Minnesota

Minnesota’s Postseason Run Points to a Bright Future

Published

12 months ago

October 21, 2023

Minnesota’s Postseason Run Points to a Bright Future

There are two ways to look at the Minnesota Twins 2023 postseason run. On one hand, you could mute excitement by choosing to focus on the Twins winning just a single game in the American League Division Series. That hurts even more after splitting on the road in Houston and holding an advantage when returning home. Conversely, you could be ecstatic about the playoff monkey being gone and multiple streaks ending.

When the Twins knocked off the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 1 of the Wild Card series, they ended a streak that has hung over the head of the state for so long. Nothing about the Twins in the postseason has mattered for years because 0-18 became the narrative. Until that streak ended, it was a mind-numbing retort from anyone looking to downplay excitement.

After John Schneider lifted Jose Berrios, and Minnesota went on to win Game 2 of the wild card series, they proved there was even more out there. Ending an inability to win a postseason series since knocking off the Moneyball Oakland Athletics, it quickly became a possible thought that Rocco Baldelli’s club could play spoiled and knock out the reigning World Series champion.

No matter what level of realism existed behind it, there was a buzz during Game 3 and Game 4 of the American League Division Series against the Astros. Even after Sonny Gray got behind 4-0 in the first inning, Twins fans remained on their feet for multiple innings and got excited again as the team made a late surge. It wasn’t expected that Jose Urquidy would stifle the bats in Game 4, but the entirety of Target Field was shaking as Byron Buxton stepped in and Max Kepler struck out.

Those feelings don’t go away simply because the run has ended. This franchise is in a good place with youth, and it’s clear that the leadership has continued to trend towards an infrastructure of sustenance. It’s great that the talent returning has Minnesota in a good place, but the desire to do something with it is higher than ever.

There have been multiple seasons in recent history where Minnesota is projected to win the AL Central. Ron Gardenhire made a habit of winning the division only to have his teams fall short in the playoffs. Minnesota needed to re-establish that ability on yearly for years, but now the desire will and can be for something more. The Twins making the playoffs can’t be met with the refrain that it won’t matter. Advancing past a better team, or being the better team someone wants to take down, is the next step.

Ultimately, winning a World Series is what every player and team strives for, but only one organization accomplishes that each season. As we saw coming from a watered-down AL Central this season, anything can happen once you make it to the postseason. The fanbase and those in the clubhouse know that they can do damage when making it into October, and now forcing that issue has to be the goal.

It’s cliché to hear players repeat a desire to win a division, grab a ring, or some other months-long endeavor during spring training. The youth on this team has now experienced it, and so too have some veterans who otherwise had not yet played past September. They’ll be hungry to put value behind the 162-game grind, forcing those games where everything matters is necessary.

Minnesota should be the favorite to win the AL Central next season, and they’ll be well-positioned for some time. Continuing to invest in the organization and force the issue of constant end-of-season relevance is no longer just a nice thing. This postseason run set a new standard, and now it’s time to embark on it.

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Minnesota

Bizarre Minnesota laws, including penalties for driving a filthy car, that will shock you

Published

21 mins ago

October 4, 2024

Press Room

Bizarre Minnesota laws, including penalties for driving a filthy car, that will shock you

Each state has its own set of laws that seem quite strange, and Minnesota is not exempt.

Many bizarre laws that come out of states are fictional rumors that somehow spread with no evidence backing them. In Minnesota, this includes it being illegal to cross state lines with a duck on your head or parking an elephant on Main Street. Though, there are certain laws that are surprisingly true.

Among Minnesota’s strangest laws include not being allowed to drive with dirty tires and the inability to be charged with drunkenness.

Among Minnesota’s strangest laws include penalties for driving with dirty tires and trouble for mosquitoes. (iStock)

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Below are more details about these strange laws and more that are on the books in the state of Minnesota.

