(MN Twins) Harmon Killbrew is battling cancer

[Brickbat]

Source: Star Tribune

Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew, in a statement released this morning, revealed that he is battling cancer. His statement:

``I was recently diagnosed with esophageal cancer. With my wife, Nita, by my side, I have begun preparing for what is perhaps the most difficult battle of my life. 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.

``The Mayo Clinic is one of the largest and most experienced medical centers treating esophageal cancer in the world. In the past decade, they have made tremendous advances in the treatment of this disease. Nita and I feel blessed to have access to the best doctors and medical care.

``I thank everyone for their outpouring of prayers, compassion and concern. Nita and I ask for privacy during this difficult journey.''

Read more: http://tinyurl.com/28ywbcd

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I made the link a tiny url because it was so long and gnarly and kept coming up with a smiley face in the middle. I apologize and I understand some won't click through because of that.

Very sad. Killer is a class act all the way and has had some hard times.

[geardaddy]

1. So sad

He was every kid's baseball hero when I was growing up here in MPLS.

[customerserviceguy]

2. I've looked up this disease

because I have Barrett's esophagus, which is a forerunner to this kind of cancer, and it's horrifying what they put you through to treat it.

All the best to Killebrew and his family during this tough time.

[denverbill]

3. Very sad. Childhood hero of mine. Get well Harmon! n/t

[Jack Rabbit]

4. ( )

Photo by Matthew Bowden on stock.xchng.com, used here under this License

[AsahinaKimi]

5. I always thought he

had the coolest name for a Baseball player. Especially one who could launch home runs and "kill" the other team's chances of winning. Hope he can be a cancer survivor!

[Kingofalldems]

6. He was given the nickname "Killer" as a young player in DC

He was actually on the Major League roster at the age of 17.

[dflprincess]

9. And, given what he's like, it's often mention that "killer" just doesn't fit the man at all

He is always a gentleman, always warm with the fans and still revered in Minnesota. Kids born long after he stopped playing know who Harmon Killebrew is.

My friend's husband was treated for this cancer at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester and just hit his 5 year mark though as far as treatment goes, it is one of the worst, but there is hope.

Good luck Harmon, all the state is pulling for you.

Here's a link to the story at the Star Tribune's website. Read the comments section, especially the stories from people who have met Killebrew. It tells you all you need to know. Not only one of the great ballplayers of all time, but a great human being.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/blogs/112660804.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUgOy9cP3DieyckcUsI?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUgOy9cP3DieyckcUsI&elr=KArksUUUycaEacyU

[LNM]

7. Hit it out of the park, Harmon! nt

[Ex Lurker]

8. my first baseball glove was a Harmon Killebrew nt

[nyy1998]

10. Good luck Harmon! We know you could battle this!

[EFerrari]

11. K&R