MINNEAPOLIS, MN. \u2013 Baseball home run legend, Harmon Killebrew, announced today that he has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Killebrew, who is 74, released a statement through the Minnesota Twins on Thursday.<\/p>\n
“With my wife, Nita, by my side, I have begun preparing for what is perhaps the most difficult battle of my life,” Killebrew said. <\/p>\n
Killebrew lives in Phoenix and is receiving treatment at the Mayo Clinic nearby.<\/p>\n
“The Mayo Clinic is one of the largest and most experienced medical centers treating esophageal cancer in the world. In the past decade, they have made tremendous advances in the treatment of this disease,” he said. “Nita and I feel blessed to have access to the best doctors and medical care.”<\/p>\n
One of the greatest home run hitters of all time, Harmon Killebrew will forever be remembered as “Killer”. A member of the Twins from their inaugural Minnesota season in 1961, Killebrew hit 573 career home runs to place him 5th on the all-time home run list and second only to Babe Ruth in American League history. He hit more than 40 home runs on eight occasions and 30-or-more 10 times while driving in 100-plus runs nine times.<\/p>\n
Killebrew’s No. 3 jersey is retired, and he made several appearances at the Twins’ new outdoor ballpark last season, including during their playoff series against the Yankees.<\/p>\n
He remains one of the biggest draws at the team’s annual Twins Fest, a fan festival in January that serves as a buildup to spring training.<\/p>\n
“I thank everyone for their outpouring of prayers, compassion and concern,” he said. “Nita and I ask for privacy during this difficult journey.”<\/p>\n