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My favorite Twin: Tony Oliva

My first Twins game was against the Yankees in 1964. It was a day game. As we entered Metropolitan Stadium, my dad and I approached our seats along the right field line. The grass on the field was impossibly green. Tony Oliva, the best hitter and best right fielder in the game, patrolled that grass in front of us. He moved like a big cat and had a rifle for a throwing arm. When he batted Tony-O spent some time digging a trench, at the very back of the batter's box, where he braced his left foot. The arcing practice swings were followed by a straight, quick swing the put the ball in play on a line more often than not. That year Oliva led the league in hits, runs, doubles, total bases and batting average. He hit 32 home runs and posted an OPS (which was not measured then) of .916.

Tony Oliva won the league batting title again in 1965 and 1971. He helped to lead the Twins to the World Series in 1965. His career was cut short by injuries and eight knee surgeries. It is a travesty that Tony-O has not been indicted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. I am still hoping that the Veterans Committee comes to its senses.

I met Tony-O long after he retired. He was a very nice guy and had a smile for everyone. It was sad watching him hobble away on his ruined knees.