Harmon Killebrew was scheduled to throw out the ceremonial first pitch this afternoon for the Twins’ home opener against Oakland, but will remain at home in Arizona where he receives chemotherapy. Longtime teammate Tony Oliva will sub for Killebrew and his grandson, Casey Killebrew, a baseball player at Apple Valley High School, will catch the ceremonial first pitch.
The Twins’ legendary slugger and Hall of Famer was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in December. The 74-year-old is a hero to every generation of Upper Midwest baseball fans and his appearance at Target Field today was anticipated by his many admirers.
Twins’ officials including marketing vice president Patrick Klinger received the disappointing news earlier this week that Killebrew thought it best not to travel and throw out the first pitch. “He was my choice from the beginning, but I always knew there was a chance he might not make it here,” Klinger said. “Chemo can knock you on your backside.”
Klinger saw Killebrew in spring training where he spent five days with the Twins. “He looked fit, his voice was good and he was in great spirits,” Klinger said.
Killebrew’s 75th birthday will be on June 29 and he’s scheduled to be in town for his charity golf event. The Twins play the Dodgers at Target Field that day and Klinger said the club will recognize Killebrew’s birthday at the game.
No doubt he will receive a long standing ovation from the crowd while a regional TV audience applauds at home. The “Killer” was the face of the franchise in its early years and by the time his major league career had ended in 1975 he had 573 home runs. Killebrew later worked on Twins’ broadcasts and has remained part of the franchise in recent years as a special assistant.
But even without all the home runs and the Hall of Fame resume, Killebrew would make you rise to your feet and wipe a tear away. Countless ball players, media and fans know Killebrew is a wonderful person − a gracious, caring and approachable man.
Killebrew is on a short list of the best people I have encountered in professional sports. With his everyday manner, the “Killer” might just as well be the Twins’ clubhouse attendant, not the guy who ranks No. 3 on the all-time American League home run list.