The 2006 Minnesota Twins enjoyed a spectacular season, finishing first in the American League Central with a 96-66 record after a historic late-season surge. Managed by Ron Gardenhire, the team featured an incredible array of individual talent, sweepingly capturing major awards with Justin Morneau winning the AL MVP and Johan Santana earning a unanimous Cy Young Award after securing the pitching triple crown. Catcher Joe Mauer added to the accolades by winning the American League batting title, while the team's resilience was on full display as they became the first in major league history to clinch their division on the final day of the season after never having held sole possession of first place previously.