Harmon Killebrew announced Friday that he was giving up his battle against esophageal cancer, and he died this morning at the age of 74.
Kellebrew played Major League Baseball for 22 seasons, 21 of those with the Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins franchise. He was known as “Hammerin’ Harmon” and “Killer” by fans. Despite the nicknames, he is said by many to have been a gentleman, avoiding the hard partying lifestyle that many of his baseball peers partook of.
Harmon Killebrew was a 13 time All Star, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984. He is in a tie for second place in the number of seasons with 40 or more home runs, with 8. The only one who as more is Babe Ruth. In the 1960’s, he hit 393 home runs, more than any other player that decade. Hank Aaron came in second with 375. In 1969, his most prolific season, he had 49 home runs and 140 runs batted in, and won the American League’s Most Valuable Player award.
In 1984 he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
In memory of Harmon Killebrew contribution to their team, the Minnesota Twins will wear their 1961 throwback uniforms during home games for the rest of this season.
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