Kent Hrbek, a former American Major League Baseball first baseman, recently ended his marriage to Jeanie Hrbek after more than 30 years. His divorce was unexpected, but he has since moved on and is currently in a relationship with Kristen Thoen. Interestingly, Kristen was unaware of Kent’s fame as a baseball player when they first met. Kent Alan Hrbek, also known as “Herbie,” had a successful career as a first baseman in American Major League Baseball.
He was born on May 21, 1960, and attended Kennedy High School in Bloomington, Minnesota. Hrbek was picked in the 17th round of the 1978 Major League Baseball draft by his hometown Minnesota Twins. He played for 14 years with the Twins, from 1981 to 1994. On April 3, 1982, during an exhibition game against the Phillies, Hrbek hit the first home run in the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, a significant achievement for his team.
Former Twins pitcher Jim Kaat praised Hrbek as the best fielding first baseman. Additionally, Hrbek was an All-Star in 1982 and contributed to the Twins’ World Series victories in 1987 and 1991. Hrbek retired after the 1994 player strike to avoid recurring injuries and spend more time with his family in Bloomington, Minnesota.
Kent Herbek’s Marital Relationship
Kent Hrbek, the former Major League Baseball player, experienced a significant personal change. Kent and Jeanie Hrbek had been married since November 30, 1985, and have a child together. Kent’s surprising divorce after over 30 years of marriage led to him finding a new girlfriend, Kristen Thoen, who initially had no knowledge of Kent’s baseball career. The couple has been getting to know each other better by spending quality time together and going on dates.
Hrbek, a well-known personality, prefers to keep his personal life private and has not confirmed his marital status with Kristen Thoen. However, it is known that he has created a baseball-themed area at his Bloomington home for relaxation with Ms. Thoen. Despite facing personal challenges, Hrbek has found happiness with his current partner while continuing to be a prominent public figure and former baseball star.
Kent Herbrek’s Other Involvements
Kent is an avid Minnesota hunter, fisherman, and the former host of KMSP-TV’s Kent Hrbek Outdoors show. He endorses Carrier Heating and Air Conditioning products and has baseball fields named after him in Bloomington. Hrbek’s father passed away from ALS in 1982, leading him to champion ALS research through awareness and fundraising efforts.
He hosts an annual charity golf event and participates in the Black Woods Blizzard Tour, a snowmobile adventure to raise funds for ALS research. Hrbek was honored with the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award in 1991 for his contributions to combating the illness.