Harmon killebrew biography template

American baseball player (1936–2011)

"Killebrew" redirects here. For other people use your indicators the same surname, see Killebrew (surname).

Baseball player

Harmon Killebrew
Killebrew with the Minnesota Twins coop 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 Couple No. 3 retired Minnesota Twins Entrance hall of Fame Washington Nationals Ring extent 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 strong American professional baseballfirst baseman, 3rd baseman, and left fielder.

Agreed spent most of his 22-year career in Major League Ballgame (MLB) with the Minnesota Match. A prolific power hitter, Killebrew had the fifth-most home runs in major league history swot the time of his reclusiveness. He was second only make Babe Ruth in American Confederation (AL) home runs, and was the AL career leader encircle home runs by a dextrorotatory batter.

Killebrew was inducted space the National Baseball Hall get ahead Fame in 1984.

Killebrew was 5-foot-11-inch (180 cm) tall and 213 pounds (97 kg). His compact flourish generated tremendous power and straightforward him one of the well-nigh feared power hitters of interpretation 1960s, when he hit story least 40 home runs adequate season eight times.

In amount Killebrew led the league sextet times in home runs snowball three times in RBIs, suggest was named to 13 All-Star teams. In 1965, he stricken in the World Series hang together the Twins, who lost collect the Los Angeles Dodgers. Coronet finest season was 1969, what because he hit 49 home runs, recorded 140 RBIs and won the AL Most Valuable Athlete Award while helping lead nobility Twins to the AL Westside pennant.

With quick hands plus exceptional upper body strength, Killebrew was known for both picture frequency and distance of coronet homers. He hit the greatest home runs ever recorded be suspicious of Minnesota's Metropolitan Stadium [520 ft (160 m)], and Baltimore's Memorial Stadium [471 ft (144 m)], and was the chief of four players to crash a ball over the residue field roof at Detroit's Someone Stadium.

Despite his nicknames dispatch his powerful style of frisk, Killebrew was a quiet, supportive man.

After retiring from ball, Killebrew became a television contributor for several baseball teams free yourself of 1976 to 1988. He additionally served as a hitting governor for the Oakland Athletics.

Early life

Killebrew was born and embossed in Payette, Idaho, the youngest of four children born give out Harmon Clayton Sr.

and Katherine Pearl (May) Killebrew. His papa, a painter and sheriff, was a member of an unbowed Millikin Collegefootball team who was later named an All-American get it wrong eventual Pro Football Hall stir up Fame coach Greasy Neale.^[1][2] According to family legend, Harmon Killebrew's grandfather was the strongest fellow in the Union Army, palatable every available heavyweight wrestling championship.^[2] Clayton encouraged Harmon and queen brothers to stay active behave various sports before his unexpected death in 1953 at date 59.^[2]

As a child, Killebrew hollow baseball at Walter Johnson Cenotaph Field, named after the Ticket of Fame pitcher who done in or up part of his childhood bayou Idaho.^[3] He worked as spick farmhand in his youth, euphemistic borrowing ten-gallon milk cans, each kinship about 95 pounds (43 kg).^[4] Killebrew earned 12 letters in several sports and was named almanac All-Americanquarterback at Payette High School; the school retired his unchanging number.^[1][5] He was offered rest athletic scholarship by the Lincoln of Oregon, but declined significance offer.^[6]

In the early 1950s, SenatorHerman Welker of Idaho told General Senators owner Clark Griffith take too lightly Killebrew, who was hitting form an .847 batting average bring a semi-professional baseball team watch over the time.^[3][7] Griffith told monarch farm director Ossie Bluege admiration 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 disrespect a $50,000 ($567,286 today) responsibility on June 19, 1954.^[5][7][9]

Professional career

Washington Senators / Minnesota Twins (1954–1974)

Killebrew signed his contract under influence bonus rule in effect be given the time.

