10 relief wins along with a league-leading 32 saves. Veteran Jerry Koosman
Jerry Koosman
Jerome Martin Koosman is a former left-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Phillies between 1967 and 1985...
won 20 games. Dave Goltz
Dave Goltz
David Allan "Dave" Goltz , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1972-1983....
(14-13) and Geoff Zahn
Geoff Zahn
Geoffery Clayton Zahn is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. During a 13-year career, he pitched from 1973-1985 for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs of the National League and the Minnesota Twins and California Angels of the American League...
(13-7) had double-digit wins.
Notable transactions
- June 5, 1979: 1979 Major League Baseball Draft1979 Major League Baseball DraftThe 1979 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft was held on June 5-7, 1979, via conference call.-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1979 Major League Baseball draft.* Did not sign- Background :...
- Randy BushRandy BushRobert Randall Bush , is a former professional baseball player and currently a front office member of the Chicago Cubs. With the hiring of Theo Epstein, Bush will continue as an assistant General Manager, and will be involved in the hiring process of the field and scouting staff.Bush played for...
was drafted by the Twins in the 2nd round. - Mike KinnunenMike KinnunenMichael John Kinnunen is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched in parts of three seasons between and . He holds the major league record for most pitching appearances without a decision of any kind with 48....
was drafted by the Twins in the 10th round.
- Randy Bush
- June 29, 1979: Rudy MeoliRudy MeoliRudolph Bartholomew Meoli is a former professional baseball player who played six seasons for the California Angels, Chicago Cubs, and Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball.-References:...
was purchased by the Twins from the Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia PhilliesThe Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
. - July 25, 1979: Craig KusickCraig KusickCraig Robert Kusick was an American first baseman and designated hitter in Major League Baseball who played nearly his entire career from to for the Minnesota Twins.His son Craig Kusick, Jr...
was purchased from the Twins by the Toronto Blue JaysToronto Blue JaysThe Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
.
Roster
| 1979 Minnesota Twins | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roster | |||||||||
| Pitchers |
Catchers Infielders |
Outfielders Other batters |
Manager Coaches |
||||||
Player stats
| = Indicates team leader |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1B | 159 | 583 | 158 | .271 | 14 | 68 | |
| SS | 162 | 621 | 168 | .271 | 24 | 95 | |
| LF | 151 | 564 | 172 | .305 | 15 | 83 | |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76 | 270 | 67 | .248 | 6 | 30 | |
| 112 | 263 | 74 | .281 | 2 | 31 | |
| 96 | 229 | 57 | .249 | 8 | 35 | |
| 80 | 199 | 49 | .246 | 0 | 14 | |
| 92 | 191 | 51 | .267 | 2 | 27 | |
| 58 | 159 | 46 | .289 | 5 | 27 | |
| 31 | 70 | 14 | .200 | 0 | 8 | |
| 24 | 54 | 13 | .241 | 3 | 6 | |
| 4 | 7 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0 | |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37 | 263.2 | 20 | 13 | 3.38 | 157 | |
| 36 | 250.2 | 14 | 13 | 4.16 | 132 | |
| 28 | 163 | 6 | 10 | 5.36 | 44 | |
| 26 | 169 | 13 | 7 | 3.57 | 58 | |
| 24 | 123 | 3 | 10 | 5.63 | 47 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 108.1 | 7 | 3 | 3.49 | 85 | |
| 24 | 69.1 | 4 | 4 | 4.28 | 43 | |
| 20 | 64 | 1 | 3 | 6.61 | 31 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90 | 10 | 15 | 32 | 2.65 | 81 | |
| 31 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 4.39 | 33 | |
| 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4.97 | 3 | |
| 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7.11 | 5 | |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6.00 | 1 | |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 1 | |