Harmon Killebrew RIP

Former home run king Harmon Killebrew, who passed away today, came from a baseball era that seems light years away from today's millionaire jocks, dull video replay, and luxury boxes no one can afford. Killebrew played on some good Minnesota Twins teams that included a great player (Tony Oliva) and a very, very good player (Rod Carew). The Twins had the mixed fortune of having a stingy owner. The players, including Killebrew, were dreadfully underpaid. However, the owner's frugality led him to sign talented Latin ballplayers. It's hard to imagine now, but having Spanish speaking athletes was something certain franchises avoided. The Twins and the Pittsburgh Pirates broke that mold, but for financial reasons and not to advance a social cause.

Killebrew and Minnesota's fans took to one another immediately. He was, as circa 1980s Twins first baseman Kent Hrbek noted, "Paul Bunyan in a uniform." Killebrew was a legit home run hitter in the grand style. He not only hit home runs, he hit majestic shots. His generation included some extraordinary home run hitters, including Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, and Frank Robinson. Killebrew's attendance in All-Star games put him on the same field as Roberto Clemente, Sandy Koufax, Bob Gibson, Juan Marichal, and Al Kaline. That's pretty lofty company and Killer was worthy of it.

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune obit offers a useful glimpse into Killebrew's life. One interesting anecdote, and one I did not know until today, was how Reggie Jackson loaned Killebrew money when Killer was on the heels of bankruptcy. A lot of people, both inside baseball and just plain folks, thought the world of a man universally cited as decent and giving. He'll be missed.