Harmon Killebrew enters hospice care

byronscott4ever · May 13, 2011 2:16AM

He was battling esophageal cancer, sad to see a legend and genuine nice guy counting his last days. First Feller, and now Harmon. Both were great ambassadors of the game and great autograph signers. Harmon was nice to everyone that I've ever seen encounter him. He's been overlooked value wise for what he did because of some of the 'roid HR hitter passing him up but still he's a legend.

OAKESY25 · May 13, 2011 2:30AM

brutal.. his statement tells you what a great and classy guy he is.. very sad
hope his end is quick and painless

Stone193 · May 13, 2011 2:40AM

NickM · May 13, 2011 3:01AM

This has been a bad last year for baseball. We also lost Robin Roberts, Duke Snider, Ron Santo, and Sparky Anderson.

Nick

EchoCanyon · May 13, 2011 3:05AM

+1 for HK, he's pure class.

And for the record, because someone on the boards will post that HK was the model for the MLB logo -- it's NOT true (just one of those baseball urban legends).

Here's a WSJ article about the man who designed the logo (note the 15th paragraph):

MLB logo article

ICE9 · May 13, 2011 3:22AM

Very sad indeed...prayers to HK and his family

Dboneesq · May 13, 2011 4:50AM

When I was driving back from lunch I heard it on the radio. The sports announcer said "Harmon Killebrew has stated that he is giving up fighting his Cancer and is planning for his final days".

GOD BLESS you Mr. Killebrew.

SidePocket · May 13, 2011 8:45AM

A great player and person, and a monster swing. Peace to him.

HoofHearted · May 13, 2011 8:54AM

Thanks for the update. I hadn't heard this yet. I was fortunate to have been able to watch The Killer play at Metropolitan Stadium in the '60s. I used to go up there as part of "Knot Hole Gangs". He always hit the highest towering flies/homers ever!

I wish Harmon and his family peace...

baseballfan · May 13, 2011 8:58AM

sad news indeed

RedHeart54 · May 13, 2011 10:25AM

Well, that's too bad.

Harmon came here to Wichita to sign at a card show in about 1988. A very nice guy. I'll always remember him pulling out a wad of cash and buying several of his cards from one of the dealers.

Hospice is a great thing, though. He'll be comfortable.

YogiBerraFan · May 13, 2011 10:29AM

Very sad news

gemint · May 13, 2011 1:07PM

Very sad. Harmon is a class act. My wife's friend also has esophageal cancer.

fiveniner · May 13, 2011 10:26PM

What a Great Player and Great Man.Was at his Hall Of Fame induction in 1984 which was one of the best vacations of my life.

God Bless You Harmon.

Ironmanfan · May 14, 2011 12:40AM

Mr. Killebrew signed an autograph TTM for me way back in 1978 (it was a '74 Topps card) and I've cherished it ever since.....

Sad news for all..........I hope he isn't suffering

IMF

cone10 · May 14, 2011 2:04AM

The importance of a legible autograph... a great article on Killebrew auto

scashaggy · May 14, 2011 8:01AM

sad news.

estang · May 14, 2011 9:06AM

God bless you Harmon Killebrew!

Dboneesq · May 14, 2011 9:34AM

<< <i>The importance of a legible autograph... a great article on Killebrew auto >>

What a great short article and a very nice tribute to Mr. Killebrew.

Hey guys ... if you are reading this, click on the LINK and read the article. It's only a couple minute read.

bobbyw8469 · May 14, 2011 10:22AM

One of the greats. Very sad.

Elemenopeo · May 14, 2011 10:39AM

<< <i>The importance of a legible autograph... a great article on Killebrew auto >>

I don't think Mauer or Morneau really took the advice to heart...

Sabrgeek · May 14, 2011 9:53PM

I just hope his remaining time is peaceful.

A real class act as a player and a person and he will be missed

Rich

RonBurgundy · May 14, 2011 10:17PM

Prayers for Harmon.

divecchia · May 15, 2011 2:19AM

Very sad to hear...

Hoping he has a peaceful end.

Donato

iamarock · May 15, 2011 4:54AM

For a time, circa 1966-67, he had his shirts done at my parents' dry cleaning business. One day, being about 8 years old at the time, I was playing behind the counter. I happened to look up and there was standing this mountain of a man. I stared motionless as he gave me a little smile and nod. It was Harmon. I'm 53 now and I still vividly remember that moment. Thanks for all the wonderful memories.
Russell

byronscott4ever · May 15, 2011 10:32PM

He was always popular at TwinsFest but not so much with people further back in his line. You see, Harmon would talk and socialize with everyone and his line moved so slowly. For anyone who has been to TwinsFest, you know that there are various autograph and photograph stations throughout the building along with a radio stage. Players are frequently walked from one place to the other right in the open. Many years ago, I saw Killebrew walking along and half-jokingly asked him if he could sign, knowing that he couldn't and wouldn't be able to stop there in the middle of thousands of people who would eventually realize that he was there. He actually stopped and apologized that he couldn't because he had to get to another place. Even in a situation like that (and let me stress, I wasn't upset or actually expecting him to sign), he was classy. Another time, I accidentally crashed some private event held at the Metrodome picnic grounds because someone had just told me that Killebrew was up there signing. I stood in line and someone asked if I was with whatever group and I was like no and was told it was private and so I left. After he's done, he walks the 20 yards to the door from the parking area and signs for me even though he had just signed for that event.

scmavl · May 16, 2011 10:28PM

Killebrew & Musial are my two favorite players and the only ones I actively collect. I exchanged emails with Harmon (just a few months ago) regarding a donation to his foundation. He was very kind and even sent me a Christmas card because of my donation. He will be missed.