MINNEAPOLIS — Harmon Killebrew announced Friday that he no longer plans to fight his esophageal cancer and has settled in for the final days of his life, saddening friends and fans of the 74-year-old Hall of Fame slugger who ranks 11th on baseball’s all-time home run list with 573.
In a statement released jointly by the Twins and the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Killebrew said, “It is with profound sadness” that he will no longer receive treatment for the “awful disease.” He said the cancer has been deemed incurable by his doctors and he will enter hospice care.
“With the continued love and support of my wife Nita, I have exhausted all options,” Killebrew said. “I look forward to spending my final days in comfort and peace with Nita by my side.”
There was no prognosis given by Killebrew’s doctors for how much longer he might live.
Footnotes.
Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton said he felt good after taking batting practice for the first time since injuring his right shoulder in April.
• The Reds activated third baseman Scott Rolen (shoulder) and sent infielder Chris Valaika to Triple-A Louisville.
• The Tigers placed outfielder Magglio Ordoñez (ankle) on the 15-day DL and said they would recall outfielder Andy Dirks from Triple-A Toledo.
• Braves right-hander Brandon Beachy left his start against the Phillies with an injury to his left side.
• Mariners closer David Aardsma will rest for a month instead of undergoing elbow surgery to repair a strained ligament.
