Being a sports fan in Minnesota is both a joyful and frustrating experience.

Over the years, we've had our moments in the sun. Who can forget the Twins' championship drives in 1987 and 1991. It almost makes you want to break out your old 'Homer Hanky' just thinking about the pride and joy we felt for our underdog hometown heros.

But, fame is fleeting. Today, the controversy over the construction of a new outdoor facility has dampened the interest and support for the Minnesota Twins for everyone except the die-hard fan.

St. Paul Pioneer Press writer Scott Miller offers a historical view of the stadium issue and how it has altered the atmosphere of Twins baseball in: Movable Twins Have Gone Nowhere Since '91.

For a more upbeat approach and different perspective to Twins baseball, be sure to check out the official website of the Minnesota Twins.

If you're a fan of good basketball, last year's Minnesota Timberwolves performance was one for the record books. If the team has deep enough pockets and the good fortune to sign some key players, the future for the Minnesota Timberwolves looks great.

Kevin Garnett, a teen age sensation when he originally signed with the Timberwolves in 1995 direct from Chicago's Garragut Academy High School, signed a new contract in 1997--this one for $125 million over six years--at the time, the largest multiyear deal in professional team sports. In fact, Garnett's $125 million deal was $36.5 million more than Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor paid in 1994 to keep Minnesota's NBA franchise from moving to New Orleans.

Silent throughout the negotiations despite intense local public criticism after his rejection of an earlier $103.5 million offer from the team, Garnett expressed loyalty to the Wolves organization and the area upon agreeing to the new deal. "Minnesota is my home," Garnett said at a Target Center news conference. "We've got a bright future in Minnesota. I want to play for this team and I like (Wolves vice president) Kevin McHale."

Minnesota responded in kind, packing Target Center in 1997 for virtually every game to record the highest paid attendance in the franchise's history. That was good news for the team as Taylor now has to worry about keeping a strong enough revenue flow to pay Garnett, keep the organization profitable and have money left over for Stephon Marbury and Tom Gugliotta--two players who are asking for new contracts this summer. Garnett, Marbury and Gugliotta represent the core of what Taylor and Wolves management hope will be a future championship contender.

Sites featuring the Minnesota Timberwolves and its current and future stars are peppered throughout the World Wide Web. One of the best places to start is the Timberwolves official website. An excellent article on Kevin Garnett's new-found wealth and Minnesota attitude about the big contract can be found at the Pioneer Planet: Garnett Is Playing For More Than Money. And, if you haven't had enough of Kevin Garnett by now, visit a photo history of the young star at: Kevin Garnett: Passion Play.

Are you ready for some football. If you're a Minnesota Vikings Fan (the few that remain after last season's playoff choke), check out the Vikings' Official Web Site.

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Dean Kleinschmidt, the Saints' athletic trainer for 30 years, is staying in New Orleans and will not defect to the Chicago Bulls. Bulls general manager Jerry Krause interviewed Kleinschmidt in April as one of those being considered for the vacancy created when Chip Schaefer resigned.

Kleinschmidt became a figure in the possible breakup of the Bulls because NBC reported that Iowa State coach Tim Floyd, who has been rumored to be in line to replace Phil Jackson if he doesn't return next season, had conducted the interview.

Floyd issued a statement June 15 saying he had never interviewed Kleinschmidt and Krause said he had conducted the interview.

The matter was cleared up when Saints coach Mike Ditka, the source of the NBC story, said he had misspoken and Krause had interviewed the trainer.

"In the final analysis, this was certainly an easy decision for me to make," Kleinschmidt said in a statement. "The magnetism I feel toward the Saints organization, the National Football League and the game of football in general compels me to stay."

Kleinschmidt has been with the Saints longer than any other employee.

"I have been fortunate to work under all 12 Saints head coaches and I have never been more convinced that the direction that Mike Ditka has this team headed is the way to go. I want to be part of it, I feel I belong here and I want to end my career here."

Kleinschmidt had his career goals set in high school. He was student athletic trainer for a small Minnesota high school, went on to a newly established athletic training program at Indiana University and was immediately hired upon graduation by the Saints. He was promoted to Head Athletic Trainer for the Saints in 1971.

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