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March 06, 2006
Hang In There, Kirby
Growing up in Minnesota and being a ballplayer and baseball nut, Kirby Puckett was one of my heroes. HIs infectious enthusiasm and seemingly constant good mood, not to mention his skills on the field and leadership qualities, made him not just everybody's favorite Twin, but one of the state's most popular figures. Even after some post-retirement revelations showed that our hero had human flaws just like everybody else, it was still hard not to feel a sense of residual heroism in the man. His election to the Hall of Fame on the first ballot came less for his total numbers (cut short with his career by glaucoma) than for his status as an ambassador for the game. It was an acknowledgement by Baseball that Puck had meant even more off the field than he did on it (where he led the Twins to two World Series championships in five years). And not even feet of clay revelations about his personal life could take that away.
Kirby Puckett suffered a stroke yesterday, and remains in critical condition in an Arizona hospital. He's only 44, and it's much too soon. Hang in there, Kirby. We're thinking of you.
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Comments
Unconfirmed rumors claim he is the first player to ever get over a million dollars a year.
Kirby meant so much to the entire organization, and was the main attraction for filling seats at the dome. I was at game 7 in '85, and can still remember game 6 in '91 when he homered in the bottom of 9 to force game 7 and the eventual WS win. It is probably my most memorable home run.
I think not only Twins fans but baseball fans in general found it a pleasure to watch KP steal a home run in center, and then hit one himself.
Seriously, my heart sunk when I read the news, I can't think of a bigger Icon in the Twins organization. I have no doubt that he wil be OK, and really hope he re-considers Gardy's request for him to do a little coaching.
Posted by: Cuzin Jose at March 6, 2006 06:12 PM
sorry, '87
typo.
Posted by: Cuzin Jose at March 6, 2006 06:15 PM
didnt you name your dog after him too?
Posted by: Cuzin Jose at March 6, 2006 06:19 PM
Cuzin Jose
Yes, Curmy did name Kirby after KP. And I can't think of a higher honor for either of them.
Posted by: curmymom at March 6, 2006 07:59 PM
Well, they just announced its official, Kirby is dead at age 44. Cant help gut get a lump in my throat...
Posted by: Cuzin Jose at March 6, 2006 08:38 PM
Nice tribute from a Twins fan/blogger here.
Posted by: Linkmeister at March 6, 2006 09:03 PM
Damn. Damn, damn, damn.
Posted by: Curmudgeon at March 6, 2006 09:56 PM
I seen that Kirby pasted away today. It is a sad day for baseball and his family. RIP Puckett!!
Posted by: Toby Barnett at March 6, 2006 11:43 PM
