Twins History Helped Them Get 2014 All-Star Game

Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig announced on Wednesday that the 2014 All-Star Game will be hosted by the Minnesota Twins and played at Target Field, and the history of the franchise definitely had something to do with the decision. The Twins had been the subject of contraction talks just one decade ago, but now they will get to show off beautiful Target Field in a national showcase.

Here is what Selig had to say about his decision to bring the events to Minneapolis, via the Star Tribune:

"Given the history, given what's happened here with the ballpark, everything else, it was really pretty easy," Selig said. "I just don't like to do this [formal announcement] too soon, but I knew a long time ago where the 2014 All-Star Game was [heading]. It's coming here because it's the right thing to do, and this is the right place to be."

"This is special to me because of my close professional relationship with [late Twins owner] Carl Pohlad, who is really -- as history will someday understand -- one of the great owners in American sports, in my generation and in baseball," Selig said.

What a difference a decade makes.

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Minnesota Twins Will Host 2014 All-Star Game at Target Field

Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig announced Thursday that the 2014 All-Star Game will be played at Minneapolis' Target Field. It will be the third All-Star Game played in Minneapolis, and the first since the Twins moved to Target Field in 2010. Minnesota last hosted the Midsummer Classic in 1985.

Selig praised the club's ownership and management for their work in building the new stadium:

"Given everything and what's happened here with the ballpark and everything else, it was really pretty easy," Selig said of his decision. "I just don't like to do this too soon but I've known for a long time where the 2014 All-Star Game was going. And it's coming here because it's the right thing to do. This is the right place to be."

Twins president Dave St. Peter shifted Selig's praise to the club's fans:

"We're in a better place than we were 10 years ago. Not only would only would we not be hosting an All-Star Game, but by every measure this is one of the best baseball markets in the country. So that's what I'm really excited about -- to showcase in 2014 how great this ballpark is.

"Our fans deserve it. They've been as passionate and loyal as any in baseball. For what they've put up with on the field the last two years, they deserve an All-Star Game and a lot more."

The announcement is a crowning achievement for the club, which was targeted for contraction just over a decade ago. It's also a boon for local business, with an estimated $60-70 million in revenue set to come in for the festivities.

For more on the Twins, head over to Twinkie Town or stick with SB Nation Minnesota. For more news, notes and analysis from around MLB, head over to Baseball Nation.

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