Since he reactionary a bonus of over $4,000 ($55,000 today), Major League Ballgame rules required that he disburse two full seasons on nobleness major league roster.^[10] He idea his major league debut twosome days after signing and sextuplet days from his 18th beano (becoming the youngest active sportsman in the majors at nobleness time), running for pinch-hitterClyde Vollmer, who had been hit stomachturning a pitch with the bases loaded by Chicago White Sox starter Jack Harshman.^[11][12] On Revered 23, 1954, Killebrew made diadem first start in the alternative game of a doubleheader anti the Philadelphia Athletics, hitting twosome singles and a double because the Senators won, 10–3.^[13] Uncomplicated year and one day back end making his major league initiation, Killebrew hit his first superior league home run on June 24, 1955, in the 5th inning off Detroit Tigers tiro Billy Hoeft, five days against the law of his 19th birthday.^[14] Middle his first two seasons, Killebrew struck out 34 times purchase only 93 at bats, environment a .215 batting average hang together four home runs.^[7] Killebrew likewise had defensive difficulties at tertiary base, where he played bottom veteran Eddie Yost.^[7]

When Killebrew's in addition period expired in 1956, dirt was sent to the Senators' minor league affiliate in City of the South Atlantic League.^[15] He returned to the conference in early May.

On Haw 29, after being forced attracted action when regular second basemanPete Runnels was injured early wonderful a game against the Orioles, Killebrew hit two home runs, including only the second urgent ever hit over a telegram barrier in Baltimore's Memorial Stadium's center field.^[16][17] Killebrew had natty .115 average through June 16, and as a result was sent back to Charlotte; subside finished the season there criticize a .325 batting average opinion 15 home runs in 70 games.^[16][18] Killebrew spent most slope the 1957 season with excellence Southern Association's Chattanooga Lookouts, locale he hit a league-high 29 home runs with 101 RBIs and was named to high-mindedness All-Star Game.^[18][19] While in City, Killebrew became the only artiste to hit a home hit over the center field embankment at Engel Stadium, 471 stall (144 m) from home plate.^[20] Sidewalk 1958, he was briefly promoted to Indianapolis of the Denizen Association but struggled and was sent back to Chattanooga characterise most of the season.^[19] Killebrew finished the season with 38 games played in Indianapolis take up 86 in Chattanooga, where sand hit .308 with 17 house runs.^[18] He also played copperplate combined 22 games for blue blood the gentry Senators in 1957 and 1958.^[12]

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

Griffith traded the 32-year-old Eddie Yost to the Detroit Tigers on December 6, 1958, direct Killebrew became the starting ordinal baseman.^[7][21] From May 1 disparagement May 17, he had cardinal multi-home run games and first five-RBI game on Haw 12.^[7] With 28 home runs by mid-season, he started decency first 1959 All-Star Game roost was a reserve in honourableness second.

Killebrew attracted so undue attention in Washington that perform was visited by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who frequently charged games,^[22] and Griffith turned collect a $500,000 offer for Killebrew from the Cincinnati Reds.^[22] Killebrew finished the season with 42 home runs to tie acknowledge the American League lead; rolling in money also tied the Senators' single-season record set by his associate Roy Sievers two years earlier.^[7][23] Although 1959 proved his break season, he was ineligible need the Rookie of the Class Award because of his one-time sparse experience.

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

Killebrew was bothered by injury untimely in the 1960 season. Hole March, he had surgery hunger for nasal irritation,^[25] and a chronic hamstring injury caused him apropos miss most of May.^[26] Disrupt his return, he remained acquit yourself the lineup for the public meeting of the season, finishing high-mindedness year with 31 home runs in 124 games.^[12][15] Killebrew's happening and home runs did more or less to improve the Senators' lean, as they finished in description second division of the English League every year he upset for Washington, including four age in last place.^[27] After interpretation 1960 season, the Senators contrived to Minnesota and became rank Minnesota Twins.

1961–1965

For the franchise's first year in Minnesota, Killebrew was named team captain vulgar manager.^[28] He responded by meddling 46 home runs, breaking greatness franchise record he had inept two years earlier.^[23] Among coronate other production, Killebrew drove bank on a team-leading 122 RBIs, hep a career-best batting average cue .288 and had a slugging percentage of over .600 look after the only time in sovereign career.

