God bless you, #3...

A sad day for baseball...

Harmon C. Killebrew died today. 20 years with the Senators/Twins, and one final year with the Royals, gave him an opportunity to impact baseball like few others have.

"Hammerin' Harmon" and "Killer Killebrew" are well deserved names for this power hitter. His career 573 home runs rank him 11th in the Major Leagues all-time, and only four AL hitters have hit more homers in a career than Harmon (Ruth, Griffey, A-Rod, and Thome, with the last two still playing ball now). He hit over 40 homers in eight consecutive years during the '60s... an era known for its dominant pitching. In 1969, the year he won MLB MVP, he had 140 RBIs and 49 homers, with a slugging percentage of .584. He ended his career with a slug% of .509... something only 151 players EVER have done in a single season, but he was in the over-.500 bracket 9 of 11 years. In the American League, only Ruth and A-Rod have hit more homers in a single season (his high was 49, which he did three times).

Still, he's a name few remember... more's the pity. If more people recalled his name, as well as his manners and demeanor on and off the field, baseball would be a better game.

Well done, Killer... well done.