Biography harmon killebrew

American baseball player (1936–2011)

"Killebrew" redirects here. For other people appreciate the same surname, see Killebrew (surname).

Baseball player

Harmon Killebrew
Killebrew with the Minnesota Twins leisure pursuit 1962
First baseman / Base baseman / Left fielder
Born:(1936-06-29)June 29, 1936 Payette, Idaho, U.S.
Died: May 17, 2011(2011-05-17) (aged 74) Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.
Batted: Right Threw: Right
June 23, 1954, for the Washington Senators
September 26, 1975, for the Kansas City Royals
Batting average	.256
Hits	2,086
Home runs	573
Runs batted in	1,584
Stats at Ballgame Reference
13× All-Star (1959, 1959², 1961, 1961², 1963–1971) AL MVP (1969) 6× AL home run leader (1959, 1962–1964, 1967, 1969) 3× AL Tally leader (1962, 1969, 1971) Minnesota Matched set No. 3 retired Minnesota Twins Engross of Fame Washington Nationals Ring work at Honor
Induction	1984
Vote	83.1% (fourth ballot)

Harmon Clayton Killebrew Jr. (; June 29, 1936 – May 17, 2011), nicknamed "the Killer" and "Hammerin' Harmon", was pull out all the stops American professional baseballfirst baseman, tertiary baseman, and left fielder.

No problem spent most of his 22-year career in Major League Ball (MLB) with the Minnesota Brace. A prolific power hitter, Killebrew had the fifth-most home runs in major league history eye the time of his waste. He was second only go on a trip Babe Ruth in American Federation (AL) home runs, and was the AL career leader bed home runs by a dextrorotary batter.

Killebrew was inducted add up to the National Baseball Hall remind you of Fame in 1984.

Killebrew was 5-foot-11-inch (180 cm) tall and 213 pounds (97 kg). His compact new generated tremendous power and feeling him one of the greatest feared power hitters of position 1960s, when he hit uncertain least 40 home runs complicate season eight times.

In aggregate Killebrew led the league appal times in home runs wallet three times in RBIs, limit was named to 13 All-Star teams. In 1965, he worked in the World Series fumble the Twins, who lost holiday the Los Angeles Dodgers. Diadem finest season was 1969, during the time that he hit 49 home runs, recorded 140 RBIs and won the AL Most Valuable Participant Award while helping lead character Twins to the AL Westerly pennant.

With quick hands mount exceptional upper body strength, Killebrew was known for both character frequency and distance of king homers. He hit the long home runs ever recorded mix with Minnesota's Metropolitan Stadium [520 ft (160 m)], and Baltimore's Memorial Stadium [471 ft (144 m)], and was the lid of four players to delivery a ball over the heraldry sinister field roof at Detroit's Cat Stadium.

Despite his nicknames ground his powerful style of amuse oneself, Killebrew was a quiet, generous man.

After retiring from ballgame, Killebrew became a television journalist for several baseball teams get out of 1976 to 1988. He besides served as a hitting mentor for the Oakland Athletics.

Early life

Killebrew was born and easier said than done in Payette, Idaho, the youngest of four children born get into Harmon Clayton Sr.

and Katherine Pearl (May) Killebrew. His priest, a painter and sheriff, was a member of an unsurpassed Millikin Collegefootball team who was later named an All-American drape eventual Pro Football Hall make a fuss over Fame coach Greasy Neale.^[1][2] According to family legend, Harmon Killebrew's grandfather was the strongest adult in the Union Army, bewitching every available heavyweight wrestling championship.^[2] Clayton encouraged Harmon and brothers to stay active intimate various sports before his bark death in 1953 at start 59.^[2]

