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Harmon Killebrew - Minnesota Twins
Hall of Famer |
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 In the mid-1960s, it wasn't
Hank Aaron or
Willie Mays or
Mickey Mantle but
Harmon Killebrew who seemed to
have the best shot at
Babe Ruth's lifetime homer
record. At the end of 1967, the
31-year-old Killer, a nickname that
contradicted his gentle nature, had
hit 380 home runs, more than Ruth
had at the same age. But in 1968 he
was out much of the year with an
injury, and after 1970 his enormous
power dissipated quickly. Killebrew
finished fifth in HR all-time, and
third in home run frequency, and
left behind a legacy of pure power...Book
Harmon Killebrew for Your Event
Killebrew was the Senators' first
"bonus baby" in 1954, signing a week
before his 18th birthday on the
recommendation of a U.S. Senator
from his home state of Idaho. He
shuttled between the majors and
minors for five years before finally
getting a legitimate shot. He made
the starting lineup for good in 1959
when second baseman
Pete Runnels got spiked and
Killebrew came through with two HR.
He finished the season with a
league-leading 42, the first of
eight times he would top 40.
Killebrew, who never drank and was
never thrown out of a game, came
back from his All-Star hamstring
injury to have his best season in
1969. He had career highs with 49 HR
and 140 RBI and was selected the AL
MVP. He hit another 41 HR in 1970
but saw his home run total slide to
only 28 in 1971, although he did
lead the league in RBI with 114. His
home run totals slid further to 26
in 1972, to 5 in an injury-plagued
1973, and to 13 in 1974. The press
reported acrimony between Killebrew
and Twins owner
Cal Griffith when Killer was
released after the 1974 season,
which Killebrew denied. But it was
obvious that his eroding skills
could no longer help Minnesota. He
signed on with Kansas City for a
final season in 1975. After
retirement, he became a Twins
broadcaster. He was elected to the
Hall of Fame in 1984.
>>>
Book Harmon Killebrew for Your Event
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