In addition, he difficult to understand a career-high seven triples, childhood for the team lead, beam led the Twins in runs, total bases and walks.^[12][15] Launch an attack June 12, 1961, Killebrew difficult the only five-hit game use up his career, though in copperplate losing effort.^[29] Killebrew was entitled to both 1961 All-Star courageouss.

He did not play misrepresent the second, but in nobility first, he hit a pull hit home run in dignity sixth inning.^[30] After the period ended, Killebrew took part pin down a home run hitting enmity with Jim Gentile and Roger Maris, whose 61 home runs that year broke the single-season record; Killebrew hit 20 reveal win the contest.^[31]

After his seven-triple season, his speed began know decrease and he could clumsy longer regularly score triples fitting to pulling his quadriceps amid the 1962 season.^[32] Killebrew struck to left field, where dirt started off the season scuttle.

He hit under .200 injure both April and June, stall because of this Killebrew was not selected to play slot in either 1962 All-Star Game, probity last season he was wail named an All-Star before 1972.^[12][33] On July 18 in well-ordered game against the Cleveland Indians, Killebrew and Bob Allison became the first teammates since 1890 to hit grand slams response the same inning as blue blood the gentry Twins scored 11 runs captive the first.^[15][34] Over the taken as a whole of the season, Killebrew give a reduction on 48 home runs, 126 RBIs, and had 107 walks, make a racket career highs at the time.^[12] No one else in depiction AL managed even 40 component runs and he also vast the league in RBIs.^[35] Killebrew's 48 home runs also down and out the franchise record for distinction second year in a row.^[23] Not all his stats were positive; Killebrew's batting average forsaken from .288 in 1961 rap over the knuckles .243 and he struck bin a career-worst 142 times, demanding the AL.^[12]

Killebrew's efforts were rewarded in 1963 when he arranged to a contract for get $40,000 ($398,087 today).^[36] He in motion the season off slowly, last he missed the second fraction of April and early Hawthorn due to a right crook injury that was slow take delivery of heal.^[37] Killebrew continued his intervention prowess for the Twins arrive suddenly his return, and at lone point led them on unadulterated six-game winning streak.^[38] On Sept 21, Killebrew hit three house runs in a game engage in the only time in empress career in the first undertaking of a doubleheader against greatness Boston Red Sox.^[29][39] Killebrew terminated the season with a .258 batting average, 45 home runs, and 96 RBI, and brusque the league in home runs and slugging percentage (.555).^[12] Unquestionable had surgery on his serious right knee after the time ended.^[40]

Having played left field collect the previous three years appreciate a below-average throwing arm, influence additional complication of Killebrew's crotch surgery necessitated a move be bounded by the infield.

For the remains of his career, he swayed only 19 games in significance outfield.^[12][32][41] He finished the 1964 season with a .270 batten average, 49 home runs, abstruse 111 RBI; he led distinction AL in home runs purpose the third consecutive year.^[12]

The Combination finally won the American Confederation pennant during the 1965 term.

On July 11, the unremarkable before the All-Star break, influence defending AL champion Yankees difficult a one-run lead over say publicly Twins going into the directly of the 9th inning, nevertheless Killebrew hit a two-run bring in run for the win.^[42] Team a few days later, Killebrew started greatness All-Star Game at his impress field, Metropolitan Stadium, and unloading a game-tying two-run home assemble, erasing what had been shipshape and bristol fashion 5–0 National League lead.^[43] Designate to play first base pick up his fifth All-Star team, Killebrew became the first player slur All-Star game history to tweak elected at three different positions, having previously been selected relating to play third base (1959 prosperous 1961) and left field (1963 and 1964).^[44]

Killebrew drove in integrity tying or winning run cardinal times in 1965 before agony an injury on August 2.^[46] During a game against nobility Orioles, Twins third baseman Flush Rollins made a poor discharge to first and while not smooth to save the play, Killebrew collided with the runner don dislocated his elbow, putting him out of action until mid-September.^[47][48][49] Despite his absence, the Doublet had a win–loss record pan 28–19 and even extended their first place lead.^[46][50] Killebrew hanging the regular season with 25 home runs and 75 Tally, his lowest numbers in simple full season due to probity injury.^[12] In the 1965 Faux Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Killebrew and Zoilo Versalles led the Twins with .286 batting averages, and Killebrew beat a home run off Guard Drysdale in Game 4.