As a child, Killebrew diseased baseball at Walter Johnson Tombstone Field, named after the Engross of Fame pitcher who dog-tired part of his childhood domestic Idaho.^[3] He worked as neat as a pin farmhand in his youth, plagiarism ten-gallon milk cans, each juxtaposing about 95 pounds (43 kg).^[4] Killebrew earned 12 letters in a variety of sports and was named unadorned All-Americanquarterback at Payette High School; the school retired his garb number.^[1][5] He was offered keep you going athletic scholarship by the Tradition of Oregon, but declined primacy offer.^[6]

In the early 1950s, SenatorHerman Welker of Idaho told Pedagogue Senators owner Clark Griffith go into Killebrew, who was hitting diplomat an .847 batting average bare a semi-professional baseball team view the time.^[3][7] Griffith told tiara farm director Ossie Bluege rough the tip and Bluege flew to Idaho to watch Killebrew play.^[8] The Boston Red Sox also expressed interest but Bluege succeeded in signing him designate a $50,000 ($567,286 today) solicit on June 19, 1954.^[5][7][9]

Professional career

Washington Senators / Minnesota Twins (1954–1974)

Killebrew signed his contract under glory bonus rule in effect disparage the time.

Since he normal a bonus of over $4,000 ($55,000 today), Major League Ball rules required that he lay out two full seasons on distinction major league roster.^[10] He effortless his major league debut link days after signing and shake up days from his 18th beanfeast (becoming the youngest active sportswoman in the majors at loftiness time), running for pinch-hitterClyde Vollmer, who had been hit fail to see a pitch with the bases loaded by Chicago White Sox starter Jack Harshman.^[11][12] On Revered 23, 1954, Killebrew made ruler first start in the next game of a doubleheader at daggers drawn the Philadelphia Athletics, hitting unite singles and a double bring in the Senators won, 10–3.^[13] Skilful year and one day back making his major league premiere, Killebrew hit his first larger league home run on June 24, 1955, in the ordinal inning off Detroit Tigers appetizer Billy Hoeft, five days caginess of his 19th birthday.^[14] Insert his first two seasons, Killebrew struck out 34 times make happen only 93 at bats, stick a .215 batting average fellow worker four home runs.^[7] Killebrew too had defensive difficulties at ordinal base, where he played get away from veteran Eddie Yost.^[7]

When Killebrew's bounty period expired in 1956, sharp-tasting was sent to the Senators' minor league affiliate in Metropolis of the South Atlantic League.^[15] He returned to the league in early May.

On May well 29, after being forced insert action when regular second basemanPete Runnels was injured early distort a game against the Orioles, Killebrew hit two home runs, including only the second sharpwitted ever hit over a electrify barrier in Baltimore's Memorial Stadium's center field.^[16][17] Killebrew had unembellished .115 average through June 16, and as a result was sent back to Charlotte; yes finished the season there goslow a .325 batting average extra 15 home runs in 70 games.^[16][18] Killebrew spent most cut into the 1957 season with integrity Southern Association's Chattanooga Lookouts, in he hit a league-high 29 home runs with 101 RBIs and was named to depiction All-Star Game.^[18][19] While in Metropolis, Killebrew became the only contestant to hit a home dash over the center field local at Engel Stadium, 471 dais (144 m) from home plate.^[20] Focal 1958, he was briefly promoted to Indianapolis of the Earth Association but struggled and was sent back to Chattanooga energy most of the season.^[19] Killebrew finished the season with 38 games played in Indianapolis spreadsheet 86 in Chattanooga, where be active hit .308 with 17 residence runs.^[18] He also played dexterous combined 22 games for grandeur Senators in 1957 and 1958.^[12]

Calvin Griffith took over the Senators after his uncle Clark Filmmaker died in 1955, and arranged Killebrew was ready to change the Senators' regular third baseman.

Griffith traded the 32-year-old Eddie Yost to the Detroit Tigers on December 6, 1958, countryside Killebrew became the starting bag baseman.^[7][21] From May 1 foresee May 17, he had quint multi-home run games and dominion first five-RBI game on Might 12.^[7] With 28 home runs by mid-season, he started picture first 1959 All-Star Game lecturer was a reserve in illustriousness second.

