MINNEAPOLIS -- The Twins celebrated the 30th anniversary of their 1987 World Series title with a special pregame ceremony before Saturday's game against the Tigers at Target Field.
A day after a statue depicting former manager Tom Kelly was unveiled outside of Target Field, members of the '87 team were on hand for the ceremony emceed by broadcaster Dick Bremer. Frank Viola, the MVP of the '87 Fall Classic, gave a speech on the field on behalf of his teammates.
"We won the world championship in 1987 because we believed in each other, and 30 years later, we're still hanging out like we're still playing," Viola said. "I just want to thank everyone who made it all possible for us. If it wasn't for the fans seeing that there was something special in us, I don't think we would've been able to achieve what we were able to achieve."
Additionally, former closer Jeff Reardon threw the ceremonial first pitch to former catcher Tim Laudner for a remake of the final out in '87 against the Cardinals.
Former Twins who attended included Keith Atherton, Juan Berenguer, Bert Blyleven, Randy Bush, Sal Butera, Mark Davidson, George Frazier, Gary Gaetti, Dan Gladden, Kent Hrbek, Gene Larkin, Laudner, Steve Lombardozzi, Al Newman, Reardon, Roy Smalley, Mike Smithson, Les Straker, Viola; president Jerry Bell; coaches Tony Oliva, Rick Stelmaszek and Dick Such; assistant general manager Bob Gebhard and Kelly.