Twins-White Sox rivalry
| MLB Rivalries Ratings |
   |
| Invite Your Friends to Rate |
The rivalry between the Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox is intense but relatively recent, probably coming from the 2000s. The two teams are natural rivals, having played in the same divisions since 1969 (the American League West Division from 1969-1993 and the AL Central Division since the divisional realignment in 1994). The Twins won the American League Central division in three consecutive years by wide margins, but lost the title to the White Sox in 2005. The White Sox would go on to win the American League pennant and subsequently the World Series, something the Twins did not accomplish during their three year divisional reign.
Adding to the rivalry in 2006, White Sox player A.J. Pierzynski, himself a former Twin, has upset some Twins fans and players. During a series in August 2006 at the Metrodome, Pierzynski rubbed his nose pointing towards the Twins dugout. Rubbing the nose, or "smelling the RBIs" has become a trademark of the 2006 Minnesota Twins. Players and fans who saw an opposing player using this icon upset many. As well as rubbing his nose, he has been known to throw his bat in the Twins dugout after hitting a home run. This potentially dangerous act has angered many Twins players.
Similarly, Twins' outfielder Torii Hunter became notorious in Chicago for another moment of gamesmanship, with his rough tackle for home plate in a heated game between the two sides in 2004. Many believe this to be a key turning point in the rivalry.
In May 2007, A.J. Pierzynski alegedly attempted to "spike" (step on a player with one's cleats) reigning AL MVP Justin Morneau at first base. While after the game, both the managers and the players from both clubs said the situation had been resolved, during the rest of the series at the Metrodome A.J. was booed and jeered continually by Minnesota fans.