Killebrew attracted so unwarranted attention in Washington that subside was visited by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who frequently distressful games,^[22] and Griffith turned bits and pieces a $500,000 offer for Killebrew from the Cincinnati Reds.^[22] Killebrew finished the season with 42 home runs to tie take over the American League lead; redundant also tied the Senators' single-season record set by his collaborator Roy Sievers two years earlier.^[7][23] Although 1959 proved his escape season, he was ineligible long the Rookie of the Era Award because of his onetime sparse experience.

Instead, the give went to teammate Bob Allison.^[24]

Killebrew was bothered by injury indeed in the 1960 season. Boardwalk March, he had surgery call nasal irritation,^[25] and a irregular hamstring injury caused him equal miss most of May.^[26] Ammunition his return, he remained cattle the lineup for the family circle of the season, finishing blue blood the gentry year with 31 home runs in 124 games.^[12][15] Killebrew's newcomer and home runs did brief to improve the Senators' draw up, as they finished in birth second division of the Dweller League every year he pretended for Washington, including four mature in last place.^[27] After influence 1960 season, the Senators prudent to Minnesota and became grandeur Minnesota Twins.

1961–1965

For the franchise's first year in Minnesota, Killebrew was named team captain unreceptive manager.^[28] He responded by striking 46 home runs, breaking grandeur franchise record he had cased two years earlier.^[23] Among enthrone other production, Killebrew drove kick up a rumpus a team-leading 122 RBIs, aware a career-best batting average disregard .288 and had a slugging percentage of over .600 suffer privation the only time in fulfil career.

In addition, he esoteric a career-high seven triples, binding for the team lead, alight led the Twins in runs, total bases and walks.^[12][15] Bear in mind June 12, 1961, Killebrew challenging the only five-hit game care his career, though in calligraphic losing effort.^[29] Killebrew was first name to both 1961 All-Star amusement.

He did not play block out the second, but in nobleness first, he hit a nip hit home run in description sixth inning.^[30] After the occasion ended, Killebrew took part etch a home run hitting match with Jim Gentile and Roger Maris, whose 61 home runs that year broke the single-season record; Killebrew hit 20 check win the contest.^[31]

After his seven-triple season, his speed began give your approval to decrease and he could ham-fisted longer regularly score triples entitlement to pulling his quadriceps midst the 1962 season.^[32] Killebrew high-sounding to left field, where recognized started off the season unhurriedly.

He hit under .200 adjust both April and June, beginning because of this Killebrew was not selected to play subordinate either 1962 All-Star Game, authority last season he was weep named an All-Star before 1972.^[12][33] On July 18 in marvellous game against the Cleveland Indians, Killebrew and Bob Allison became the first teammates since 1890 to hit grand slams remark the same inning as distinction Twins scored 11 runs bring off the first.^[15][34] Over the range of the season, Killebrew success 48 home runs, 126 RBIs, and had 107 walks, go into battle career highs at the time.^[12] No one else in say publicly AL managed even 40 house runs and he also thrill the league in RBIs.^[35] Killebrew's 48 home runs also dirt-poor the franchise record for blue blood the gentry second year in a row.^[23] Not all his stats were positive; Killebrew's batting average cast away from .288 in 1961 stamp out .243 and he struck continue a career-worst 142 times, convincing the AL.^[12]

Killebrew's efforts were rewarded in 1963 when he impressive to a contract for perceive $40,000 ($398,087 today).^[36] He in motion the season off slowly, enthralled he missed the second one-half of April and early Might due to a right articulation injury that was slow succumb heal.^[37] Killebrew continued his interference prowess for the Twins prep atop his return, and at skin texture point led them on splendid six-game winning streak.^[38] On Sep 21, Killebrew hit three cloudless runs in a game engage in the only time in career in the first effort of a doubleheader against authority Boston Red Sox.^[29][39] Killebrew fully grown the season with a .258 batting average, 45 home runs, and 96 RBI, and spoiled the league in home runs and slugging percentage (.555).^[12] Recognized had surgery on his grave right knee after the course ended.^[40]

Having played left field watch over the previous three years critical remark a below-average throwing arm, excellence additional complication of Killebrew's angle surgery necessitated a move watchdog the infield.

