The 1959 Homerun Derby

The 1959 Homerun Derby

Filmed in December 1959, “Home Run Derby” was a groundbreaking weekly television series that pitted baseball’s top sluggers against one another in head-to-head battles for long ball supremacy. The show took place at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles (home of the Pacific Coast League’s Angels), chosen because of its near-symmetrical dimensions. Unlike modern derbies, hitters…

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The Minnesota Twins inaugurate their new outdoor ballpark, Target Field, with a 5 – 2 win over the Red Sox. A host of former Twins greats, including Hall of Famers Harmon Killebrew and Rod Carew, joined by Tony Oliva, Kent Hrbek and Frank Viola, among others, are on hand to witness the historic game. Carl Pavano picks up the win while Joe Mauer and Jason Kubel pace the offence with three hits and two RBI each.

The Minnesota Twins inaugurate their new outdoor ballpark, Target Field, with a 5 – 2 win over the Red Sox. A host of former Twins greats, including Hall of Famers Harmon Killebrew and Rod Carew, joined by Tony Oliva, Kent Hrbek and Frank Viola, among others, are on hand to witness the historic game. Carl Pavano picks up the win while Joe Mauer and Jason Kubel pace the offence with three hits and two RBI each.

Joe Mauer becomes the fifth Twin to be named the American League’s Most Valuable Player

Joe Mauer (.365, 28, 96) becomes the fifth Twin to be named the American League’s Most Valuable Player, joining Zoilo Versalles (1965), Harmon Killebrew (1969), Rod Carew (1977), and Justin Morneau (2006). The slugging Gold Glove catcher, who missed the first month of the season with a back injury, receives 27 of 28 first-place votes cast by the BBWAA, and the St. Paul native easily outpoints Yankee teammates Mark Teixeira and Derek Jeter.

Mariner Ken Griffey Jr. joins Babe Ruth, Ralph Kiner, Duke Snider, Ernie Banks, Harmon Killebrew, and Mark McGwire as the only players to hit 40 homers in four consecutive seasons.

Mariner Ken Griffey Jr. joins Babe Ruth, Ralph Kiner, Duke Snider, Ernie Banks, Harmon Killebrew, and Mark McGwire as the only players to hit 40 homers in four consecutive seasons.

Mariner Ken Griffey Jr. joins Babe Ruth, Ralph Kiner, Duke Snider, Ernie Banks, Harmon Killebrew, and Mark McGwire as the only players to hit 40 homers in four consecutive seasons.

Former Dodgers Don Drysdale and Pee Wee Reese, along with Twins slugger Harmon Killebrew, American League hurler Rick Ferrell, and perennial All-Star shortstop Luis Aparicio, are inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Former Dodgers Don Drysdale and Pee Wee Reese, along with Twins slugger Harmon Killebrew, American League hurler Rick Ferrell, and perennial All-Star shortstop Luis Aparicio, are inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Former Dodgers Don Drysdale and Pee Wee Reese, along with Twins slugger Harmon Killebrew, American League hurler Rick Ferrell, and perennial All-Star shortstop Luis Aparicio, are inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Don Drysdale Harmon Killebrew 1984 Hall of Fame
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Luis Aparicio, Don Drysdale, and Harmon Killebrew are elected to the Hall of Fame

On January 10, 1984, Luis Aparicio, Don Drysdale, and Harmon Killebrew are elected to the Hall of Fame. Killebrew totaled 573 home runs to rank fifth on the all-time list, Drysdale won 209 games with a 2.95 era, and Aparicio led the American League in stolen bases nine straight seasons. Killebrew gains election in his…

1981 – Pitcher Bob Gibson is elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Gibson, who needed 301 votes for election, is named on 337 ballots by the Baseball Writers Association of America. In 17 seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, Gibson won 251 games, struck out 3,117 batters, compiled a 2.91 ERA, won 20 games five times, and earned two World Championship rings. In 1968, Gibson enjoyed his best season ever, going 22-9 with a 1.12 ERA and captured the Cy Young Award. Players falling short of the 301 votes needed for election include Don Drysdale (243), Gil Hodges (241), Harmon Killebrew (239), Hoyt Wilhelm (238) and Juan Marichal (233).

1981 – Pitcher Bob Gibson is elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Gibson, who needed 301 votes for election, is named on 337 ballots by the Baseball Writers Association of America. In 17 seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, Gibson won 251 games, struck out 3,117 batters, compiled a 2.91 ERA, won 20 games five times, and earned two World Championship rings. In 1968, Gibson enjoyed his best season ever, going 22-9 with a 1.12 ERA and captured the Cy Young Award. Players falling short of the 301 votes needed for election include Don Drysdale (243), Gil Hodges (241), Harmon Killebrew (239), Hoyt Wilhelm (238) and Juan Marichal (233).

Kansas City Royals release veteran slugger Harmon Killebrew

Kansas City Royals release veteran slugger Harmon Killebrew

On November 10, 1975, the Kansas City Royals release veteran slugger Harmon Killebrew, ending his 22-year major league career. Killebrew retires with 573 home runs, fifth on the all-time list…   Notable Events and Chronology for Harmon Killebrew Game ticket & learn more about the players, teams, stadiums and dates in history   @ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90YWdzIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJsaW5rX3RvX3Rlcm1fcGFnZSI6Im9uIiwic2VwYXJhdG9yIjoiIHwgIiwiY2F0ZWdvcnlfdHlwZSI6InBvc3RfdGFnIn19@ [jetpack_subscription_form…