Twins Fans Upset Rural and Northern Minnesota Overlooked On 2023 Winter Caravan

Detroit Lakes, MN (KDLM) – The Minnesota Twins announced their 2023 Winter Caravan dates and stops last week and many fans have noticed that there is something missing from their scheduled visits: rural Minnesota.

Caravan staples such as Fergus Falls, Thief River Falls, Wadena, Bemidji, Grand Forks, Aitkin, and Detroit Lakes were left off the list of Caravan stops in 2023. In fact, the Twins will only be making 12 stops in 10 cities, including a stop in Fargo, two stops in South Dakota, and one stop in Iowa.

In 2019, the Caravan made 45 stops in 38 communities in Twins Territory.

“We are truly ecstatic to get back on the Winter Caravan trail and bring Twins Baseball directly into the communities where our fans live, work, and play,” said Twins President & CEO Dave St. Peter. “The Caravan is a beloved tradition that continues to unite generations of Twins players and fans, and we are thankful to Case IH for again helping us spread the joy of baseball throughout the Upper Midwest.”

“What’s wrong with coming to the northern half of the state??!” Jackie responded on the Twins’ Facebook page.

The Twins will have three legs depart Target Field for the Caravan this season: Tony Oliva, Justin Morneau, Ryan Jeffers, Caleb Thielbar, and Dick Bremer will travel be in Hitchcock, SD, Brookings, SD, a private event for veterans in Luverne, MN, and Mankato between January 24-25; Dan Gladden, Nick Gordon, Jose Miranda, Tommy Watkins, and Kris Atteberry will visit Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and Fargo on January 24-25; Rocco Baldelli, David Popkins, Louie Varland, LaTroy Hawkins, and Cory Provus will be at Treasure Island Casino in Welsh, a private dinner at Target Field, two events in Rochester and Mason City, IA between January 29-31.

The Twins Winter Caravan stops for 2023 (Photo: Minnesota Twins)

“Do ya’ll have something against northern MN??” wrote Linda. “Bemidji, Duluth???”

The Twins have one of the longest-running Winter caravans, touring Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Iowa every off-season for the last 60 years. According to the Twins website, the Winter Caravan gives fans an opportunity to meet and interact with some of the players and coaches, while also giving members of the team an opportunity to see what Twins Territory is all about.

“One Iowa stop? And not even to their affiliate in Cedar Rapids,” wrote Tom. “Makes no sense.”

“Pretty sad they couldn’t get as far as Duluth.” wrote Chase. “Maybe their new Twin Cities uniforms were a hint for things to come.”

“Also disappointed to see you can’t do a trip to Duluth, Virginia, and maybe Grand Rapids.” writes Kraig. “There are some passionate fans that would appreciate it.”

“Nothing in the northern half of the state?” wrote Chris.  “Wow. Guess we’re not Twins territory anymore.”

Pitchers and Catchers report to Twins spring training on February 16th, with the rest of the team heading to Fort Myers on February 20th. The Spring Training opener is February 25th  against Tampa Bay. The Twins open the 2023 season at Kansas City on March 30th.