You cannot be charged with drunkenness
It’s against the law to drive with sticky, dirty tires
Mosquitoes are a public nuisance
Think twice before hitchhiking

1. You cannot be charged with drunkenness

In Minnesota, public intoxication alone is not a crime.

This is according to Section 340A.902 of Minnesota law.

The law states that “no person may be charged with or convicted of the offense of drunkenness or public drunkenness.”

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That said, a person could still be convicted of other offenses, like if injuring another or damaging property occurs.

“Nothing herein prevents the prosecution and conviction of an intoxicated person for offenses other than drunkenness or public drunkenness nor does this section relieve a person from civil liability for an injury to persons or property caused by the person while intoxicated,” the written statute goes on to state.

In the state of Minnesota, you cannot be charged with drunkenness. (iStock)

Minnesota is not the only state which does not consider public intoxication a crime.

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Montana, Nevada and Wisconsin are other states that don’t criminalize drunkenness in public, according to FindLaw.com.

2. It’s against the law to drive with sticky, dirty tires

If you have dirty tires that are spreading filth in the road, be wary before driving down a road in Minnesota. More specifically, in Minnetonka, where driving with dirty tires could lead to legal trouble.

Under Section 845.010, “Public Nuisances Affecting Peace, Safety and General Welfare” in Minnetonka, Minnesota’s Code of Ordinances, drivers are not allowed to drive “a truck or other vehicle whose wheels or tires deposit mud, dirt, sticky substances, litter or other material on any street or highway.”

“A violation of this ordinance is subject to the penalties and provisions of Chapter XIII of the city code,” the law states.

Make sure you give your tires a scrub before driving through Minnetonka, Minnesota. (iStock)

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3. Mosquitoes are a public nuisance

Minnesota is home to lots of mosquitoes, so much so that there is actually a law written about the insects.

The law refers to areas where mosquitoes are in abundance.

Section 18G.14 in part states that “areas where mosquitoes incubate or hatch are declared to be public nuisances and may be abated under this section. Mosquito abatement may be undertaken under this section anywhere in the state by any governmental unit.”

Areas full of mosquitoes are considered a public nuisance in Minnesota. (iStock)

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4. Think twice before hitchhiking

Think twice before trying to catch a ride by waiting on the side of the road in Minnesota.

State statute 169.22 describes the act of hitchhiking as unlawful.

“No person shall stand in a roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride from the driver of any private vehicle,” the statute states.

Minnesota is one state where hitchhiking is not allowed. (iStock)

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Another section of this statute applies to solicitation of business.

“No person shall stand on a roadway for the purpose of soliciting employment, business, or contributions from the occupant of any vehicle,” the statute states.

Ashlyn Messier is a writer for Fox News Digital.

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Minnesota

What six independent voters in Minnesota think about the presidential election

Published

8 hours ago

October 4, 2024

Press Room

What six independent voters in Minnesota think about the presidential election

This time around, Vraa said he’s “probably ready” to vote for Harris. “Trump lies so much it’s crazy,” he said. “The cats and dogs pronouncement during the debate. It’s crazy. He bounces around on so many things. It would be OK if he just admitted he made a mistake, but then he doubles down..”

Bird, who works in finance, grew up in a conservative Minnesota household and has voted for Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians and independents. Bird voted for Libertarian Gary Johnson in 2016 and for Biden in 2020. “I really try to take it person by person, year over year,” he said.

Bird’s top issues this election include the burgeoning national debt — which now stands at more than $35 trillion. “They need to curb spending, both candidates should be talking about it,” he said. “Nobody cares about the deficit, and running the government in a way that makes sense.”

Bird is also concerned about the economy, but notes, “as a white-collar worker, in general the economy has been favorable to me.” And he supports abortion rights: “People should have the freedom to do what they want.”

Bird said he’s voting for Harris. “I don’t mind her, I think she’s a good person. She’s a standard Democrat.”

Freyholtz is a Vietnam veteran and retired teacher who runs a family farm in the northwestern Minnesota town of about 250 people.

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