Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Is the MLB logo truly based on Harmon Killebrew?

As we all know, the NBA logo with its silhouetted basketball player was based upon the form of one of the NBA's greatest basketball players, Jerry West.  As you can see, the 14-time NBA All-Star and NBA Champion for the LA Lakers has the characteristics that has symbolized the NBA of the 1960-70's.

But how about the silhouette of the MLB logo?  Popular convention and multiple internet searches suggest that the player in question on the MLB logo is Harmon Killebrew.

MLB has neither confirmed nor denied that claim.

An article on ESPN sheds some light on the subject.  According to Paul Lukas, Jerry Dior helped to design the logo for the league and states that he did not choose any specific person to model his design after.

Nonetheless, hardcore Killebrew fans still feel he is the model for logo.  One picture they have submitted comes from a 1963 Twins Yearbook which in reverse looks like the logo.

However, it can be said that any baseball player can have a similar stance if a picture were taken at the right angle.

So where does that leave you - the trivia obsessed fan.....well, I have no good answer.  If you want to score points, answer Harmon Killebrew, but know that this is likely a baseball urban legend that has gone awry.


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