Kirby Puckett: 1960-2006

[DoubleX]

Just saw on ESPN news that Kirby Puckett just passed away. Very sad. He was young and while he played, was a terrific symbol of what was great about the game.

[Joltin' Joe]

I am still in shock! I knew he had a stroke Sunday. I didn't know it was so serious. He was a great player and he will be missed.

Rest in Peace Kirby.

[KCGHOST]

I had to look for it but I found the same news flash. Deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and the Twins organization.

[Zito75]

R.I.P. Kirby Puckett. Godspeed.

[DoubleX]

I'm shocked too, and very saddened. I know there was all that stuff about him in the last few years, but my memories of him are playing ball, playing hard, and looking like he was enjoying every moment. My baseball cognizance developed during the 80s, when Kirby was emerging as a star. So I strongly associate him with my youthful fascination with baseball, and for me he stood for how the game was supposed to be both played and enjoyed.

[mojorisin71]

RIP, Kirby. Like I said on another thread, he was one of the first players I remember seeing and for him to go prematurely is a shock.

He will be missed.

[Astro]

I woke up this morning, turned on the TV (ESPN was on of course)... first thing I heard was he had a stroke and there was bleeding in his brain... figured he didnt have much time left after that

R.I.P.

[Chisox73]

I'm in total shock here.:(

I don't know what I can say that can make things much better.

He was one of my favorite players to watch.

My condolences to his family,and all Twins fans here.

May he rest in peace.

[Knick9]

Kirby was such a good player and a beloved icon to all Twins fans. I am just saddened to hear this news. :ughh :(

[Catfish27]

Kirby was a fantastic player, both at the plate and in the field, and was a joy to watch. Condolences to his family and loved ones.

[Solair Wright]

The Twins may have beat my Cards almost two decades ago, but now's not the time. Kirby Puckett was such a good person on the field, and he helped win a World Series, and now #34 is going to be honored. I wish the best of luck to his family and children...

KP
34

KIRBY PUCKETT: 1961-2006...thou wilt be missed.

[runningshoes]

Rest In Peace, Kirby.

[Guerrero Mad Man 2715]

I knew about the stroke and thought he'd live on. Listened to KSPN 710 this afternoon and I was in disbelief. Unbelievable. Rest in Peace Puck.

[Steven Bryant]

Read he passed at work today. Really sad. RIP Kirby.

Steve

[rockin500]

sad. very sad. an excellent player, with some very human flaws. Still, i choose to remember him with the twins and how much he meant to the twins franchise and its fans.

baseball lost one of its icons. :(

[VTSoxFan]

"...Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind..." -- John Donne.

Whatever his faults, he was human, and therefore I mourn him. I wish him peace.

[BasEbaLlKnoItAll]

Sad day in baseball. RIP Kirby.

[digglahhh]

Kirby was one of my boyhood favorites I remember watching both the '87 and '91 Series at my late father's house.

Remember those Little League baseball cards they grossly overcharge your parents for, well I have one of myself from 1990, when I was ten, and on the back under "Favorite Pro:" my response was Kirby Puckett.

[KHenry14]

I have a batting practice foul ball that Kirby hit to me that somehow is a little more special to me now.

No matter what the past few years were for Kirby, he can only be remembered for the way he played the game....few had more fun on the field than Kirby.

Thanks Kirby for the memories. RIP

KH14

[Ontarioguy]

Wow. I'm in total shock.

RIP Kirby.:(

[Edgartohof]

Lot's of prayers out to his family right now, and Kirby - you won't be forgotten.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Kirby...no!!!......:ughh

[ElCaminoSS]

Hey Giambi Juice, I bet this is the best news youve heard....all month, all year maybe.......well I bet you'll sleep well tonight thinking "the world will be better off without him" Shame on you

[Edgartohof]

Hey Giambi Juice, I bet this is the best news youve heard....all month, all year maybe.......well I bet you'll sleep well tonight thinking "the world will be better off without him" Shame on you

Come on, this isn't the time or the place.

[E.Banks#14]

It scares me to think that this man is younger than my mom. It's terrible for any person to die this young. This is a loss for all of baseball.

Is there some confusion about his birthdate? ESPN's title page (http://espn.go.com/) reads "Puckett Dead at 45" with the subtitle "1960-2006"? All the other articles are saying that he was 44 (born in 1961).

[MyDogSparty]

I just heard the news. How sad. Way too young. God rest his soul and bless his family.

[torez77]

A great player, a great teammate, and a great person. Kirby, you'll be missed.

[Elvis]

It scares me to think that this man is younger than my mom. It's terrible for any person to die this young. This is a loss for all of baseball.

Is there some confusion about his birthdate? ESPN's title page (http://espn.go.com/) reads "Puckett Dead at 45" with the subtitle "1960-2006"? All the other articles are saying that he was 44 (born in 1961).

The "confusion" is because his birthday is next week. :(

[GiambiJuice]

Hey Giambi Juice, I bet this is the best news youve heard....all month, all year maybe.......well I bet you'll sleep well tonight thinking "the world will be better off without him" Shame on you

Wah Wah Wah, he was a baseball player, nothing more. Don't make him out to be a better person than he was. I stand by everything I said.

