SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Twins legend Harmon Killebrew lost his battle with esophageal cancer Tuesday morning, passing away at his Scottsdale, Ariz.
Killebrew was 74 years old.
The Hall-of-Famer announced last week that he was entering hospice, and that his battle was coming to an end. Killebrew died peacefully, with his wife, Nita, and their family at his side.
"No individual has ever meant more to the Minnesota Twins organization and millions of fans across Twins Territory than Harmon Killebrew," said Twins President Dave St. Peter.
"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. However, more importantly Harmon's legacy will be the class, dignity and humility he demonstrated each and every day as a Hall of Fame-quality husband, father, friend, teammate and man. The Twins extend heartfelt sympathies and prayers to the Killebrew family at this difficult time."
Killebrew's status reached beyond the playing field. He was beloved for the work he did in the communities in which he lived, and the way he lived his life.
"Harmon was a Hall of Famer on and off the field. He was baseball's version of Paul Bunyan, with his prodigious home run power, leading by example in the clubhouse and on the field," said Jeff Idelson, President of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
"Off the field, he emanated class, dignity, and warmth, and he was a great humanitarian. He was so down-to-earth, you would never realize he was a baseball legend. It's ironic that his nickname was 'Killer,' as he was one of the nicest, most generous individuals to ever walk the earth."
(Copyright 2011 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)
No comments:
Post a Comment