What they're saying about Harmon Killebrew (updated)

Harmon Killebrew and his Target Plaza statue last year.

No. 3 ain't dead yet, but the news that he's entering hospice care is triggering eulogies anyway. Which gives him the chance, if he's interested, to hear what would be said at his funeral.

So I thought I'd collect some links here. (I had intended to write my Monday print column on the Twins pitchers and walks, but I'll have a Harmon piece of my own instead.)

The Philadelphia Inquirer reprinted (or reposted) this 2007 piece by Jim Salisbury. The part about Danny Thompson seems particularly poignant in light of current events. Also from the Inquirer: Phillies manager Charlie Manuel talks about his old teammate: "I took him for granted. If I didn't see him hit a home run, I was disappointed. It seemed like he hit one every night."

This New York Times piece links Killebrew's farewell statement to those of Ronald Reagan and Charlton Heston. It also contains memories of pitching to Killebrew from Gary Peters and Mel Stottlemyre, two pretty good 1960s pitchers.

Rick Telander writes about "Death with dignity" in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Jim Kaat tells the New York Daily News he knew this was coming.

Broadcaster Paul Kennedy writes of Killebrew in the context of 1968's unrest. Mel Antonen writes of growing up a Twins fan and imitating the Killer's stance -- and of seeing him in spring training this year, in his last day wearing a Twins uniform.

ESPN.com's David Schonfield says Killebrew had the perfect name for a slugger.

(Links added Sunday morning below)

The Hardball Times' Bruce Markuson recalls Killebrew at the Hall of Fame. (And there's a comment from a reader describing his encounter with Killebrew at St. Peter.)

From the Arizona Republic, Killebrew and the MLB logo. Also in that story, Joe Garagiola's reaction to the red seat in the old Met marking a long Killebrew homer -- you lnow, the seat that still hangs in the Mall of America.

Brian Murphy of the Idaho Statesman celebrates a homestate hero who hit home runs when home runs meant something.