Harmon Clayton “Killer” Killebrew (1936-2011) was a Hall of Fame corner infielder and left fielder who primarily played for the Washington Senators/Nationals (who later became the Minnesota Twins). Born in tiny Payette, Idaho, Harmon is perhaps the best non-tuber to ever come out of the Gem State. And while people everywhere (except maybe Alert, Nunavut) love to mash those tasty Idaho potatoes, Killebrew kept himself busy mashing baseballs a country mile.
A 13 time all-star and the 1969 American League MVP, “Hammerin’ Harmon” finished his career with 573 home runs and 1,584 RBIs. Both numbers rank highly on baseball’s all-time list. He was not, however, much of a contact hitter, only batting .256 over his long, storied career.

Harmon hamming it up with an umpire during a staged photo shoot. Perhaps he wasn’t joking though, and was sincerely agitated due to being separated from his beloved dirty dishes. If so, it’d be hard to blame the guy!
Despite his fearsome nicknames and style of play, Harmon was actually a kind, quiet man. While still playing baseball, Killebrew became a Mormon, and refrained from drinking and smoking. He did, however, love ice cream, consuming up to a gallon a day of the tasty treat. He also thoroughly enjoyed Chinese and Polynesian food, pizza, tacos and extremely hot mustard. (Who knew? Btw, if you don’t believe me, look up the 4/8/1963 Sports Illustrated article, “Out of The Park On a Half Swing”)
However, Killebrew participated in one activity that is perfectly fitting for the man known as “Hammerin’ Harmon” and “Killer”. When asked if he had any unusual hobbies in an interview for the aforementioned article, Harmon calmly replied, “just washing the dishes, I guess.”
I think Harmon was just laughing at a really good joke and the bat was purely incidental.
Do you remember Harmon Killebrew on Home Run Derby? (Just kidding… you’re Rob… of course you do.)
Haha could be. And I actually only vaguely remember Harmon’s appearance on that show! I know I watched it, but his appearance is overshadowed in my mind by those of Dick “Stirrit” Stuart and Gus Triandos.
‘Just washing the dishes’ ? I’m sorry, but when you’ve got a name like Harmon Killebrew you MUST think of a more interesting hobby than washing the friggin dishes. Rock smashing, or lion prodding, something like that. It just can’t be domestic chore-based. It just can’t.
Hahaha I agree. I thought it was so funny that that was his response to the question.
Hobby – washing dishes??? Wow – a man after my own heart! I wonder if he liked ironing too – the perfect man! 🙂
Harmon Killebrew was some hitter. And some name.
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