Kent Hrbek Biography

Kent Alan Hrbek, born May 21, 1960, is an American former Major League Baseball first baseman known as "Herbie." He spent his entire 14-year career with the Minnesota Twins from 1981 to 1994. Drafted in the 17th round of the 1978 MLB draft, he hit 47 home runs and batted .318 in 253 minor league games. Hrbek made his major league debut on August 24, 1981, at Yankee Stadium, hitting a game-winning home run in the 12th inning. After a brief 1981 appearance, he secured a spot on the team and performed strongly in 1982 under manager Billy Gardner. Though the Twins posted a 60–102 record, Hrbek helped form the core of the 1987 World Series championship team. In 1984, he hit .311 with 27 home runs, 107 RBI, and 174 hits, achieving his highest offensive totals.