Author: David Shama

Killebrew’s detractors also had a nickname for him, “Harmless.”  The critics complained about his frequent strikeouts and Killebrew did struggle to make contact with the ball.  In 1956 he struck out 39 times in 99 at bats and through much of his career he whiffed about 20 percent of the time.

Leg injuries limited Killebrew’s defensive ability and mobility on the bases.  Originally a third baseman, he also played left field and first base during his career.  But it was Killebrew’s bat that made him special, leading the American League in home runs       six times, helping power the Twins to the 1965 World Series and winning the AL MVP award in 1969.  He was an All-Star game selection 13 times.

He was the face of the franchise in the early years in Minneapolis-St. Paul.  He hosted a pre-game TV show and appeared in local commercials for a men’s store, Foreman & Clark.  Fan mail poured in and Killebrew did his best to cooperate.

In his book Beyond the Sports Huddle, Dave Mona recalled talking to Killebrew as a Minneapolis Tribune sportswriter.  Mona watched Killebrew sign Topps baseball cards and patiently put the cards back in self-addressed envelopes.  “Do you answer every one?” Mona asked.  “I try to,” Killebrew said.  “It may take a while, but I try to get to all of them, especially the ones with return envelopes.”

Killebrew’s life after playing baseball had highs and lows including a divorce from his first wife Elaine and financial problems.  But Killebrew remarried and found happiness with Nita and stayed involved with baseball as a special assistant to the Twins and through charity activities.

The one challenge he couldn’t defeat was cancer, the awful disease that is epidemic in its reach and devastating in results.  Cancer will end his life but not touch the greatness that characterized Killebrew.

As a young reporter I met Killebrew toward the end of his career.  My impression of him is the same today as it was then: Harmon Clayton Killebrew is among the finest human beings I have met in professional sports.  That’s my bias and I am proud to write it.

Pat Cody looked at Bob Klas and said: “You’re out of your mind.”

The two men were partners in Tapemark Company and Klas was thinking about starting a charity golf tournament to benefit organizations helping those with developmental and learning disabilities.  The year was 1972 and after Cody threw out his response, including an expletive or two, the two friends started the Tapemark Charity Pro-Am.

The inspiration for the tournament was Frances Klas, born in 1951 and mentally retarded.  Her dad and mom, Bob and Sandy Klas, learned about organizations available to help children like Frances, and they wanted to help.

And help they did!  Next month will be the 40^th Tapemark and the tournament has raised millions for local charities benefitting the developmental and learning disabled.  Along with a women’s golf tournament and charitable gambling efforts approved by Klas, about $6.7 million has been generated since 1972 to help those charities.

“We have a chance this year to get to $7 million,” said Bob Klas Jr.  “It would be special to make that total on the 40^th year.”

He and his dad remain active with the tournament and continue to be inspired by Frances who passed away in June of 2009.  “I have very fond memories of Frances,” her father said.  “She tried very hard and did a great deal with her limited capabilities.  She was always happy and we miss her very much.”

Frances, who had five siblings including Bob Jr., was married and for 25 years worked in a Hastings hospital.  She proudly wore a button that said: “I am a U.S. taxpayer.”  Each year she would attend the Tapemark tournament and greet spectators and golfers.

Charity golf tournaments come and go but the Tapemark, which this year will be played June 10-12 at Southview Country Club in West St. Paul, has staying power.  “I think it’s probably the oldest charity golf event in the country with the possible exception of the Bing Crosby,” Bob Jr. said.

The Tapemark is a golf tournament, not a glitzy show featuring the rich and famous.  In that regard the tournament reflects the Klas family──low key, hard working and humble Minnesotans.  “Almost all the other tournaments are designed around celebrities,” Bob Jr. said.  “People (spectators) come out to ours because it is the same as 40 years ago.  If people liked what they saw in 1972, they like it now because it’s the same product.

“It’s one of the four majors in the Minnesota PGA Section and has been for decades.  It’s arguably the only event on the golf calendar that the fairly serious amateur can play with the pros in a competitive environment.”

Tournament winners have included Don Berry (six times champion), George Shortridge (five times) and Tom Lehman (1990 title).  And Bob Jr. offered this trivia question that has Lehman as the answer: “Who is the only man ever to win the Tapemark and the British Open?”

The tournament, although mostly volunteer supported, is a year-round effort and now attracts corporate sponsors including the Anderson Agency and U.S. Bank.  About 10,000 man-hours are probably devoted to it and the annual women’s golf tournament in September.  “It’s not easy (managing the tournaments),” Bob Sr. said. “It’s very complicated.”

He refers to volunteers as “teammates,” and they do everything from registering golfers to running the scoreboard.  Although Pat Cody passed away years ago, the volunteers include sons Tom and Brendan.  “We couldn’t put the tournament on without with them,” the elder Klas said.