For the kids out there, his last name is pronounced HER-beck.

I seem to remember him crying over not getting the ROY award in '82. Did he think 1B was a tough position to defend and that he wasn't playing in a hitters park?

tough crowd.
He was just another "good player, no sabrmetrician".

Born in Minneapolis. Norm Cash to Kirby's Al Kaline. As of the second championship, it seemed likely (at least from a distance) that he would play longer than Cash but no; it ended quickly for a player of his quality without a debilitating injury. Maybe the dip to 132 games played was a sign.

Slant rhymes with Grbac....

In my book, mostly known for grabbing Ron Gant's belt in the 1991 World Series. It was a classic 90s moment....1890s!

tough crowd.
He was just another "good player, no sabrmetrician".

I didn't have a problem with him thinking he was the best rookie that year, only that he thought it was without question, Paul.

I think he had a better first half in '82 but Ripken came on strong as the season went on.

My favorite memories of watching batting practice are of Kent Hrbek filling the upper deck in both Tiger Stadium and Yankee Stadium.

I seem to remember him crying over not getting the ROY award in '82. Did he think 1B was a tough position to defend and that he wasn't playing in a hitters park?

Nope, he complained about being snubbed for the All-Star Game in 1984 and vowed to never go again. Then, the Twins who made the teams in the late-80's would write messages to him on the palms of their batting gloves which they would wave at the camera when all the players were introduced.

Nope, he complained about being snubbed for the All-Star Game in 1984 and vowed to never go again.

I also remember that, Will, but there he had a point (though I personally don't like voting in rookies to the All-Star game). But I still remember a big brouhaha over the ROY.

He grabbed Gant's belt?

I don't think so. I'd have to see that. Maybe it's on You-Tube? If it isn't, it should be. But grabbed his belt? Until I see it, I'd say, NO WAY. He just slapped a hard tag on him and it knocked Gant off the bag. Absolutely legal all the way. The ump said so.

As to RoY, halfway or more through the season it was the best rookie race ever, and Hrbie had a damn good argument. The last month all went the other way, however. He didn't have a case. I don't remember it being "big brouhaha," but I remember he whined a bit.

Over-rated at times when active. Nearly forgotten now outside of Minny. Now very much underrated. He was not always fat.

The last month all went the other way, however. He didn't have a case. I don't remember it being "big brouhaha," but I remember he whined a bit.

That's what I meant, Marc. I didn't mean to imply that it was bigger than it really was.

See, fat guys CAN have good gloves.

Just ran the numbers - Hrbek is strikingly similar to Bob Watson. Just barely in the consideration set.