Minnesota Twins snap longest North American playoff losing streak with win over Toronto Blue Jays

Game 1 of the 2004 ALDS against the New York Yankees. That’s the last time the Minnesota Twins found themselves on the winning end of a playoff baseball game. Over 19 years have passed since then, with the franchise appearing in 18 playoff games.

None of them resulted in victories, proving to be the longest playoff losing streak in North American history.

Thankfully, an incredible weight has now taken off their shoulders. For the first time in a long time, the Twins were able to celebrate a playoff win. Tuesday’s Game 1 of the 2023 Wild Card Series against the Toronto Blue Jays has now replaced Game 1 of the 2004 ALDS against the New York Yankees as the last playoff win.

“They have won a playoff game for the first time since 2004, snapping an 18-game playoff losing streak that stood as the longest in North American history,” Do-Hyoung Park on MLB.com said via Twitter. “Twins fans waited 19 long years for this.”

There have been some bad streaks in American sports over the years. None can be more brutal than being good enough to make it into the postseason but never win, though.

Following the Game 1 defeat, the Yankees went on to win three straight in the 2004 ALDS. In the following years, Minnesota made six playoff appearances. Four directly put them in the ALDS, while two were in the Wild Card round.

Sweeps occurred all around and brutally enough, the Yankees were at the forefront of most of them. Of the 18 consecutive playoff losses, 13 of them were to the Bronx Bombers. The Oakland Athletics were responsible for three during the 2006 ALDS, while the Houston Astros took the 2020 Wild Card series in two games.

This year’s American League bracket sees three teams from the AL East. None of them are the Yankees. They finished just two games over .500 and fourth in the division. If Minnesota is able to advance throughout the postseason, their seemingly kryptonite will not make an appearance.

One more win is required to move onto the ALDS. A series victory — something the Twins have not done since 2002 — would break another long playoff drought for the franchise. Of course, there are bigger goals but baby steps will have to be taken.

Game 2 will take place on Wednesday afternoon. Houston will be waiting on the other side if Minnesota can get the job done.

At the very least, there is reason to celebrate at Target Field in the month of October.