Kent Hrbek

Major League Baseball player[8]

What is Kent Hrbek known for?

Kent Hrbek, born May 21, 1960, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a former Major League Baseball first baseman who is best known for his entire 14-year baseball career with the Minnesota Twins (1981–1994). Hrbek, an efficient left-handed batter and right-handed thrower, had an impressive record in his career, with a batting average of .282, 293 home runs, and 1,086 runs batted in.

Some of the most notable moments in Hrbek's career include his hit of the first home run in the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on April 3, 1982, during an exhibition game against the Phillies. Despite never winning a Gold Glove at the position, Hrbek's defensive prowess was widely recognized, and he was considered an outstanding defensive player and perennial slugger.

Hrbek attended Kennedy High School in Bloomington, Minnesota, and was drafted by his hometown Minnesota Twins in the 17th round of the 1978 Major League Baseball draft. His contributions to the team were evident through his ascent in the Twins' organization, hitting 47 home runs and racking up 111 runs batted in while hitting .318 in 253 minor league games.

A moment of significance in Hrbek's career was his major league debut on August 24, 1981, at Yankee Stadium, where he hit a game-winning home run in the 12th inning. His performance in the following 1982 season was outstanding, with him finishing the rookie season hitting .301 with 23 home runs and 92 RBI. This earned him a spot in the All-Star game and even saw him finish second in the Rookie of the Year voting.

Throughout his career, Hrbek was part of the core of the 1987 World Series team, and he contributed significantly to the Twins' performance. One of his career's peak seasons was presumably in 1984, where he finished hitting .311 with 27 home runs and 107 runs batted in. His efforts were rewarded that year, finishing second in the American League Most Valuable Player balloting.

In recognition of his iconic career and contributions to the Twins, Hrbek's number 14 was retired, and he was inducted into the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame. A truly notable alumnus of Kennedy High School, Kent Hrbek's impact on Major League Baseball, especially for the Minnesota Twins, remains unforgettable.