Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew lost his battle with cancer on Tuesday, passing away at the age of 74.
From the Los Angeles Times:
He hit 573 home runs during 22 seasons with the Washington Senators, Twins and Kansas City Royals, including eight seasons in which he hit at least 40 home runs. Killebrew helped the Twins reach the World Series in 1965, where they lost to the Dodgers, and he was named the American League’s most valuable player in 1969.
A 13-time All-Star, Killebrew was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1984.
At 5 feet 11 and about 210 pounds, Killebrew was a stocky first and third baseman, outfielder and designated hitter who was particularly known for his ability to hit memorably long home runs.
“He hit a ball in Minnesota that went over 500 feet and broke two chairs,” former Twins Manager Cal Ermer told the Chattanooga (Tenn.) Times Free Press in 2002.
Paul Richards, then manager of the Baltimore Orioles, said during Killebrew’s breakout season in 1959: “He has enough power to hit home runs in any park — including Yellowstone.” Killebrew hit 42 home runs that season for the Washington Senators, who moved to Minnesota in 1961 and became the Twins.
I didn’t have the pleasure of watching Killebrew play in person, but I’ve read nothing but kind words about the legend. He was known as a quiet, kind man and didn’t partake in the partying lifestyle. In fact, he famously told a reporter, “Well, I like to was dishes, I guess,” when asked what he liked to do for fun.
Even though I never had the opportunity to see him play, I know what he meant to the game of baseball. RIP, “Hammerin’ Harmon.”