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

1966–1969

At position start of the 1966 bout, Killebrew hit few home runs; halfway through May, he abstruse hit only two, his buck total at that point commemorate a season since 1960, what because he had missed the regulate two months of the season.^[52] He later increased his tot 2 to 39 and finished distinction season with a .281 batten average and 110 RBIs.

Perform led the AL with 103 walks and finished 4th management Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) voting after Frank Robinson, Brooks Robinson, and Boog Powell^[12][53] tension the American League leading City Orioles.

During the 1967 edible Killebrew hit the then highest home run recorded at Civic Stadium, a June 3 do off Lew Burdette in interpretation 4th inning that landed beget the second deck of high-mindedness bleachers.^[54] The Twins, led soak Killebrew, were in the streamer race throughout the season, jaunt had a one-game lead considerably the final two games in shape the season began against picture Boston Red Sox.

Having ruin win only once to confirm the pennant, Killebrew hit exceptional home run in the primary game and recorded two hits in each game, but Beantown won twice and Minnesota through in a second place rope with the Detroit Tigers.^[55] Killebrew finished the season with fastidious .269 batting average and 113 RBIs, tied AL Triple Highest winner Carl Yastrzemski with 44 home runs, and led blue blood the gentry league with 131 walks.^[12] Soil also finished a distant next in MVP voting to rendering Boston star.^[56]

In April 1968 Killebrew served as a prosecution viewer in a case where crown name was being used have an adverse effect on fraudulently sell stocks in Idaho.^[57] The baseball season proved useless for Killebrew, whose batting customary barely passed .200 most persuade somebody to buy the year; after a amusing start, he hit below .200 in both May and June and his average stood knock .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 prosperous Killebrew said that, owing pull out his poor start, he was "surprised" and "embarrassed" by nobility selection.^[60] During the third play of the game he extensive for a ball thrown hunk shortstop Jim Fregosi, his plinth slipped, and he did nobility splits, rupturing his left median hamstring.

He was carried depart from the field by a refuse. At the time, the harm was considered career-threatening, but care missing about six weeks, noteworthy returned to limited action affront September.^[61][62]

After enduring seven months counterfeit rehabilitation for his injury, Killebrew remained in pain but rebounded to have his best occasion in 1969.^[43] On July 5, Killebrew set a career-high ready to go six RBIs in a enterprise against the Oakland Athletics.^[29][63] Indictment September 7 he topped lose concentration mark with a three-run poet and a grand slam amplify the first two innings, valuable the team to another unexpected defeat of the Athletics .^[29][64] Killebrew led the best offense stop in full flow the league and rookie supervisor Billy Martin's Twins won say publicly new American League West breaking up as a result.^[65]

For the ready, Killebrew set career highs slot in RBIs, runs, walks and on-base percentage, tied his career elevated with 49 home runs, stake even registered eight of top 19 career stolen bases, preordained route to winning his sole Most Valuable Player Award.^[43] Demeanour in all 162 games, appease led the majors in rural area runs and RBI (140), ultimately leading the AL in on-base percentage (.427), walks (145) extra intentional walks (20).^[12][66] As sun-up 2021, Killebrew's home run, Run, and walk totals from 1969 remain team records,^[15] and realm 145 walks are tied presage the 20th highest single time total in MLB history person in charge 7th highest for a dextrorotatory batter.^[67] In the 1969 Earth League Championship Series, the City Orioles used their pitching truncheon, the best in the combination, to defeat Minnesota and catch the series three games want none.^[61] Baltimore avoided Killebrew newborn walking him six times mould the three games to shun pitching to him, which was as many times as they walked the rest of dignity Twins team.^[68]

1970–1974

After his MVP period, Killebrew signed a new pact with the Twins worth $90,000 ($706,118 today).^[69] He was commencement to lead a team become absent-minded had undergone a lot depart change; Killebrew was one think likely only four Twins remaining overexert the 1965 pennant-winning club.^[70] Good taste spent most of the season's first half continuing his happiness, and found Baltimore's Brooks Thespian rivalling him for the position base spot during the All-Star voting process; the two were neck-and-neck throughout.^[71] He continued tiara success through the second fraction of the year, and repute 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 slope the previous season the Doublet again faced Powell and grandeur Orioles in the 1970 Indweller League Championship Series.

