Harmon Killebrew (1936-2011)

You knew that once Harmon Killebrew announced that he was ending his cancer treatments and entering hospice care...the Hall of Famer's days were numbered.

Tuesday morning we got word that the slugger's fight against esophageal cancer had, officially, come to an end in Scottsdale, Arizona.

"No individual has ever meant more to the Minnesota Twins organization and millions of fans across Twins Territory than Harmon Killebrew," Dave St. Peter, President of the Minnesota Twins said.  "Harmon will long be remembered as one of the most prolific home run hitters in the history of the game and the leader of a group of players who helped lay the foundation for the long-term success of the Twins franchise and Major League Baseball in the Upper Midwest."

The 74-year-old Killebrew was named the American League MVP in 1969 and when he retired...he had the fifth most home runs in Major League history. Currently, his 573 career home runs ranks him 11th on the all-time list.

But more importnatly, maybe now one of baseball's biggest debates can be put to rest as well. Is the MLB logo a silhouette of Killebrew?

"Killer" sure thinks so.

"You know, I was in the commissioner's office when the mock-up for that logo was being done," Killebrew once said. "But for some reason, they won't admit it's me. It's an interesting thing, and I don't know why."

Now that he's gone...I know I'll never look the logo the same.

Harmon Killebrew was 74 years old.

Harmon Killebrew Ends Cancer Battle

It seems like just yesterday, but last December, Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew announced that he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

On Friday...he announced (via the Basball Hall of Fame) that he would be ending his battle.

It is with profound sadness that I share with you that my continued battle with esophageal cancer is coming to an end. With the continued love and support of my wife, Nita, I have exhausted all options with respect to controlling this awful disease. My illness has progressed beyond my doctors' expectation of cure.

I have spent the past decade of my life promoting hospice care and educating people on its benefits. I am very comfortable taking this next step and experiencing the compassionate care that hospice provides.

I am comforted by the fact that I am surrounded by my family and friends. I thank you for the outpouring of concern, prayers and encouragement that you have shown me. I look forward to spending my final days in comfort and peace with Nita by my side.

The 74-year-old Killebrew was named the American League MVP in 1969 and is an 11-time All-Star. His 573 career home runs ranks him 11th on the all-time list.

"He's such a classy guy," Jim Kaat, Killebrew's teammate for 15 years told Reuters. "I think he was the face of the (Minnesota) Twins organization. The Twins have a reputation for handling themselves properly on and off the field and playing the game right, and I think that probably started with Harmon."

The Twins retired his uniform number in 1975 and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984 after a 22-year career in which he recorded 1584 RBI and a .256 batting average in 2435 games.

It's a Family Affair at Target Field

Opening Day at Target Field Friday is shaping up to be a true family affair for the Minnesota Twins

Among the events planned…the unveiling of a bronze statue celebrating Twins legend Tony Oliva. But as it turns out, the former outfielder isn’t the only Oliva getting into the act.

The National Anthem will be performed by Rick Oliva, Tony’s son. He’ll be joined by Maria Versalles…the daughter of former Twins shortstop and 1965 AL MVP Zoilo Versalles.

Also on the slate, an outfield sign counting up to 600 home runs for designated hitter Jim Thome…who enters the homestand against Oakland with with 589 career homers.

There will also be a sign counting down to the number of games remaining until former Twin (and current announcer) Bert Blyleven is inducted into the Hall of Fame this July.

The family of Blyleven’s fellow Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett (Kirby Jr. and Catherine Puckett) will be on hand to ceremonially open Gate 34.

The capper on the whole day was to be Harmon Killebrew, who is battling esophageal cancer, showing up in Minnesota to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. But, unfortunately, it was announced late Wednesday night that that won’t happen.

"Nita and I were truly looking forward to coming home to Minnesota to be part of the home opening festivities at Target Field," Killebrew said in a statement released by the team. "But it turns out the trip to Minnesota would unduly disrupt my treatment schedule, so we have reluctantly decided to remain in Arizona with a resolve to defeat this disease."

Filling in for the Hall of Famer is, drum roll please, Tony Oliva…who will toss the ceremonial first pitch to Killebrew's grandson Casey.

See…family affair!

Get Well, Harmon

When Minnesota Twins legend, Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew announced publicly a little over a week ago that he is undergoing treatment for esophageal cancer...the collective heart of fans everywhere broke.

The baseball community had just lost Bob Feller a few weeks prior and now, another one of its favorite sons is facing what he called "perhaps the most difficult battle of my life".

While status updates on Killebrew's condition haven't been made public, fans can send their well wishes to the 74 year-old electronically via the Get Well, Harmon Blog.

If you'd like to drop him a card or letter...feel free to send it here:

Harmon Killebrew
c/o Minnesota Twins
1 Twins Way
Minneapolis, MN 55403

Killebrew played all but one of his 22 seasons in the bigs within the Twins organization.  For his career, the 1969 American League MVP hit .256 with 2086 hits and 1584 RBI.  His 573 ranks him 11th all-time...he was fifth (behind only Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays and Frank Robinson) when he retired in 1975.

He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984 with 83% of the vote