The King Of The Twin Cities

Harmon Killebrew was not only an outstanding hitter, but
a true gentleman. With his passing, fans across the nation
morn the loss of a great human being.

Baseball lost a great one today.

Harmon Killebrew was known for smashing tape-measure shots, but even the most fearsome hitter of his era couldn't beat a disease that has killed millions – cancer.

Minnesotans, the world mourns with you on this day. While many of you grew up going to Metropolitan Stadium to watch "The Killer" send lasers over the outfield fences, it wasn't until later in life that we learned about Harmon Killebrew, the man.

His aggressive style of attacking the ball was completely contradictory from his personality. Even with his size and nickname, the kid from Idaho wouldn't hurt a fly. His compassion and caring nature made him a fan favorite in an area of the country that's known for being gracious hosts. He epitomized all that was right with baseball and Minnesota.

Even after the likes of Kirby Puckett and Joe Mauer have worn the pinstriped Twins uniform, fans are quick to point out that Killebrew is still king of the Twin Cities. There's a street near the Mall of America – the former home of Metropolitan Stadium – name after him. He even has his own root beer.

On the field, Killebrew 573 career home runs for 11th on the all-time list. Even more amazing was the fact he did most of his damage during the "dead-ball era" – a time when pitchers dominated the game. He was also an 11-time All-Star and the first Twin enshrined at Cooperstown.

After learning he had cancer in December, the Twins invited the Killer to throw out the first pitch of the home opener this season. Instead, Killebrew chose to stay in Arizona and battle the deadly disease, while allowing his friend of 50 years, Tony Oliva, and his grandson, Casey Killebrew to partake in the event on his behalf. No doubt he would have loved to have been there.

So on this day, let's not mourn the loss of a great one – that wouldn't be what Killebrew would want. He would suggest that carry on like nothing had happened. And while it hurts to see a legend go, fans in Minnesota should all raise a glass of Killebrew Root Beer as a salute to a man who was the face of the franchise for so many years.