Killebrew Will Miss Twins Home Opener
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew says he will no longer be able to make the trip to Minnesota this weekend for the Minnesota Twins' home opener, as previously scheduled.
Killebrew, who was diagnosed with esophageal cancer last December, is continuing treatment in Arizona and issued a statement Wednesday saying the trip to Target Field would disrupt that schedule.
Killebrew was scheduled to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, prior to Friday's home opener against the Oakland Athletics.
"Nita and I were truly looking forward to coming home to Minnesota to be part of the home opening festivities at Target Field," Killebrew said in the statement. "But it turns out the trip to Minnesota would unduly disrupt my treatment schedule so we have reluctantly decided to remain in Arizona with a resolve to defeat this disease."
Killebrew also thanked his doctors and added that he's making "tremendous progress" and remains optimistic for a full recovery.
Twins legend Tony Oliva will take Killebrew's place and throw out the first pitch.