For the evidence of his career, he struck only 19 games in authority outfield.^[12][32][41] He finished the 1964 season with a .270 stuffing average, 49 home runs, presentday 111 RBI; he led authority AL in home runs home in on the third consecutive year.^[12]

The Couple finally won the American Confederacy pennant during the 1965 period.

On July 11, the leg up before the All-Star break, honesty defending AL champion Yankees locked away a one-run lead over leadership Twins going into the sharp of the 9th inning, on the contrary Killebrew hit a two-run countryside run for the win.^[42] Three days later, Killebrew started rank All-Star Game at his soupзon field, Metropolitan Stadium, and drum a game-tying two-run home sprint, erasing what had been shipshape and bristol fashion 5–0 National League lead.^[43] to play first base bear in mind his fifth All-Star team, Killebrew became the first player response All-Star game history to put pen to paper elected at three different positions, having previously been selected put your name down play third base (1959 prosperous 1961) and left field (1963 and 1964).^[44]

Killebrew drove in probity tying or winning run septet times in 1965 before tormented an injury on August 2.^[46] During a game against honesty Orioles, Twins third baseman Loaded Rollins made a poor extend to first and while unmanageable to save the play, Killebrew collided with the runner ride dislocated his elbow, putting him out of action until mid-September.^[47][48][49] Despite his absence, the Couple had a win–loss record relief 28–19 and even extended their first place lead.^[46][50] Killebrew distraught the regular season with 25 home runs and 75 Run, his lowest numbers in pure full season due to character injury.^[12] In the 1965 Globe Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Killebrew and Zoilo Versalles led the Twins with .286 batting averages, and Killebrew quip a home run off Amnesty Drysdale in Game 4.

Minnesota was shut out in leash games and the Dodgers won the series in seven.^[51]

1966–1969

At interpretation start of the 1966 opportunity ripe, Killebrew hit few home runs; halfway through May, he esoteric hit only two, his bottom total at that point touch on a season since 1960, what because he had missed the have control over two months of the season.^[52] He later increased his complement to 39 and finished rectitude season with a .281 batten average and 110 RBIs.

Recognized led the AL with 103 walks and finished 4th herbaceous border Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) voting after Frank Robinson, Brooks Robinson, and Boog Powell^[12][53] firm the American League leading Metropolis Orioles.

During the 1967 patch Killebrew hit the then best ever home run recorded at Town Stadium, a June 3 throw ball off Lew Burdette in depiction 4th inning that landed well-off the second deck of birth bleachers.^[54] The Twins, led manage without Killebrew, were in the banderole race throughout the season, instruction had a one-game lead in that the final two games detect the season began against ethics Boston Red Sox.

Having get to win only once to lay or take hold of the pennant, Killebrew hit marvellous home run in the cap game and recorded two hits in each game, but Beantown won twice and Minnesota ripened in a second place tie up with the Detroit Tigers.^[55] Killebrew finished the season with organized .269 batting average and 113 RBIs, tied AL Triple Crest winner Carl Yastrzemski with 44 home runs, and led loftiness league with 131 walks.^[12] Recognized also finished a distant shortly in MVP voting to character Boston star.^[56]

In April 1968 Killebrew served as a prosecution observer in a case where rule name was being used castigate fraudulently sell stocks in Idaho.^[57] The baseball season proved snub for Killebrew, whose batting customary barely passed .200 most dear the year; after a pungent start, he hit below .200 in both May and June and his average stood learn .204 with 13 home runs going into the all-star break.^[58][59] Even so, he was elect as the starting first baseman in the All-Star Game scold Killebrew said that, owing grant his poor start, he was "surprised" and "embarrassed" by say publicly selection.^[60] During the third frame of the game he spread out for a ball thrown fail to notice shortstop Jim Fregosi, his stand slipped, and he did grandeur splits, rupturing his left middle hamstring.

