MINNEAPOLIS -- The Twins and Mariners will begin a four-game set at the Metrodome on Thursday, but it will be another series that will highlight the weekend -- one that was played four decades ago.

The 1965 World Series between the Twins and Dodgers ranks among the more memorable in baseball history. Featuring names like Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale and Harmon Killebrew, the classic matchup -- which Los Angeles won in seven games -- capped a milestone season for the Minnesota franchise.

"There's some organizations that have seen World Series many, many times," said former second baseman Frank Quilici, who played five seasons with the Twins. "Thinking back to that [1965] series ... there were great, great players who never knew if they would see another one. And they didn't."

Fans will be able to relive some of the memories when the Twins celebrate the 40th anniversary of their first World Series appearance. Friday's pregame ceremony will feature the top moments of the 1965 season.

"What a great idea," said Tony Oliva, who played right field for the '65 Twins. "It's fantastic. More teams should do that kind of thing. It gives you the opportunity to see a lot of people and see how they're doing."

The Twins will honor that remarkable 1965 squad with an on-field tribute before Saturday's game. Most of the living members of the team will be in attendance. Sunday's pregame ceremony will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first All-Star Game held in Minnesota at old Metropolitan Stadium.

The players will also participate in autograph and photo sessions with fans on the Metrodome concourse throughout the weekend.

"The fans have the opportunity to see you again, and you have the opportunity to see the fans," said Oliva, an eight-time All-Star and three-time batting champ with the Twins.

"The people all around us were excited about the Twins that year," Quilici added. "That was truly a great ballclub."

Before each game of the series, the first 10,000 fans will receive commemorative memorabilia:

• Thursday and Friday: 1965 AL Champs Baseball Card Sets
• Saturday: Mini-Met Stadium replicas
• Sunday: 1965 Bobbleheads

Oliva and Quilici have been able to keep in touch with some teammates through periodic golf tournaments, charity events and old-timer's games.

"You see one here and there," Oliva said. "Some of the players haven't seen each other for thirty years. ... I think every single one of them is excited. Mudcat can't wait."

Jim "Mudcat" Grant become the first African-American pitcher in American League history to win 20 games when he went 21-7 during the 1965 season. The right-hander also had two complete-game victories in the World Series that year. It was the Twins' first postseason appearance after relocating from Washington in 1961.

"It was very special not only for the players, but for the city," Oliva said. "It was a dream come true for the ballplayers to have a World Series right here in Minnesota."