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.