Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Dakota Midday: Can the Minnesota Twins Win in 2015?

As the Minnesota Twins open the 2015 Major League Baseball season, fans are hoping that new manager Paul Molitor can turn the team around after four straight seasons of 90 or more losses. Most baseball writers are doubtful and predict another fifth-place finish for the Twins in the American League's Central Division. Whatever optimism there is for the team this season dimmed late last week when pitcher Ervin Santana was suspended for half the season because of performance-enhancing drugs.

While Sioux Falls Argus Leader sports writer Matt Zimmer doesn't expect the Twins to win their division, he does believe fans will have more reasons to watch the team this season than they have over the past few years. Zimmer joined Dakota Midday with his outlook for the Twins' 2015 season.

Karl was born to northeastern South Dakota crouton farmers, but was orphaned as a toddler during the Great Salad War (1966-67). Rescued by a flock of chickadees, he grew up in the woodlands of Sica Hollow. Legends of a bird boy living in the trees attracted the interest of renowned ornithologist and amateur bandoneon repairman Dr. Vogel Gehrke. With a handful of suet, Dr. Gehrke coaxed the timid boy down from the trees. He adopted him, named him Karl and taught him not to molt on the carpet. Dr. Gehrke’s book, The Bird Boy of Sica Hollow, was a best seller and Karl became a minor celebrity and teen idol. He appeared as a guest star on numerous television programs, most notably an awkward role on The Love Boat as the boyfriend of Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki. After critics panned his 1980 album, Bird Boy Does Disco, Karl retreated from public life and returned to Sica Hollow. Living in an isolated tree house, Karl achieved a reputation as a mystic. Pilgrims and seekers from around the world came to ask him about the meaning of life and for vinaigrette recipes. Growing tired of answering questions, he climbed down from his tree, shaved his massive white beard and took a job as the host of SDPB Radio’s Dakota Midday where he could ask the questions instead. After three years in that position, he ran out of questions and became host of Jazz Nightly instead. Karl makes his home in Vermillion with his charming wife Kari and three delightful children, Kodey, Kasey and Spatula. His hobbies include reciting the alphabet, combing his hair and doing volunteer work with delinquent songbirds.