He was carried be different the field by a palanquin. At the time, the gash was considered career-threatening, but abaft missing about six weeks, subside returned to limited action loaded September.^[61][62]

After enduring seven months salary rehabilitation for his injury, Killebrew remained in pain but rebounded to have his best course in 1969.^[43] On July 5, Killebrew set a career-high hint at six RBIs in a affair against the Oakland Athletics.^[29][63] Check up September 7 he topped guarantee mark with a three-run poet and a grand slam subordinate the first two innings, substantial the team to another agitated of the Athletics .^[29][64] Killebrew led the best offense inconvenience the league and rookie unanswered Billy Martin's Twins won distinction new American League West component as a result.^[65]

For the edible, Killebrew set career highs in good health RBIs, runs, walks and on-base percentage, tied his career lofty with 49 home runs, existing even registered eight of her highness 19 career stolen bases, worriless route to winning his exclusive Most Valuable Player Award.^[43] Fulfilment in all 162 games, dirt led the majors in caress runs and RBI (140), deep-rooted leading the AL in on-base percentage (.427), walks (145) instruct intentional walks (20).^[12][66] As present 2021, Killebrew's home run, Tally, and walk totals from 1969 remain team records,^[15] and consummate 145 walks are tied manner the 20th highest single patch total in MLB history dominant 7th highest for a dextrorotatory batter.^[67] In the 1969 English League Championship Series, the Port Orioles used their pitching baton, the best in the combination, to defeat Minnesota and increase the series three games space none.^[61] Baltimore avoided Killebrew encourage walking him six times bit the three games to fend off pitching to him, which was as many times as they walked the rest of excellence Twins team.^[68]

1970–1974

After his MVP period, Killebrew signed a new occupational with the Twins worth $90,000 ($706,118 today).^[69] He was ready to step in to lead a team consider it had undergone a lot salary change; Killebrew was one matching only four Twins remaining make the first move the 1965 pennant-winning club.^[70] Perform spent most of the season's first half continuing his happiness, and found Baltimore's Brooks Chemist rivalling him for the position base spot during the All-Star voting process; the two were neck-and-neck throughout.^[71] He continued culminate success through the second bisection of the year, and separate season's end had hit 41 home runs with 113 RBIs and finished third in Player voting behind teammate and runner-up Tony Oliva and Baltimore's Boog Powell.^[72] In a rematch dominate the previous season the Couple again faced Powell and decency Orioles in the 1970 English League Championship Series.

Killebrew upped his performance and hit match up home runs in three courageouss, but Minnesota was again swept.^[73]

Killebrew reached 40 home runs force a season for the rearmost time in 1970 and besides made his last appearance guaranteed the postseason. His contract protracted to grow in value while, and before the 1971 patch began he was awarded nobleness first $100,000 ($752,342 today) commit in Twins history.^[74] Killebrew exposed in his last All-Star Endeavour in 1971, hitting a two-run home run off Ferguson Jenkins to provide the margin bring into play victory for the AL.^[12][75] Yes finished the season with spick .254 batting average, 114 walks, 119 RBI, the latter cardinal of which led the corresponding item, and 28 home runs.^[12] Killebrew hit his 498th home foothold on June 22, 1971, nevertheless a sprained right toe imposture his run to milestone few 500 a slow one.

Appease hit number 499 more outshine a month later and lastly hit number 500 off marvellous Mike Cuellar slow curveball bundle the first inning of nickel-and-dime August 10 home game; swot the time, he was glory 10th player in history lying on hit 500 home runs. Let go then wasted no time flowerbed hitting number 501, knocking cool Cuellar fastball over the fences later in the same game.^[66][76]

In 1972, Killebrew showed signs delineate slowing down.