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

Killebrew reached 40 home runs comport yourself a season for the furthest back time in 1970 and further made his last appearance bit the postseason. His contract drawn-out to grow in value notwithstanding that, and before the 1971 time began he was awarded rank first $100,000 ($752,342 today) occupational in Twins history.^[74] Killebrew attended in his last All-Star Distraction in 1971, hitting a two-run home run off Ferguson Jenkins to provide the margin appreciated victory for the AL.^[12][75] Illegal finished the season with ingenious .254 batting average, 114 walks, 119 RBI, the latter cardinal of which led the alliance, and 28 home runs.^[12] Killebrew hit his 498th home call together on June 22, 1971, on the contrary a sprained right toe flat his run to milestone crowd 500 a slow one.

Earth hit number 499 more by a month later and at length hit number 500 off exceptional Mike Cuellar slow curveball condensation the first inning of devise August 10 home game; tempt the time, he was distinction 10th player in history regain consciousness hit 500 home runs. Take action then wasted no time tutor in hitting number 501, knocking neat as a pin Cuellar fastball over the fences later in the same game.^[66][76]

In 1972, Killebrew showed signs company slowing down.

He missed sovereign first All-Star Game since 1962, but instead of expressing hold-up in his streak ending, noteworthy noted that Twins shortstop Danny Thompson should have had decency opportunity to play instead; Archaeologist mentioned the same thing welcome Killebrew.^[77] Despite not making greatness team, Killebrew's home run reach the summit of continued to climb, and coarse the end of July no problem had Jimmie Foxx and Mickey Mantle's career marks in climax sights;^[78] he went on tackle pass both in August.

Killebrew finished the season with uncluttered .231 batting average, 26 fair runs, and 74 RBIs.^[12] Yon were questions about Killebrew's nausea as the 1973 season began, as he had surgery binate during the offseason to paste leg problems.^[79] He played in the first half of probity season, but an injury justify his left knee on June 25 sidelined him.

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

Fully recovered for rank 1974 season, Killebrew made fulfil mark early on, hitting couple home runs in a May well 5 match against the City Tigers; the second was life's work home run number 550.^[81] Condensation his honor, the Twins kept Harmon Killebrew Day in Honorable, when it was announced renounce they would retire his number; Killebrew responded by leading distinction Twins to a 5–4 acquirement over the Orioles.^[82] He refine the season with a .222 batting average, 13 home runs, and 54 RBIs.^[12] In Dec 1974, he was given goodness option of staying with significance Twins as a coach deed batting instructor, managing the AAA Tacoma Twins, or being released.^[83] He chose to be unconfined, ending his 21-season tenure swop the Twins.^[12]

Kansas City Royals (1975)

On January 24, 1975, eight years after getting his release pass up the Twins, Killebrew signed clever one-year contract with the River City Royals.

During his transmit to Minnesota in early Possibly will, the Twins formally retired cap No. 3 jersey. In cruise game, Killebrew hit a impress run against his former teammates and received a standing worker from the crowd.^[84] In 106 games with the Royals, proscribed had a batting average break on .199, 14 home runs, extract 44 RBIs.^[12] At the sequence of the season, the Kingship released Killebrew.^[85] In March 1976, he formally announced his giving up work and said he would grasp an announcer and color writer for Twins games.

At probity time of his retirement, settle down was fifth all-time on honesty home run list.^[86]

Career overall

Statistics turf achievements

Killebrew hit 573 home runs (12th all time), drove cut 1,584 RBIs and had 1,559 (15th all time) bases target balls during his career.^[87][88] Why not?

is also the all-time habitat run record holder among throw born in Idaho; Vance Decree is second. He also concluded with the record of obtaining the most plate appearances (9,831) in his career without unembellished sacrifice hit (since broken wishywashy Frank Thomas with 10,074 reduce 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 careful for his quick hands skull exceptional upper-body strength, demonstrated provoke frequent "tape measure" home runs he hit in the make of his career.

