Tuesday, May 17, 2011

RIP Harmon Killebrew

Baseball lost another great this year as Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew passed away today at the age of 74 following a bout with esophageal cancer. One of the greatest players to ever play for the Minnesota Twins organization, Killebrew finished his career a 13-time all-star with 573 home runs (11th all-time) and won the AL MVP award in 1969. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984, Killebrew tallied 2086 hits over 22 seasons. At the time he retired in 1975, he was 2nd all time in American League home runs behind only the great Babe Ruth. One of the most feared hitters of his era, and one of the greatest right handed hitters EVER, Killebrew slugged at least 40 homers in a season 8 different times, including 49 in both 1964 and his MVP season 1969, and he led the league in that category in 1959, 1962-64, 1967 and 1969. Following his retirement, the Twins retired his #3.

Photo Courtesy: cirscusnospin.blogspot.com
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2 comments:

  1. UnknownMay 17, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    I read about his giving up the fight with cancer a few days ago. Once he quit the end was extremely near. The sports world has lost a great legend.

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  2. BAC MattMay 17, 2011 at 9:31 PM

    My favorite stat about him is that he's the all-time home run leader for players born in Idaho. Second place is Vance Law with 71, only 502 behind him.

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