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Gone But Not Forgotten RIP,"Killer"

Harmon Killebrew, the Minnesota Twins slugger known for his tape-measure home runs, has died at his home in Scottsdale, Ariz., after battling esophageal cancer. He was 74.

I barely remember Killebrew, but even as an aging DH lumbering to the batter's box in his that-doesn't-look-quite-right Kansas City Royals uniform, he was an awe-inspriging vision of power at the plate.

The Twins announced that Killebrew died peacefully Tuesday morning with his wife, Nita, and their family at his side. He had announced in December that he had been diagnosed with cancer, then last week, announced that doctors had deemed his cancer incurable and he would no longer fight the "awful disease."

Harmon Clayton Killebrew, often called a "gentle giant," (yes, 6'0", 195# used to be "gigantic") hit 573 home runs during his 22-year career, 11th-most in major league history. His eight seasons with 40 or more homers still is tied for second in league history to Babe Ruth.

Rest well, Killer.
Posted by Mick Doherty on Tuesday, May 17 2011 @ 12:44 PM EDT.
RIP,"Killer" | 5 comments | Create New Account
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Mike Green - Tuesday, May 17 2011 @ 01:52 PM EDT (#235040) #
For those too young to remember, the line about Harmon was "Killebrew can hit it out of any park, including Yellowstone".
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mamboon - Tuesday, May 17 2011 @ 04:28 PM EDT (#235064) #

As a kid, I remember many a Saturday at Tiger Stadium being ruined for Tiger Fans by Harmon Killebrew.  So much,so that sometimes he even got a standing O from the resigned Tiger Stadium faithful when he hit one out of the park onto Turnbull Avenue.  I remmeber at least four rockets he hit one summer at Tiger Stadium.  The only greater thrill I had than watching a Killebrew blast, was as a kid was seeing Roger Maris' 59th homer at Tiger Stadium.  Of course the thrills of Al Kaline, Rocky Colivito, Norm Cash and Willie Horton weren't bad either.  Killer, R.I.P... and thanks.

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mamboon - Tuesday, May 17 2011 @ 04:30 PM EDT (#235065) #
Sorry, make that Trumbull Ave.
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CeeBee - Tuesday, May 17 2011 @ 07:38 PM EDT (#235076) #
Growing up in Northern Ontario listening to the Twins games on radio.... Harmon Killebrew was my favorite. It's a sad day today. R.I.P Killer.
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DiscoDave - Wednesday, May 18 2011 @ 07:54 PM EDT (#235134) #
My dad grew up in Southern Manitoba and later in Northwestern Ontario.  He always spoke fondly of Harmon and the Twins broadcasts.  While he never said it, it wouldn't be hard to guess that The Killer was his favourite player.  I am to young to have witness his greatness, but, the passing has brought stronger than usual, or expected, emotions as another link to my dad is now gone.

My condolences to the Killebrew family.

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