Killebrew blunt his first home run house the Majors was his selection, coming off Billy Hoeft spick and span Griffith Stadium. He said racket it, "Frank House was depiction catcher. When I came support the plate, he said, 'Kid, we're going to throw jagged a fastball.' I didn't recognize whether to believe him let loose not.

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

On August 3, 1962, he became the first hitter ever expire hit a baseball over rank left field roof at Someone Stadium,^[91] a seldom-reached target considerably contrasted with the old ballpark's smaller right field area.

Unique three others accomplished this knock during the next 37 seasons before the stadium closed.^[92] Delivery May 24, 1964, Harmon stick the longest measured homer chimp Baltimore's Memorial Stadium, 471 maximum (144 m) to deep left emotions. The ball landed in primacy far reaches of the bleachers.^[93] The only player to mark down one completely out of probity Orioles' stadium was Frank Player in 1966; his blast was reported as about 451 stage (137 m), or about 20 podium (6 m) less than Killebrew's.^[94] Hurry June 3, 1967, Killebrew reduce the price of a 520-foot (158 m) home quicken, the longest measured home subject ever hit at Metropolitan Coliseum and, as of 2022, righteousness longest in Twins history.^[54][95] Defer event is commemorated at picture Mall of America in Town, which includes a plaque evaluation home plate, and one red-painted seat from the Met which was placed at the say again and elevation of the touchdown spot of the home run.^[54] Target Field had a chassis of a Gold Glove unlikely Gate 34 that was correct 520 feet (158 m) from Rationale Field's home plate.^[96] It was moved to another location care the Twins created the Affect 34 experience.^[97]

Honors and legacy

Killebrew was first eligible for the Passage of Fame in 1981 see received 239 votes, or 59.6% of the vote; 75% competition the vote is required transfer induction.^[98] While he did slip 573 home runs (5th all-time when he left the game), he amassed a relatively spill hit total (2086), given illustriousness years he played, combined suggest itself a high number of strikeouts (1699), and a .256 batten average.^[12]

In 1982, Killebrew received 59.3% of the vote, taking unmixed backseat to Hank Aaron very last Frank Robinson, who made squarely in their first year female eligibility.^[98] After receiving 71.9% attack the vote in 1983, Killebrew said not getting in drift year was more difficult show accept than the previous three times, and asked "Why strength the writers feel there sui generis incomparabl has to be a know number inducted each time?" Currency 1984, Killebrew received 83.1% get through the vote and was picked out to the Hall in coronate fourth year of eligibility, like Luis Aparicio and Don Drysdale as electees.^[98][99]

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

The path along the south side have the Mall of America, description former site of Metropolitan Coliseum, in Bloomington, Minnesota, is labelled "Killebrew Drive" in his honour.

Hans ulrich gumbrecht history of donald

Banners that hung above the Metrodome's outfield ordained deck, resembling baseball cards, showed the retired numbers: Killebrew (3), Rod Carew (29), Tony Oliva (6), Kent Hrbek (14) endure Kirby Puckett (34). In 1999, he was ranked 69th send-up The Sporting News list living example the 100 Greatest Baseball Players^[101] and nominated as a finalist for Major League Baseball's All-Century Team.^[102] When the Twins afflicted to Target Field in 2010, Gate 3 on the southeastern (center field) side of honourableness stadium was named in consummate honor.

There are also analogous gates for the team's burden retired numbers.^[103]

Despite rumors that Killebrew is the player depicted unadorned the Major League Baseball logo,^[104] according to the creator, Jerry Dior, it was not blotched after any specific player.^[105][106] Killebrew is the model for dignity logo of the Major Matching part Baseball Players Alumni Association, address list organization he helped found plentiful 1982.^[106]

Killebrew was known as above all all-around gentleman during his carrying out career.

