1981 Minnesota Twins

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December 12, 1980

Minneapolis Star

New Owner Outlines Plans for Twins Future

By KEVIN NEIL, columnist

Minneapolis, MN- Mr. Hiljus met earlier today to discuss the future of the Minne-
sota Twins organization. After praising the longevity of the Griffith families
seventy-one years as owners of the Senators and Twins, and thanking his family
and financial supporters for this opportunity, Mr. Hiljus elaborated on his desire
to bring a world championship to the fans of Minnesota.


“Were a small market team, the revenue just isn’t there to compete with the
salaries the Yankees and other large citied teams are able to pay. “ Mr. Hiljus
drew reference to the Brewers who have an $85m payroll this season and the
difficulties that team will have after the 1981 campaign is over. “I will not
allow our organization to mortgage its future for a single season of success.
We will build on this teams’ history of creating a solid farm system that focuses
on player development and solid fundamentals.”

Noting that the move to the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome next season will
help generate additional revenue for free agent acquisitions, Mr. Hiljus men-
tioned that no immediate plans for high priced players would be made in the
immediate future.

“Our course will be the development of our young players, of which we have
an abundance.” When asked whether or not Twins fans could expect a fire
sale of high paid talent such as Jerry Koosman and Roy Smalley, Mr. Hiljus
responded by reiterating his point that “decisions will be made which will
help us guarantee a successful future. We have some great ballplayers on
our team that will help us with this goal. Decisions will be made on an
individual basis.”

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December 13, 1980

New York Times
Twins Organizational Announcement

By Joe Slane, AP

Minneapolis, MN- Twins ownership announced a reorganization of the teams
management today. Robert Holmes was named team president. Jeff Gehrke,
General Manager, and Ron Prokott Director of Minor Leagues Operations.

Twins owner Keith Hiljus stated that the current coaching staff of Johnny Goryl
would remain intact for the start of the season. The former Twins infielder
posted a 23-13 record last season after replacing Gene Mauch towards the
end of the 1980 campaign.

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January 16, 1981

Minneapolis Star

Twins Strengthen Farm System

By KEVIN NEIL, columnist

The Minnesota Twins announced today that their annual Minor League ex-
penses will rise to over eight million dollars for the coming season. Ron
Prokott, Director of Minor League Operations, unveiled the farm systems new
look at a meeting with Minneapolis business leaders earlier today. Mr. Prokott
announced that the Twins total Minor League expenses will be the most in the
majors next season and that a majority of the money will go towards player de-
velopment, upgrading existing training facilities, and scouting.

"The additional funds this season will mean that the facilities at our AAA club
in Rochester will get a desperately needed overhaul. Part of the improvements
will be a new state of the art training facility and weight room next to Red Wing
Stadium." Further adding to the teams commitment to player development, Mr.
Prokott added that the Twins medical expenses will approach two million
dollars during the 1981 campaign.

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January 22, 1981

Radio Spot

WCCO AM 830

“Hey Twins fans this is Ryan Tome, the voice of the Minnesota Twins asking you
to think Spring for just one minute. I know the cold and winds of winter are blow-
ing hard outside, but I’m here to remind you that exciting Twins baseball action is
just around the corner. Come and watch Jerry Koosman, Roy Smalley, and home-
town hero Kent Hrbek as they do battle with the best in the American League.
With an average ticket price of only $11.75, your family can enjoy one of Minne-
sota’s most exciting and affordable summer past times. Call 612-324-Twins to
reserve your tickets today. This is Ryan Tome, and I’ll see YOU at the ball game.”