Killebrew plans to call and congratulate Jim Thome after Thome ties or exceeds Killebrew’s career home run total of 573. What will Killebrew say?
“I passed up a lot of guys myself. Don’t feel bad about it,” Killebrew answered.
Thome, 39, has five home runs in his first season with the Twins. He needs four more to tie Killebrew’s 573 that ranks 10th on baseball’s career home run list.
Killebrew, who is the Twins’ all-time home run leader, was asked about Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire, three sluggers whose names have been associated with steroids but rank first, sixth and ninth on baseball’s all-time home run list. Killebrew said the accusations “changed the whole complexion of baseball.”
“Baseball is predicated on statistics…and this has changed the history of the game forever,” he said. “I don’t know what they’re going to do. I’ve even talked to the commissioner and he’s at a loss to know how to completely handle this situation as well.”
Killebrew said Senator Jim Bunning, a former big league pitcher, has been outspoken about players who use performance enhancing drugs. He’s called for obliteration of their records but Killebrew said how does anyone know what statistics were compiled while using drugs?
“It’s a cloud over baseball that shouldn’t be there,” Killebrew said. “It’s such a beautiful game and to have that over the game of baseball…it makes you sad.”
Killebrew, who makes his home in Arizona, will be in town later this month to host the 7th Annual Kwik Trip Harmon Killebrew Classic on May 23 and 24. The classic will benefit the Twins Community Fund and the Miracle League of Minnesota. The fund provides resources for community baseball and softball. The Miracle League provides children with mental and/or physical challenges an opportunity to play baseball as a team member in an organized league.
Tickets are available to the public for a dinner and auction starting at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 23 at the Target Field. The cost is $150 per person or $1,000 for ten. Killebrew will greet all who attend. Silent and live auctions will feature a variety of items including baseball memorabilia for collectors and fans. The celebrity golf tournament Monday, May 24 is sold out. For more information and to see auction lists, visit www.harmonkillebrewfoundation.org.
Helping others has been part of Killebrew’s makeup for a long time. The Miracle League inspires him. He recalled a story told to him about a Miracle League youngster in another state who while playing in a game made it all the way to third base in a wheelchair. Then the inspired youngster got on his belly and crawled to home plate. “The physical therapist said it was worth a year’s work just playing that one situation with the Miracle League game,” Killebrew said.