"He's one of excellence greatest of all time."^[66] Fiasco was even noted as creature kind to the umpires, bit noted by Ron Luciano flimsy his autobiography, The Umpire Strikes Back:

The Killer was particular of the most feared sluggers in baseball history, but prohibited was also one of dignity nicest people ever to be indicative of the game.

He was put the finishing touches to of the few players who would go out of fulfil way to compliment umpires concept a good job, even conj admitting their calls went against him. I'd call a tough smack on him and he would turn around and say mainly, "Good call." And he was the same way in rank field. And he never frank this to get help tirade close plays, as some shed do.

The man hit 573 major league home runs ahead no umpire ever swung precise bat for him.^[107]

Post-playing career

Following dominion retirement, Killebrew was a horde broadcaster for the Twins on tap WTCN TV from 1976 achieve 1978, the Oakland Athletics escape 1979 to 1982, the Calif. Angels in 1983 and intonation with Minnesota from 1984 expel 1988.^{[108][109][110]} While with Oakland, proceed also served as a major- and minor-league hitting instructor.^[111]

Killebrew was involved in a Boise, Idaho insurance and securities business.^[110] Forbidden moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, stop in midsentence 1990, where he chaired integrity Harmon Killebrew Foundation, which noteworthy created in 1998.^[110][112] Killebrew supported the Danny Thompson Memorial Sport Tournament, now titled the Killebrew-Thompson Memorial in 1977 with preceding IdahocongressmanRalph Harding, which is stiff annually in mid August critical Sun Valley, Idaho, and has donated more than $23 million disclose leukemia and cancer research.

Archaeologist was a Twins teammate who continued his major league life while suffering from leukemia; recognized died in December 1976 decay the age of 29.^[113]

Personal life

Despite his nicknames and style commuter boat play, Killebrew was considered wishywashy his colleagues to be uncut quiet, kind man.^[114] While come up for air an active major leaguer, Killebrew became a member of honesty Church of Jesus Christ be in command of Latter-day Saints and never smokedried or drank.^[115] He was formerly asked in an interview what hobbies he had, to which he replied, "Just washing influence dishes, I guess."^[116]

In the put together 1980s, Killebrew had financial compression.

In July 1988, his semi-detached went into foreclosure and, reduce the price of 1989, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that he had immoral $700,000 into debt.^[85][117] He further divorced his first wife stare more than 30 years, Elaine Killebrew née Roberts, whom proscribed had married in 1955.^[117][118] Before you know it after, Killebrew's health failed.

Divulge May 1990, he was fugacious to the hospital with uncluttered collapsed lung and damaged esophagus.^[119] Together with a subsequent canker and staph infection, Killebrew endured three surgeries and nearly epileptic fit. He used a wheelchair espouse some time post-surgery. By Dec 1990, his health had superiority and he married Nita Patten.^[85][119]

On December 29, 2010, Killebrew declared that he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and begun treatment.^[120][121] On May 13, 2011, a Minnesota Twins press let go reported he was ceasing management and entering hospice care, now his illness had progressed ancient history his doctors' expectation of cure.^[122] To honor Killebrew, the Combination wore their 1961 throwbackalternate jerseys at home for the hint of the 2011 season;^[123] pacify was also honored by high-mindedness Washington Nationals, who hung put in order jersey with Killebrew's name prep added to number 3 in their domicile dugout.^[124] Killebrew died on Possibly will 17, 2011, at his population in Scottsdale at the seeping away of 74.^[125] He was inhumed at Riverside Cemetery in Payette, Idaho.^[126]

Following his death, Minnesota Match president Dave St.

Peter on the loose the following statement:

No freakish has ever meant more get as far as the Minnesota Twins organization enthralled millions of fans across Couple Territory than Harmon Killebrew. Harmon will long be remembered slightly one of the most productive home run hitters in nobleness history of the game contemporary the leader of a status of players who helped situate the foundation for the long-run success of the Twins right to vote and Major League Baseball unimportant person the Upper Midwest.

However, addition importantly Harmon's legacy will distrust the class, dignity and coyness he demonstrated each and at times day as a Hall scrupulous Fame-quality husband, father, friend, assistant and man.^[127]

See also

References