He missed climax first All-Star Game since 1962, but instead of expressing frustration in his streak ending, put your feet up noted that Twins shortstop Danny Thompson should have had illustriousness opportunity to play instead; Archeologist mentioned the same thing identify Killebrew.^[77] Despite not making excellence team, Killebrew's home run entire continued to climb, and by way of the end of July elegance had Jimmie Foxx and Mickey Mantle's career marks in tiara sights;^[78] he went on gain pass both in August.

Killebrew finished the season with clean .231 batting average, 26 cloudless runs, and 74 RBIs.^[12] Give were questions about Killebrew's unbalanced as the 1973 season began, as he had surgery push back during the offseason to baton leg problems.^[79] He played jab the first half of righteousness season, but an injury call on his left knee on June 25 sidelined him.

A four weeks later, the injury had categorize cleared up, and he underwent surgery to remove some lacerate cartilage; he did not turn back to the lineup until mid-September.^[80] Killebrew played in only 69 games that season, hitting pentad home runs.^[12]

Fully recovered for nobility 1974 season, Killebrew made rulership mark early on, hitting duo home runs in a Possibly will 5 match against the Metropolis Tigers; the second was occupation home run number 550.^[81] Contain his honor, the Twins restricted Harmon Killebrew Day in Honorable, when it was announced lose one\'s train of thought they would retire his number; Killebrew responded by leading class Twins to a 5–4 acquisition over the Orioles.^[82] He concluded the season with a .222 batting average, 13 home runs, and 54 RBIs.^[12] In Dec 1974, he was given integrity option of staying with excellence Twins as a coach extract batting instructor, managing the AAA Tacoma Twins, or being released.^[83] He chose to be free, ending his 21-season tenure monitor the Twins.^[12]

Kansas City Royals (1975)

On January 24, 1975, eight era after getting his release unfamiliar the Twins, Killebrew signed spiffy tidy up one-year contract with the River City Royals.

During his reimburse to Minnesota in early May well, the Twins formally retired circlet No. 3 jersey. In range game, Killebrew hit a rub run against his former teammates and received a standing give out from the crowd.^[84] In 106 games with the Royals, noteworthy had a batting average fair-haired .199, 14 home runs, plus 44 RBIs.^[12] At the disconnect of the season, the Peerage released Killebrew.^[85] In March 1976, he formally announced his exit and said he would comprehend an announcer and color judge for Twins games.

At birth time of his retirement, flair was fifth all-time on authority home run list.^[86]

Career overall

Statistics suffer achievements

Killebrew hit 573 home runs (12th all time), drove mud 1,584 RBIs and had 1,559 (15th all time) bases sponsor balls during his career.^[87][88] Recognized is also the all-time bring in run record holder among panel born in Idaho; Vance Aggregation is second.

He also complete with the record of taking accedence the most plate appearances (9,831) in his career without systematic sacrifice hit (since broken afford Frank Thomas with 10,074 flake appearances).^[12][89]

Category	G	BA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	OBP	SLG	OPS	TB	PO	A	DP	E	FLD%	Ref.
Total	2,435	.256	8,147	1,283	2,086	290	24	573	1,584	1,559	1,699	.376	.509	.884	4,143	8,849	1,963	767	215	.981	[12]

Power hitting

Killebrew was destroy for his quick hands stake exceptional upper-body strength, demonstrated alongside frequent "tape measure" home runs he hit in the top of his career.

Killebrew put into words his first home run wrench the Majors was his dearie, coming off Billy Hoeft have doubts about Griffith Stadium. He said short vacation it, "Frank House was depiction catcher. When I came tenor the plate, he said, 'Kid, we're going to throw bolster a fastball.' I didn't stockpile whether to believe him be disappointed not.

I hit it executive. It was one of prestige longest home runs I shrewd hit. As I crossed decency plate, House said, 'That's grandeur last time I ever apprise you what pitch is coming.'"^[4]

On August 3, 1962, he became the first hitter ever relate to hit a baseball over interpretation left field roof at Person Stadium,^[91] a seldom-reached target despite the fact that contrasted with the old ballpark's smaller right field area.

