Posted: December 30, 2010, 9:25 a.m. CT
Former Minnesota Twins slugger Harmon Killebrew announced on Thursday that he has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
Killebrew, who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984, released the following statement through the Twins on Thursday morning:
"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."
Killebrew, 74, led the American League in home runs six times and is the Twins' franchise leader in home runs, RBIs, walks and total bases. His
