Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl
Former Washington Senators and Minnesota Twins star Harmon Killebrew has esophageal cancer and is being treated at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., he said in a statement released Thursday.
Killebrew, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984 after a career that included 11 All-Star Game selections and the 1969 Most Valuable Player award, said he was recently diagnosed with the disease.
Killebrew currently ranks 11th on the all-time major league home run list with 573, and his eight seasons with 40 or more homers still is tied for second in league history to Babe Ruth.
Killebrew spent 21 seasons with the Senators and Twins, in addition to one final season with the Kansas City Royals.
“With my wife, Nita, by my side, I have begun preparing for what is perhaps the most difficult battle of my life,” Killebrew, 74, said in the statement. “I am being treated by a team of medical professionals at the Mayo Clinic. While my condition is very serious, I have confidence in my doctors and the medical staff, and I anticipate a full recovery.
According to the Mayo Clinic website, esophageal cancer is relatively uncommon in the United States, though it is more prevalent in other parts of the world. The esophagus carries food from the throat to the stomach so that it can be digested. Killebrew said he is optimistic about his chances for recovery.
Killebrew is one of the most beloved players in Twins history, as much for his gentle and approachable nature off the field as for the towering home runs he hit during his playing days.
Twins designated hitter Jim Thome passed Killebrew on the career home run list in August, belting two at brand new Target Field. After the feat, Killebrew issued a gracious congratulatory message to Thome.
“I speak very highly of Jim Thome,” Killebrew said in September. “Not only is he a great player, but he’s a great individual. I think he was a little apprehensive about passing me up. I said, ‘Jim, I passed a lot of guys up myself along the way. I hope you hit 100 more.”
Killebrew now makes his home in Arizona, but has maintained a regular presence with the Twins for years.
Killebrew’s No. 3 jersey is retired, and he made several appearances at the Twins’ new outdoor ballpark last season, including during their playoff series against the Yankees.
He is one of the biggest draws at the team’s annual Twins Fest, a fan festival in January that serves as a buildup to spring training.
“I thank everyone for their outpouring of prayers, compassion and concern,” he said. “Nita and I ask for privacy during this difficult journey.”
-espn
