Comebacks

Institution
In early June, they were listless and pathetically underperforming. How could so many good pitchers go bad so quickly? As it turned out, it was not the removal of Batista and Castro as much as the revival of Santana and Radke—plus the spectacular emergence of Liriano—that brought the Twins back from 25–33 to finish 96–66, best in baseball’s best division. It was a roller coaster ride of a season, but one packed with surprises and breakout performances. What fan could ask for more, short of a World Series? OK, it would have been nicer outdoors, but we hear good things come to those who wait.

Individual
To Eleanor Mondale’s lengthy resumé we add the entry survivor. Now forty-six, the smart, sexy sometime actress, television personality, and tabloid obsession has just this year battled a brain tumor, remarried, and replaced another smart, sexy, former television personality (Pat Miles) on WCCO Radio’s morning show. Looking back on her topsy-turvy career, she says she’s been fortunate, but, in her case, we credit pluck more than luck.