Home Sweet Dome: Indoor Baseball in the Playoffs

With the miraculous comeback of the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night to take home the AL Central crown, another dubious streak was continued: the inclusion of at least one dome in the MLB Playoffs.

Since 1997, at least one domed team has made it to October baseball, with each experiencing varying success.

Here is a look back at those teams that found playing under a steel-grey roof was better than under a starry-night sky.

Houston Astros, 1997

Being the first team to bring baseball indoors in the 1960's, it would only figure that the Astros is the team to start this streak.

Unfortunately for Houston fans, the team would only make a cameo in the playoffs that year, getting swept by Atlanta 3-0 in the NLDS.

Seattle Mariners, 1997

This would be the last time that the Kingdome would host postseason baseball and it would not be memorable for Seattle fans.

Their team, led by Griffey, A-Rod, and Randy would fall to the Baltimore (yes, Baltimore), 3-1 in the ALDS.

Houston Astros, 1998

Another year, another postseason defeat for the 'Stros; this time losing to the eventual National League champion San Diego Padres 3-1 in the NLDS.

Houston Astros, 1999

The third time was definitely not the charm for the final postseason series played in the Eighth Wonder of the World.

The Astros, once again, fell to the eventual National League champion, the Atlanta Braves with a result of 3-1 in the NLDS.

Seattle Mariners, 2000

Playing their first season in brand-new Safeco Field proved to be just what the Mariners to break the dreaded dome curse.

Becoming the first dome team to win a playoff series since the streak began in 1997, the Mariners took the White Sox down with a 3-0 win in the ALDS, before losing to eventual World Series champion New York Yankees, 4-2 in the ALCS.

Seattle Mariners, 2001

Despite the best record in baseball and the most wins during the regular season (116) since the 1906 Chicago Cubs, the Mariners could not escape from the Yankees to make the World Series.

Seattle defeated the Indians 3-2 in the ALDS before falling to New York, 4-1 for the second straight season in the ALCS.

Arizona Diamondbacks, 2001

The streak finally saw its first World Champion when the Arizona Diamondbacks broke through in 2001, defeating the Yankees in a dramatic seven-game series to win the first World Series for a dome team since the 1993 Blue Jays. It was only the fifth ever.

The Diamondbacks also beat the Cardinals 3-2 in the NLDS and Braves 4-1 in the NLCS.

Arizona Diamondbacks, 2002

The defending champions failed to get out of the first round the following season, losing 3-0 to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Minnesota Twins, 2002

Making their first appearance in postseason play since the 1991 World Series, the Twins continued their dome magic in the first round against the Athletics, beating them 3-2 in the ALDS.

However, they could not continue their luck, falling to the eventual World Champion Angels 4-1 in the ALCS.

Minnesota Twins, 2003

The Twins made it to back-to-back postseasons but lost in the first round to the New York Yankees with 3-1 in the ALDS.

Minnesota Twins, 2004

Different year, same result, with the Twins losing once again, 3-1 to the Yankees in the ALCS.

Houston Astros, 2004

The Astros returned to the postseason in Minute Maid Park's playoff debut.

They were able to take down the Braves, 3-2 in the NLDS, before falling to the St. Louis Cardinals with 4-3 in the NLCS.

Houston Astros, 2005

Returning to the playoffs, the Astros were able to finally advance to the World Series for the first time in their history.

They defeated the Braves once again in the NLDS, 3-1, before beating the Cardinals,4-2, for the NL pennant.

However, they lost to the White Sox, 4-0, in the World Series.

Minnesota Twins, 2006

Three straight years, three straight ALDS defeats for the Twins, falling 3-0 to Oakland.

Arizona Diamondbacks, 2007

The Diamondbacks were able to find moderate success in 2007, defeating the Cubbies 3-0 in the NLDS, but were later swept by the Colorado Rockies in the NLCS.

Tampa Bay Rays, 2008

Making it to the playoffs for the first time in their franchise history, the Rays made the most of their opportunity.

They defeated the White Sox 3-1 in the ALDS and then defeated the Red Sox 4-3 in the ALCS to become the first true dome team to advance to the World Series since the Twins in 1991.

However, they could not complete their magical run, falling to the Philadelphia Phillies 4-2 in the Fall Classic.

Minnesota Twins, 2009

How will the Twins do this season? Only time will tell. Here are some numbers to consider:

Overall, the record of dome teams in playoffs since 1997 is 54-71

World Series Champions: one

Pennant Winners: three

LCS Series Record: 3-6

DS Series Record: 8-8