From College Town to Big-League City: How 1960 Shaped Minneapolis-St. Paul’s Sports Legacy
Emily Olson
Title: From College Town to Big-League City: How 1960 Shaped Minneapolis-St. Paul’s Sports Legacy
Introduction
In 1960, Minneapolis-St. Paul underwent a seismic shift, transforming from a college town into a major-league sports hub. This pivotal year saw the arrival of two iconic teams—the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins—and the departure of the NBA’s Minneapolis Lakers. The year marked the beginning of a new era for the Twin Cities, blending triumph, progress, and the complexities of history. A new documentary, Becoming Big League, explores this transformation, reminding us that sports are more than games—they’re reflections of societal change.
The Year 1960: A Defining Moment
The 1960s were a time of upheaval and opportunity in the Twin Cities. The year 1960, in particular, became a turning point as the Washington Senators moved to Minnesota, rebranding as the Minnesota Twins, and the Minnesota Vikings joined the NFL as an expansion team. These events elevated the region’s profile, but they also exposed the challenges of progress.
The Minneapolis Lakers, the last pro team to be called “Minneapolis,” left for Los Angeles, marking the end of an era. Their departure paved the way for new teams to call Minnesota home, setting the stage for the vibrant sports culture we know today.
The Minnesota Twins: A New Chapter
The arrival of the Twins in 1961 (after relocating from Washington, D.C.) was a major milestone. However, their early years were marred by controversy. Owner Calvin Griffith brought with him entrenched racist views, including segregation at spring training. The team’s 1965 move to Minnesota’s spring training site in Fort Myers, Florida, sparked protests, as the site remained segregated. It wasn’t until Kwame McDonald, then executive director of the Minnesota State Commission Against Discrimination, pushed for desegregation that the Twins finally integrated their facilities.
This story underscores the tension between progress and prejudice, a theme that resonates throughout the Twin Cities’ sports history.
The Vikings’ Arrival: Football’s Big-League Breakthrough
The Minnesota Vikings joined the NFL in 1961 as an expansion team, becoming the first major professional football team in the state. Their debut game against the Chicago Bears—led by coach George Halas, who had championed their entry into the league—ended in a decisive 37-13 victory for the Vikings. This win symbolized hope for a community eager to embrace new opportunities.
The Vikings’ success helped solidify Minnesota’s place in the national sports landscape, but their journey also highlighted the challenges of building a franchise in a state with no prior NFL history.
Challenges and Complexities
While the arrival of the Twins and Vikings was celebrated, the path to their success was fraught with obstacles. The documentary Becoming Big League doesn’t shy away from the darker chapters of this era. For instance, the University of Minnesota’s 1960 football team, which included Sandy Stephens—the first Black quarterback in the program’s history—faced racial tensions both on and off the field. Their story is a testament to the courage of athletes who challenged systemic barriers.
These narratives reveal that the Twin Cities’ sports legacy is not just about victories but also about the struggle for equality and inclusion.
Legacy and Reflection
Sixty years later, the Twin Cities’ sports culture thrives, but the lessons of 1960 remain relevant. The documentary serves as a reminder that progress is rarely linear. The arrival of the Twins and Vikings was not just about sports—it was about the broader fight for civil rights, economic growth, and community identity.
As Becoming Big League highlights, the story of Minnesota’s sports evolution is one of resilience, innovation, and the enduring power of teamwork. It also challenges us to confront the past’s complexities to build a more equitable future.
Conclusion
The year 1960 was a catalyst for change in Minneapolis-St. Paul, transforming the region into a sports powerhouse. The arrival of the Twins and Vikings, alongside the departure of the Lakers, marked the beginning of a new chapter. Yet, this era was also defined by the struggle for racial equality and the courage of individuals who refused to let prejudice dictate their futures.
As we reflect on this history, it’s clear that sports are more than entertainment—they are a mirror of society’s values. The Twin Cities’ journey from college town to big-league city is a story of triumph, but also a call to remember the hard-won progress that made it possible.
What’s next for Minnesota’s sports legacy? The answer lies in continuing to embrace the lessons of the past and striving for a future where opportunity is shared by all.
Inspired by the documentary Becoming Big League and the rich history of the Twin Cities’ sports evolution.