"Life is precious and time is a key element. Let's make every moment count and help those who have a greater need than our own."
- Harmon Killebrew -
I'd be surprised if every eulogy that is printed regarding Harmon doesn't include that phrase somewhere. But from the moment he said it, it was going to be a quote he was known for, and today it seems uniquely poignant.
For nearly an entire generation of baseball fans, Killebrew was the face of the franchise. Not just during his tenure with the Twins, but even after. As a new generation grew to love Rod Carew and eventually Kirby Puckett, Killebrew was always going to be the original. He dwarfed Carew in stature and Puckett in production. Dave St. Peter made a statement earlier, saying: "No individual has ever meant more to the Minnesota organization and millions of fans across Twins Territory.
And it's true.
In the next day or two I'll likely post a career retrospective on Harmon, and we'll talk about all of the good things he did off the field as well. But for now send your condolences and well-wishes to the Killebrew family.
Thank you to a great ballplayer and a better man. You'll always be loved and never be forgotten, and you're already missed.
Read More
Harmon Killebrew Was Inspiration for MLB Logo, Christopher Gates, SB Nation Minnesota
Harmon Killebrew Was the Gentlest of Sluggers, Rob Neyer, Baseball Nation
The Gentle Killer, Chris Jaffe, The Hardball Times
Harmon Killebrew Career Highlights, Chris Jaffe, The Hardball Times
He Was Able to Paint a Masterpiece, Michael Cuddyer