Kent Hrbek grew up in the shadows of old Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington and was destined to become a Minnesota Twin. The big kid who played the game as hard as anyone. He had more fun than most on the field, treating Twins fans to much excitement from the day he donned the uniform.

One highlight was the 12th inning at Yankee Stadium when he gave the Twins a win. Another highlight was the last game of his career in 1994 when he came up with the bases loaded three times against Boston, as the fans were on their feet every at-bat.

Hrbek, who was the runner-up to Cal Ripken for American League Rookie of the Year in 1982, made his only All-Star appearance that season. He was most appreciated by his teammates and Twins' fans for his upper-deck power and agility, as well as for being one of the best to ever play first base in the majors. He is among club leaders in nearly every offensive category, but may be best-remembered for his game six grand slam in the 1987 World Series or for his tag of Ron Gant in Game Two of the 1991 World Series. Hrbek had his No. 14 formally retired on August 13, 1995.

Baseball, Minnesota,