Harmon Killebrew unable to beat cancer accepts his fate.

MCMLVTopps · May 13, 2011 2:36AM

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)—Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew said Friday he will no longer fight his esophageal cancer and is settling in for the final days of his life.

The Minnesota Twins released a statement on Friday from Killebrew, who said he has “exhausted all options” for treatment of the “awful disease” and that the cancer is incurable.

“It is with profound sadness that I share with you that my continued battle with esophageal cancer is coming to an end,” he said. “My illness has progressed beyond my doctors’ expectation of cure.”

The 74-year-old Killebrew said he will enter hospice care.

“I am comforted by the fact that I am surrounded by my family and friends,” he said, thanking fans and well-wishers for their support and encouragement. “I look forward to spending my final days in comfort and peace with (wife) Nita by my side.”

Killebrew, who lives in Arizona, was diagnosed with cancer in December.

Killebrew hit 573 home runs and made 11 All-Star appearances during his 22-year career spent mostly with the Washington Senators and Twins. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984 and was fifth on the career home run list when he retired in 1975 after one season with the Kansas City Royals.

Killebrew currently ranks 11th on the all-time homer list, and his eight seasons with 40 or more homers still is tied for second in league history to Babe Ruth.

Killebrew was able to travel to Fort Myers, Fla., for his annual stint as a guest instructor at spring training. He was in good spirits, quipping that Twins manager Ron Gardenhire gave him the OK to show up a little late.

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alnavman · May 13, 2011 2:55AM

too bad about Harmon.....another one of the class players from Minnesota.....they must have a mold up there to churn out classy players.

Goot · May 13, 2011 2:57AM

Hospice is some pretty heavy stuff. My Mom works in hospice, taking care of the people there, and she tells some amazing stories about people she has met and stories she has heard.

It is good to hear that Mr. Killebrew has come to terms with things and is fairly accepting of what lies ahead of him. It is sad to see these legends begin to pass away, but such is life.

stevek · May 13, 2011 3:07AM

Always sad to hear about great players such as this.

Yogi Berra was once asked his thoughts on the great Yankees players passing away with whom he played...and Yogi replied in that Yogi style of his..."Hey, we're all going."

rbdjr1 · May 13, 2011 3:12AM

wow, sad to hear, one of my all-time favorites!

one of the best cardboard i ever owned was a 1955 Topps Harmon Killebrew PSA 9. Even the auction house who sold this beauty for me wrote, "it was the best example he ever saw"!

i was sad to sell that special cardboard, but I'm much sadder to learn about HK. hope he remains comfortable and at peace in hospice!

rd

JoeBanzai · May 13, 2011 3:49AM

I too am saddened to hear this. Harmon was "the man" in Minnesota for a lot of years as a player and as a person. Was fortunate to meet him on several occasions and was never disappointed. Very few like him around. We love you Harmon!

Mickey71 · May 13, 2011 4:37AM

Classy guy.

mommam17 · May 13, 2011 5:48AM

Lou Volpicelli from ABC sports told me a story about Harmon and Howard Cosell when ABC did the games of the week. Harmon had a great game with Hrs. and doubles and about 7 RBI's. After the game, the first thing Cosell asked him was about an error he made! Harmon, the great humble man he was, went on to apologize for the error!!!

Garabaldi · May 13, 2011 6:38AM

Always sad to hear about an all time great.

KalineFan · May 13, 2011 10:09AM

Harmon and my baseball hero, Kaline are super good friends.

I have never met #3, but, I have NEVER EVER EVER EVER
heard anyone say anything about having a bad meeting with him
or for that matter say anything negative about him.

True class in Baseball and in life. Hang in there Mr. Killebrew!

Tony
KalineFan

calaban7 · May 13, 2011 10:55AM

I was sorry to hear the news earlier today. When I was young it seemed liked he always killed our Orioles pitchers. It was a gentle giant among players.

I remember in 1975 seeing on TV , Harmon's last stolen base against the Brewers . The crowd at Milwaukee gave him a standing ovation. It was great.

He will be missed.---- Sonny

MCMLVTopps · May 13, 2011 11:29AM

I added a pic from my 55 Topps set to my first post above.

halfcentman · May 13, 2011 11:59AM

In the late 1980's, I did a card show where Mr. Killebrew was signing. Man, next to Brooks Robinson and a few others he had to be one of the nicest people that I had ever met.

Obviously, I am sure that he and his family need our thoughts. He has mine.