Elite company
The Twins have won 15 American League batting titles in franchise history, including eight times in a 10-year span from 1969-78. Luis Arraez is the fifth different batting champ for the Twins with a winning margin that is the third closest in team history. Joe Mauer won by .002 in 2009 and Kirby Puckett by .003 in 1989.
Below is the complete list, with the year, winner and runners-up and their batting averages:
1964: Tony Oliva, .323; Brooks Robinson, .317
1965: Oliva, .321; Carl Yastrzemski, .312
1969: Rod Carew, .332; Reggie Smith, .309
1971: Oliva, .337; Bobby Murcer, .331
1972: Carew, .318; Lou Piniella, .312
1973: Carew, .350; George Scott, .306