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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Hall of Fame slugger Harmon Killebrew says he has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

Killebrew released a statement through the Minnesota Twins on Thursday saying that he is receiving treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

The 74-year-old calls his condition "very serious," but says he expects to make a full recovery.

Killebrew hit 573 home runs and made 11 All-Star appearances during his 22-year career spent mostly with the Washington Senators and Twins. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984 and was fifth on the career home run list when he retired in 1975.

Killebrew currently ranks 11th on the homer list.

(This versionc orrects retirement to 1975.)