Major League Baseball

Killebrew being treated for cancer

Published Dec. 30, 2010 12:00 a.m. ET

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Calling it "perhaps the most difficult battle of my life," Minnesota Twins Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew said Thursday he is being treated for esophageal cancer.

In a statement released by the Twins, Killebrew said he is being treated at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. "While my condition is very serious, I have confidence in my doctors and the medical staff, and I anticipate a full recovery," he said.

Killebrew, 74, was selected to the Hall of Fame in 1984 in his fourth year of eligibility following a 22-year career.

He hit 573 home runs and drove in 1,584 runs with a .256 career batting average. He was fifth on the all-time home run list at the time of his retirement.

The 11-time major-league All-Star put up his best season in 1969, hitting 49 home runs and driving in 140 runs to win the AL Most Valuable Player award. He led the American League in homers six times.

Killebrew played from 1954 to 1975, spending the first 21 seasons with the Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins franchise. He finished his career with one season in Kansas City.

Killebrew currently ranks 11th on the homer list, and his eight seasons with 40 or more homers still is tied for second in league history to Babe Ruth.

The congenial power hitter 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 smacked at Metropolitan Stadium during his playing days.

"I tell everybody he's too nice to be a baseball player," former teammate Tony Oliva said Thursday. "He's a gentleman."

Oliva said he was "shocked" when he found out about the diagnosis.

"You heard the word 'cancer' and it's a very tough word, but right now everything's so advanced that he's probably going to be all right," Oliva said in a phone interview. "The doctors do a great, great job."

Oliva saw Killebrew in September for the team's 50th season celebration that honored the franchise's best.

"He was looking fine, in beautiful shape," Oliva said. "He looked like he was in better shape than when he played."

Added Oliva: "Everybody's pulling for him. Our prayers are going to be with him and his family."

Killebrew now lives in the Phoenix area and said he is receiving treatment at the Mayo Clinic nearby.

''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,'' he said. ''(My wife) Nita and I feel blessed to have access to the best doctors and medical care.''

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 has maintained a regular presence with the Twins for years.

His 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.''

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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