Minneapolis (August 20, 2012) --- Join the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) along with Nita Killebrew and some of Harmons Killebrews closest friends and former Twins, Paul Molitor, Tony Oliva and Frank Quilici, as they celebrate and dedicate the grand opening of the newly renovated Harmon Killebrew Field on Thursday, Aug. 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Pearl Park.

We are proud to have a baseball field named after one of baseballs best, Harmon Killebrew, said Bob Fine, MPRB Commissioner. Harmon and the Twins have done so much to bring baseball and kids together over the years and its great that his legacy lives on through projects like this.

Improvements to the field, located at 414 East Diamond Lake Road, appear as prodigious as Harmon Killebrews baseball career. The field has been transformed with new dugouts, a batting cage, bullpen and scoreboard featuring Harmon Killebrews name and iconic No. 3. Funding for the field renovation was provided by a 2011 Hennepin Youth Sports Program grant for $225,000 and $75,000 from the MPRB. The field at Pearl Park is the first to be named after the Hall of Famer in Minneapolis, home of the Twins.

The new field is a wonderful amenity for the community, said Carol Kummer, MPRB Fifth Park District Commissioner. The Park Board greatly appreciates the support this project has received from Hennepin County, the Killebrew Foundation, the Pearl Recreation and Improvement Council (PIRC), and Washburn High School.

On July 18, 2012, the Park Board approved the name change of Pearl Park Field No. 1 to Harmon Killebrew Field to recognize the support provided by the Minnesota Twins and to honor Harmon Killebrew, who passed away in May 2011. He was a role model to youth in Minneapolis during his 22-year baseball career as a Minnesota Twin and demonstrated a lifetime of sportsmanship, work ethic and kindness.

Harmon would be thrilled and honored to have this field named for him, said Nita Killebrew, Harmon Killebrews wife. Promoting baseball, whether for children with special gifts, or youth and adults, was the passion of his heart! Harmon always felt fortunate to be able to do something he loved for a living and hopefully this field will help turn out more Harmon Killebrews, Tony Olivas, Frank Quilicis and Paul Molitors. As Harmon's family members, we realize how blessed we were and how fortunate we still are to be surrounded by people who loved him as much as we did and we are so honored for this great gift!

Harmon Killebrews storied career included 13 trips to the American League All-Star Game, the 1969 American League Most Valuable Player award, and plenty of hitting power, with 573 career home runs. In 1984, Killebrew was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The Aug. 23 grand opening celebration begins with a barbecue and face painting for kids hosted by PIRC, followed by a field dedication ceremony and a baseball game played between Pearl Duck and Pearl Pilots 18U teams. During the dedication ceremony, Marcus V. Lee, a junior at Washburn High School and member of the schools Section 4AA Champion baseball team, will perform the national anthem. Nita Killebrew will throw out the ceremonial first pitch alongside Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin. Oliva and Quilici highlight the events guest speakers.

The new Harmon Killebrew Field will serve as home to the Washburn High School baseball team and several sports league teams in the area.

About the Harmon Killebrew Foundation

The Harmon Killebrew Foundation Ltd was founded in 1998 by Harmon and Nita Killebrew. A 501(c) 3 organization, the Harmon Killebrew Foundation exists to bring Harmons joy of baseball to children. www.HarmonKillebrewFoundation.org.

About the Hennepin County Youth Sports Program

The Hennepin Youth Sports Program awards capital grants to build, repair, renovate or expand youth sports facilities in Hennepin County. Since 2009, more than $9 million in Youth Sports grants have been distributed to 54 capital projects and 16 equipment and small asset projects, including multi-purpose fields, soccer fields, baseball fields, playgrounds, lighting, tennis courts, and more!

About the Pearl Improvement and Recreation Council (PIRC)

The Pearl Improvement and Recreation Council (PIRC) is an all-volunteer nonprofit corporation organized to provide recreational and educational opportunities for young people of the Pearl Park area, and to support the improvement and expansion of the facilities at Pearl Park.

About the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

Approximately 5,000 youth play in the MPRBs baseball and soccer programs and countless organized groups and other neighborhood youth use MPRB athletic fields. Annually, an estimated 903 volunteer coaches devoted their time and leadership to MPRB youth sports. With 197 park properties totaling 6,744 acres of land and water, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board provides places and recreation opportunities for all people to gather, celebrate, contemplate, and engage in activities that promote health, well-being, community, and the environment.

CONTACT: Dawn Sommers, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, 612-230-6407

Molly Mulvehill Steinke, Nemer Fieger/Harmon Killebrew Foundation, 612-309-1677

Robin Smothers, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, 612-230-6410, 763-370-7347

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