Feeling Left Out: It's Been a Long Time Since the Twins Were in the World Series

Can you believe it, Minnesota Twins fans? The Cleveland Indians have made it to the World Series. Do you remember the last time the Twins were in the World Series?

If you're under 30, the answer is probably no. The last time the Twins made it that far in postseason play was when they won it all in 1991. At that time, George H. W. Bush was President of the United States, the USSR had not officially dissolved, and the Minnesota North Stars still existed.

The Twins haven't won a playoff game since 2004. Since then, all four of their division rivals have been to the World Series. Two of them have won it.

But let's give them credit. The Twins have won six division championships since 1991. But even in those rare seasons where they get to the playoffs, they're pretty lousy.

The following stat isn't quite up to date, due to the fact that the Indians have won several more playoff games since Baseball Prospectus editor Aaron Gleeman tweeted this. Still, it drives home the point that since 1994, the Twins have been the least successful team (by far) in the American League Central when it comes to doing anything in the playoffs.

The Derek Falvey era begins

Many of the Twins' failures over the years have taken place under the leadership of Twins' General Manager Terry Ryan, who was fired mid-season in July.

Many Twins fans are hopeful that the Twins' replacement for Ryan, Derek Falvey, will right the ship. Favley was named the club's Executive Vice President, Chief Baseball Officer earlier this month.

"I believe the addition of Derek Falvey to the Minnesota Twins will markedly enhance our organizational excellence and bring championship baseball back to Minnesota," said Twins Owner Jim Pohlad in a statement.

Falvey, 33, has spent the last nine seasons as a member of the Cleveland Indians organization, including most recently as the Assistant General Manager, a position he was named to when Chris Antonetti was named President of Baseball Operations in 2015. He spent the previous four seasons as Director of Baseball Operations after being named to the position in December of 2011.

As the newly appointed EVP/Chief Baseball Officer for the Twins, Falvey will be responsible for establishing the vision and related strategies for the club's baseball operation, according to a news release. Specifically, he will oversee all aspects of the department including: Major League team, coaches, and support staff, contract negotiations, player development, scouting, research and development; medical and communications. Falvey will become the sixth head of the Twins baseball operations department, joining Calvin Griffith (1961-84), Howard Fox (1985-86), Andy MacPhail (1986-94), Bill Smith (2007-11) and Terry Ryan (1994-2007, 2011-16).

It's been a long time since the Twins have won a playoff game, and even longer since the team made it to the World Series. Can Favley turn things around? Only time will tell.

Still, we'll always have this:

Image via YouTube