Calvin Griffith, born Calvin Robertson, was a central figure in Major League Baseball, primarily known for his role as an owner and executive. His journey in baseball began under the tutelage of his adoptive father, Clark Griffith, who was a former player and the owner of the Washington Senators. Calvin's involvement in the sport was deeply rooted in his family, as he was adopted by Clark and his wife, Addie, after the death of his biological parents. This adoption set the stage for his lifelong association with baseball.

Calvin Griffith's career in baseball administration took shape when he started working for the Washington Senators, a team owned by his adoptive father. He learned the intricacies of team management and operations, gaining valuable experience that would later define his career. Upon Clark Griffith's death in 1955, Calvin assumed control of the Senators, inheriting both the team and the challenges that came with it.

In 1960, Calvin made a bold decision that would alter the landscape of Major League Baseball. He relocated the Washington Senators to Minnesota, where they became the Minnesota Twins. This move was driven by financial considerations and the potential for greater fan support in the Midwest. The transition was not without controversy, as it left Washington without a baseball team until the expansion of the league in 1961. However, the move proved beneficial for the franchise, as the Twins found success in their new home.

Under Calvin Griffith's leadership, the Minnesota Twins experienced periods of competitive play. The team won the American League pennant in 1965, marking a high point in Griffith's tenure as owner. The Twins, led by stars like Harmon Killebrew and Tony Oliva, reached the World Series that year, though they ultimately fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers. This achievement solidified the Twins' presence in Minnesota and demonstrated Griffith's ability to build a competitive team.

Griffith's management style was often characterized by frugality, a trait he inherited from his adoptive father. He was known for his cautious approach to spending, which sometimes led to criticism from fans and players alike. Despite this, he maintained a strong belief in developing talent through the team's farm system, a strategy that occasionally paid dividends on the field.

Throughout his career, Calvin Griffith faced challenges both on and off the field. His tenure was marked by controversies, including a racially insensitive remark made during a speech in 1978, which drew widespread criticism and strained his relationship with some players and fans. This incident highlighted the complexities of his personality and the changing social dynamics of the time.

In 1984, Calvin Griffith sold the Minnesota Twins to Carl Pohlad, ending his long association with the team. His decision to sell was influenced by the increasing financial demands of running a Major League Baseball franchise and the desire to ensure the team's continued success in Minnesota. Griffith's departure marked the end of an era for the Twins, as they transitioned to new ownership and management.

Calvin Griffith's legacy in baseball is a mixture of achievements and controversies. His role in relocating the Senators to Minnesota and building a competitive team in the 1960s remains a significant part of his story.

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