Metroploitan Stadium; Bloomington Minnesota

Metropolitan Stadium

Metropolitan Stadium was home to the Minnesota Twins from 1961 until 1981. The ballpark was situated in Bloomington Minnesota, between St. Paul & Minneapolis, and was originally home to the Minneapolis Millers of the American Association for several years. The ballpark was expanded when the Washington Senators left and came to the Twin Cities area.

An early picture postcard view of the ballpark. The local airport is just beyond the right hand corner of this picture. Had the ballpark still been in use, it would have been similar to Shea Stadium with planes taking off and landing flying just beyond the perimeter of the ballpark; very noisy, indeed.

When the Twins left Metropolitan Stadium, the ballpark remained vacant until it was razed, and the sight became home to the Mall of America, one of he largest enclosed shopping malls on the planet. It is interesting to note that with over 520 stores, the Twins do not have one of their own in the mall, though the Vikings, who also called Metropolitan Stadium home, do have a team shop there.

There are two the landmarks within the mall, testifying to its former use. The first is a marker indicating the location of home plate. The marker is located within the amusement park, which as of 2008 is the Nickelodeon Universe®.

The second marker commemorates the final resting spot of what was allegedly the longest home run hit in the ballpark. A 520 foot blast off the bat of Harmon Killebrew which landed high in the left field bleachers. The solitary seat hanging on the wall pays tribute to that homer from 1967.

There was a plan several years ago for a temporary facility to be built in the parking lot, and for the Twins to play a home series near their old ballpark. The plans never fully developed as MLB thought the idea to be less than sound.

The Single Season and All Time Batting and Pitching Leaders of Metropolitan Stadium.

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