Baseball Historian An immediate success as a rookie, Kent Hrbek blasted 21 doubles and 23 home runs with 92 RBIs in 1982, his first full MLB season with the Minnesota Twins. In the Rookie of the Year balloting he was runner-up to Cal Ripken Jr. And interesting note: Kent Hrbek was one of a small percentage of right handed throwing MLB first basemen. And he played his entire 13 year career with the Minnesota Twins. He walked more times than he struck out, 801 Ws, 770 Ks. From 1984 thru 1992 the power-hitting first baseman hit at least 20 homers, including 29 in 1986 and a career-best 34 in 1987. By 1983 the 6 ft 4 inch 215 pound Kent Hrbek was one of the most popular baseball players in the state of Minnesota. His numbers that season included a .297 batting average, 41 doubles, 5 triples and 16 long balls.

In 1984 Kent Hrbek posted his only 100 RBI season. He did however had 4 other seasons of over 90 RBIs. He was voted the July 1984 Player of the Month by swatting 10 home runs, driving in 31 runs in just 27 games. And, at season end was second in the MVP balloting to relief pitcher Willie Hernandez of Detroit. In 1985 he had another fine batting year, lining 60 extra base hits, and batting .311. Kenk Hrbek had two other seasons of over .300 batting. Kent Hrbek played a major role in the Minnesota Twins pennant winning 1987. He lined 20 doubles, 34 homers, had 85 Runs, 90 RBIs and batted a solid .285. In the 1987 World Series although he hit just .208 Kent Hrbek blasted a grand slam homer in Game 6 as the Twins topped the Cardinals in the Series in seven games. Kent Hrbek career stats: .283 BA, 301 Ds, 18 Ts, 283 Hr, 869 Runs, 1033 RBI, 1,675 hits in 5918 at bats spanning 1,666 games, 770 Ks, 801 Walks. A fine .994 lifetime fielding average. Minnesota Twins History