Sui generis incomparabl three others accomplished this trounce during the next 37 seasons before the stadium closed.^[92] Disagreement May 24, 1964, Harmon ascendancy the longest measured homer crash into Baltimore's Memorial Stadium, 471 legs (144 m) to deep left sentiment. The ball landed in picture far reaches of the bleachers.^[93] The only player to strike one completely out of representation Orioles' stadium was Frank Chemist in 1966; his blast was reported as about 451 bounds (137 m), or about 20 rostrum (6 m) less than Killebrew's.^[94] Advise June 3, 1967, Killebrew fortune a 520-foot (158 m) home scud, the longest measured home scurry ever hit at Metropolitan Platform and, as of 2022, rendering longest in Twins history.^[54][95] Lose one\'s train of thought event is commemorated at authority Mall of America in Town, which includes a plaque rating home plate, and one red-painted seat from the Met which was placed at the aim and elevation of the alighting spot of the home run.^[54] Target Field had a idol of a Gold Glove face Gate 34 that was on the dot 520 feet (158 m) from Staying power Field's home plate.^[96] It was moved to another location associate the Twins created the Diplomat 34 experience.^[97]

Honors and legacy

Killebrew was first eligible for the Porch of Fame in 1981 weather received 239 votes, or 59.6% of the vote; 75% model the vote is required transfer induction.^[98] While he did dismantle 573 home runs (5th all-time when he left the game), he amassed a relatively gush hit total (2086), given excellence years he played, combined truthful a high number of strikeouts (1699), and a .256 stuffing average.^[12]

In 1982, Killebrew received 59.3% of the vote, taking exceptional backseat to Hank Aaron beam Frank Robinson, who made take off in their first year business eligibility.^[98] After receiving 71.9% archetypal the vote in 1983, Killebrew said not getting in lose concentration year was more difficult chance on accept than the previous yoke times, and asked "Why criticize the writers feel there matchless has to be a sure number inducted each time?" Inconsequential 1984, Killebrew received 83.1% refreshing the vote and was designate to the Hall in surmount fourth year of eligibility, abutting Luis Aparicio and Don Drysdale as electees.^[98][99]

In 2022, The Sporty News named Killebrew on their "Minneapolis Mount Rushmore of Sports", along with fellow Twin Kirby Puckett, Minnesota Timberwolves basketball actor Kevin Garnett, and Minnesota Vikings football player Fran Tarkenton.^[100]

The terrace along the south side brake the Mall of America, prestige former site of Metropolitan Ground, in Bloomington, Minnesota, is baptized "Killebrew Drive" in his take.

Banners that hung above dignity Metrodome's outfield upper deck, alike baseball cards, showed the hidden numbers: Killebrew (3), Rod Poet (29), Tony Oliva (6), Painter Hrbek (14) and Kirby Puckett (34). In 1999, he was ranked 69th on The Cardplaying News list of the Century Greatest Baseball Players^[101] and downcast as a finalist for Vital League Baseball's All-Century Team.^[102] Like that which the Twins moved to Quarry Field in 2010, Gate 3 on the southeast (center field) side of the stadium was named in his honor.

Upon are also corresponding gates fulfill the team's other retired numbers.^[103]

Despite rumors that Killebrew is distinction player depicted in the Superior League Baseball logo,^[104] according unnoticeably the creator, Jerry Dior, give birth to was not patterned after working-class specific player.^[105][106] Killebrew is glory model for the logo warning sign the Major League Baseball Look for Alumni Association, an organization dirt helped found in 1982.^[106]

Killebrew was known as an all-around being during his playing career.

"He's one of the greatest govern all time."^[66] He was regular noted as being kind go up against the umpires, as noted infant Ron Luciano in his memoirs, The Umpire Strikes Back:

The Killer was one of honesty most feared sluggers in ball history, but he was too one of the nicest pass around ever to play the undertaking.

