Download The Findit App

Share Your Posts On These Major Social Networks

Instatag Your Posts to Instagram Facebook + Twitter

News

Harmon Killebrew Dies at Age 74

Baseball Legend Dies From Cancer

Hollywood, FL 5/18/2011 5:03:45 AM

Baseball legend Harmon Killebrew passed away on Tuesday morning, after a battle with esophageal cancer. He was 74.

Killebrew said on Friday that he would be ending his battle with cancer, choosing to spend his final days in hospice care, with his wife Nita by his side.

The Hall of Famer passed away in his Arizona home with his wife Nita and their family at his side.

Killebrew spent the majority of his 22-year MLB career playing for the Minnesota Twins (formerly known as the Washington Senators). Currently ranked 11th in the all-time career home run leaders list, Killebrew is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time.

"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.

He added that Killebrew'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."

Current Twins catcher Joe Mauer said, "He has treated me like one of his own. It's hard to put into words what Harmon has meant to me. He first welcomed me into the Twins family as an 18-year-old kid and has continued to influence my life in many ways. He is someone I will never forget and will always treasure the time we spent together."

Tony Oliva, a former teammate, said, "It's very hard, we knew each other about 50 years. I saw him Saturday and he looked very good, even though he was very sick. He was smiling and making jokes."

Nicknamed "The Killer", the soft-spoken Killebrew helped the Twins reach the World Series for the first time ever in 1965. In addition to being an 11-time All-Star during his playing career, he was also named the American League MVP in 1969.

A feared hitter, Killebrew hit the longest home run in Mets stadium history in 1967. He was well known for being able to hit long and powerful home runs.

"I found out early in life that I could hit a baseball farther than most players and that's what I tried to do," Killebrew once said.

Killebrew's jersey number #3 was retired in 1975. In 1984, he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

"Harmon Killebrew was a gem. I can never thank him enough for all I learned from him," said Rod Carew, another former teammate. "He was a consummate professional who treated everyone from the brashest of rookies to the groundskeepers to the ushers in the stadium with the utmost of respect. I would not be the person I am today if it weren't for Harmon Killebrew. He was a Hall of Famer in every sense of the word."

(Sources: ESPN.com, Associated Press)

Hollywood Collectibles invites all baseball fans to celebrate the life and career of this baseball legend with authentic Harmon Killebrew memorabilia, including autographed baseballs, signed photos, autographed baseball bats, and much more. Each of these special memorabilia items comes with a certificate of authenticity and is guaranteed to be 100% authentic.

With over 25 years of experience in the sports collectibles industry, Hollywood Collectibles is one of the most trusted and respected sports memorabilia retailers in the country. We are also your one-stop shop for all authentic baseball memorabilia. Visit the Hollywood Collectibles website today (link below) to own your very own signed sports memorabilia items!

More News

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/44805/762042_44805_210611060511.jpg

Serena Williams Cries After Grand Slam Comeback Victory


Released On: 6/22/2011
Views: 8320

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/44805/762021_44805_210611053856.jpg

Pat Riley: Erik Spoelstra Will Still Coach Heat


Released On: 6/22/2011
Views: 8185

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/44805/761065_44805_200611060600.jpg

Chad Pennington to Become Fox Analyst

Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington says that he will skip the 2011 NFL season so that he can recover from injuries. And since he will have no playing obligations, Pennington has signed up to serve as an analyst for Fox Sports.

Released On: 6/21/2011
Views: 7646

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/44805/761052_44805_200611055038.jpg

Rafael Nadal Wins Opening Wimbledon Match

Rafael Nadal, the defending champion of Wimbledon, won the first match of this year's Wimbledon on Monday by defeating American player Michael Russell 6-4, 6-2, 6-2.

Released On: 6/21/2011
Views: 4803

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/44805/761042_44805_200611053800.jpg

Albert Pujols Injured; Out for 4-6 Weeks


Released On: 6/21/2011
Views: 5918

Cleveland Cavaliers Likely to Sign Kyrie Irving


Released On: 6/21/2011
Views: 5949

'Jackass' Star Ryan Dunn Dies in Car Crash


Released On: 6/21/2011
Views: 6864

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/44805/756897_44805_150611055925.jpg

Jennifer Lopez "On The Fence" About Returning to American Idol


Released On: 6/16/2011
Views: 5343

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/44805/756888_44805_150611053820.jpg

Mavericks Coach Praises Miami Heat Coach


Released On: 6/16/2011
Views: 6285

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/44805/756880_44805_150611052506.jpg

Mario Chalmers Receives Offer From Miami Heat


Released On: 6/16/2011
Views: 5762

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/44805/756876_44805_150611051218.jpg

Kim Clijsters Withdraws From Wimbledon


Released On: 6/16/2011
Views: 5584

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/44805/756871_44805_150611045650.jpg

Jimmy Connors Doubts Roddick Can Win Another Slam


Released On: 6/16/2011
Views: 5962

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/44805/756863_44805_150611043929.jpg

Baseball Team Makes Fun of LeBron James


Released On: 6/16/2011
Views: 6585

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/44805/756848_44805_150611042103.jpg

DeShawn Stevenson Arrested for Public Intoxication


Released On: 6/16/2011
Views: 6049

Hugh Hefner's Wedding Called Off


Released On: 6/15/2011
Views: 6722

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/44805/756019_44805_140611043609.jpg

LeBron James: I Don't Think "I'm Superior or Better Than Anyone Else"


Released On: 6/15/2011
Views: 6649

'Teen Mom' Star Hospitalized After Alleged Suicide Attempt


Released On: 6/15/2011
Views: 4961

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/44805/755949_44805_140611032609.jpg

Shaquille O'Neal in Sex Tape Scandal


Released On: 6/15/2011
Views: 6204

Load More wait

Map

Hollywood Collectibles

Get Directions

Hollywood Collectibles

  • 1300 Stirling Road Suite 1 C&D
    Dania Beach, Florida 33004
    United States
  • (954) 986-0707
  • Mon - Fri 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM ET
    Sat 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM ET