Twins legends Tony Oliva, Kent Hrbek return to Target Field after recent strokes

The Twins Hall of Famers were honored on the field by the Minnesota Stroke Association on Saturday.

From left, former Minnesota Twins Rod Carew, Tony Oliva and Kent Hrbek acknowledge the crowd as they are introduced for the Twins Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Joe Mauer (not pictured) before the game with the Arizona Diamondbacks at Target Field in Minneapolis on Aug. 5, 2023. | Bruce Klukhohn / Imagn Images

Tony Oliva and Kent Hrbek couldn't be kept away from Target Field for long.

The Minnesota Twins legends were both back at the Minneapolis ballpark Saturday afternoon for the Twins' game against the Kansas City Royals. Both had suffered recent strokes, which the Twins announced in late April, wishing them both well in their recoveries. They appeared to be doing better and in good spirits Saturday as they were back in the ballpark.

My heart just exploded seeing these two here at Target Field!!! Really glad I am wearing waterproof mascara ❤️🥹 I'm so unbelievably thankful that they are both doing well! pic.twitter.com/jRDWRIbhSF

— Audra Martin (@Audra_Martin) May 24, 2025

Oliva and Hrbek were honored on the field during the game by the Minnesota Stroke Association.

Kent Hrbek is here, too! Hrbek and Oliva, each of whom suffered strokes earlier this year, were honored on the field during a presentation by the Minnesota Stroke Association. Great to see them back at Target Field. pic.twitter.com/FtxqKK2Zrp

— Phil Miller (@MillerStrib) May 24, 2025

The Star Tribune's Phil Miller reported Oliva was present in the clubhouse Saturday morning and was all smiles. Miller also said he overheard Oliva talking to Twins manager Rocco Baldelli before the game, saying how his doctor was concerned when Oliva's blood pressure spiked Wednesday, which came when the Cleveland Guardians tied the Twins in the ninth.

There was no shortage of drama Saturday either as a Twins comeback culminated with the team walking off the Royals for the second day in a row. No doubt Oliva and Hrbek were thrilled with that outcome. A good day to be back in the park.