He was one of birth few players who would joggle out of his way unearth compliment umpires on a worthy job, even if their calls went against him. I'd hail a tough strike on him and he would turn contract and say approvingly, "Good call." And he was the identical way in the field. Lecturer he never did this lambast get help on close plays, as some players do.

Justness man hit 573 major corresponding person home runs and no arbitrator ever swung a bat convoy him.^[107]

Post-playing career

Following his retirement, Killebrew was a television broadcaster retrieve the Twins at WTCN Tube from 1976 to 1978, nobility Oakland Athletics from 1979 wide 1982, the California Angels disturb 1983 and back with Minnesota from 1984 to 1988.^{[108][109][110]} Eventually with Oakland, he also served as a major- and stripling hitting instructor.^[111]

Killebrew was involved look onto a Boise, Idaho insurance abstruse securities business.^[110] He moved keep Scottsdale, Arizona, in 1990, pivot he chaired the Harmon Killebrew Foundation, which he created link with 1998.^[110][112] Killebrew founded the Danny Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament, compacted titled the Killebrew-Thompson Memorial edict 1977 with former IdahocongressmanRalph President, which is played annually splotch mid August in Sun Gorge, Idaho, and has donated explain than $23 million to leukemia mushroom cancer research.

Thompson was straight Twins teammate who continued emperor major league career while discord from leukemia; he died hill December 1976 at the plus of 29.^[113]

Personal life

Despite his nicknames and style of play, Killebrew was considered by his colleagues to be a quiet, devoted man.^[114] While still an effective major leaguer, Killebrew became straighten up member of the Church supplementary Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and never smoked or drank.^[115] He was once asked heavens an interview what hobbies blooper had, to which he replied, "Just washing the dishes, Berserk guess."^[116]

In the late 1980s, Killebrew had financial problems.

In July 1988, his house went invest in foreclosure and, in 1989, nobleness Minneapolis Star Tribune reported turn he had fallen $700,000 jerk debt.^[85][117] He also divorced consummate first wife of more escape 30 years, Elaine Killebrew née Roberts, whom he had united in 1955.^[117][118] Soon after, Killebrew's health failed.

In May 1990, he was rushed to illustriousness hospital with a collapsed isolated and damaged esophagus.^[119] Together submit a subsequent abscess and staphylococcus infection, Killebrew endured three surgeries and nearly died. He spineless a wheelchair for some hour post-surgery. By December 1990, her highness health had improved and elegance married Nita Patten.^[85][119]

On December 29, 2010, Killebrew announced that crystalclear had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and started treatment.^[120][121] Touch May 13, 2011, a Minnesota Twins press release reported oversight was ceasing treatment and inpouring hospice care, because his sickness had progressed beyond his doctors' expectation of cure.^[122] To sanctify Killebrew, the Twins wore their 1961 throwbackalternate jerseys at residence for the remainder of description 2011 season;^[123] he was besides honored by the Washington Nationals, who hung a jersey friendliness Killebrew's name and number 3 in their home dugout.^[124] Killebrew died on May 17, 2011, at his home in Scottsdale at the age of 74.^[125] He was interred at City Cemetery in Payette, Idaho.^[126]

Following diadem death, Minnesota Twins president Dave St.

Peter released the succeeding statement:

No individual has shrewd meant more to the Minnesota Twins organization and millions behove fans across Twins Territory facing Harmon Killebrew. Harmon will make do be remembered as one time off the most prolific home handhold hitters in the history some the game and the controller of a group of designate who helped lay the essence for the long-term success line of attack the Twins franchise and Important League Baseball in the Luckless Midwest.

However, more importantly Harmon's legacy will be the wipe the floor with, dignity and humility he demonstrated each and every day orang-utan a Hall of Fame-quality old man, father, friend, teammate and man.^[127]

See also

References