MLB Pitcher Kevin Tapani: Iowa Time Machine February 18, 1964

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On February 18, 1964, Major League Baseball pitcher Kevin Tapani was born in Des Moines. A workhorse starter over a long, big league career, Tapani won the 1991 World Series as a part of the Minnesota Twins.

Born in Des Moines, Tapani spent most of his childhood in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. A standout multisport athlete, Tapani dominated on the diamond in high school. He also led Escanaba High School to the 1981 MHSAA Class A State Football Championship as the starting quarterback. Heading to Central Michigan, Tapani starred on the mound from 1983 to 1986 while posting a career record of 23-8 and helping his team to three Mid-American Conference Titles.

The Oakland Athletics drafted him in 1984, and after a trade to the New York Mets organization, he eventually landed with the Minnesota Twins. His breakout came in the 1991 season, when he won 16 games and helped the Twins reach the World Series. In Game 2 of that championship series against the Atlanta Braves, Tapani pitched eight stellar innings at the Metrodome, allowing just one run and setting the tone for Minnesota's eventual seven-game triumph.

A two-time MLB All-Star, Tapani posted a career record of 143-125 while pitching for the Mets, Twins, Dodgers, White Sox, and Cubs. His postseason excellence (2.87 ERA in playoff games) sets him apart as a notable pitcher who got his start in Des Moines. #Iowa #OTD #History #Baseball #Learning