[Brad Chadford]

My earliest world series memory is from 1989. Obviously I remember it not because of the baseball, but because the front page of my local paper had the headlines of the earthquake in San Fran. However, my earliest world series memory that has to do with what went on in the game is from 1991. Kirby's dinger in game 6 is what I remember and seeing the highlights to this day still gives me goosebumps.

RIP Kirby and thanks for the memories!

j

[Evangelion]

Rest in peace, Kirby Puckett.

Just shocking news taking into how young Kirby was. It's really a sad day for Twins fan and all fans of baseball.

[antihipster]

While everybody has said just about [almost] everything i would have said about Kirby, I was shocked about his passing. May he rest in peace.

Additionally, why talk trash about someone who has passed away? That is very disrespectful.

[Mattingly]

Hey Giambi Juice, I bet this is the best news youve heard....all month, all year maybe.......well I bet you'll sleep well tonight thinking "the world will be better off without him" Shame on you
Wah Wah Wah, he was a baseball player, nothing more. Don't make him out to be a better person than he was. I stand by everything I said.
Guys (and/or gals), let it rest.

Thanks.

[redlegsfan21]

Text of Kirby Puckett's Hall of Fame plaque in Cooperstown, N.Y.:

A proven team leader with an ever-present smile and infectious exuberance who led the Twins to World Series titles in 1987 and 1991. Over 12 seasons hit for power and average, batting .318 with 414 doubles, 207 home runs. Also a prolific run producer, scored 1,071 runs and drove in 1,085 in 1,783 games. A six-time Gold Glove winner who patrolled center field with elegance and style, routinely scaling outfield walls to take away home runs. The 10-time All-Stars career ended abruptly due to irreversible retina damage in his right eye.

Text of Kirby Puckett's Hall of Fame induction speech, Aug. 5, 2001:

"Before I get to a few words I have prepared, I would like to thank Commissioner Selig, the organizers here at the Hall of Fame, and all of these great players for being here with me today. Particularly my fellow inductees, Dave Winfield, Mr. Mazeroski, himself, and to the family of Hilton Smith. I am overwhelmed by the number of great fans who traveled all of the way from Minnesota or wherever you came from. You are the best.

I also see some of my former teammates out there. It's awesome that you guys took the time to be with me today. When I asked my family for advice about my talk today, they were quick to tell me to keep it short. So I will.

The only problem I have with that request is the time I need to thank all of the people who have helped me get here today. Because you don't get where I am today without help from a lot of people. I hope those I leave out will excuse me, but I want to thank the coaches who taught me the fundamentals of Baseball - Dewey Kalmier of Bradley University and Bob Simmons of Triton Jr. College, who also taught me some of the important fundamentals of life.

To Carl and Eloise Pohlad and the entire Minnesota Twins organization, as well as all of the many teammates I played with throughout my career, including my buddy Dave Winfield - I can't tell you what a joy it is to be inducted with a friend.

The tremendous guys I played against on all of the other teams. To Ron Washington, my first roommate - in those days we didn't any of those single rooms like guys have today - he was my big league father and he showed me the ropes as I broke in the big leagues. My manager and friend Tom Kelly, he led our teams to world championships and he hasn't lost his edge today. To my good friend, Tony Oliva, an awesome hitter who helped me to become a better hitter with his tremendous knowledge of this game. I hope to be here next year listening to you give your induction speech, Tony. I love you.

The amazing public address announcer voice of the Minnesota Twins, Bob Casey, who taught the world how to say my name. I also want to thank Ron Shapiro, Michael Maas, Brian Woods, and everyone at Shapiro, Robinson, and Associates. Ron, you are not only my agent, but one of my best friends. You have taught me so much about life and how to treat people, and I want you to know that I love and respect you very much, Ron, thank you so much.

To my mom and dad, and I'll talk more about them later. To my brother Ronnie, who's here. My sisters June, Frances and Jackie, all my sisters and brothers who followed my mom's orders to never let their little brother's clothes get dirty. I was cleanest kid in the ghetto.

And most importantly, my beautiful wife, Tonya who has been there with me through a lot of the highs and lows of my career. And who has taken such great care of my life's greatest blessings, my babies, Catherine and Kirby Jr. I love you Tonya, and thank you for all that you have done for me. And you'll always be there for me, and thanks for baby-sitting me for 16 years sweetie. I appreciate it. And to Catherine and Kirby, Jr. You will never know how much your daddy loves you.

I had a lot of help getting here today. I had some great role models along the way. My on-field heroes were the great Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, and Willie Mays. I wanted to be like them on the field and I am so damn proud to join them in the Hall of Fame.

My off-the-field heroes, the people who gave me the values to live by and who inspired me with their hard work and unselfish dedication to their family were my mom, Catherine, and my dad, William. My only regret is that they and my two brothers, Donnie and Spencer, could not be physically here today. I do know that they are here spiritually. And mom's probably looking down right now and thinking about all those spankings she gave me for hitting balls through neighbor's windows and breaking lamps and breaking everything in the house. I want to tell mom, well, Ma, I hope you can see now that it was worth it. Your little baby is going into the Hall of Fame.

There may be a few people out there who remember a time when the word on Kirby Puckett was that he was too short or didn't have enough power to make it to the big leagues. Well despite the fact that I didn't get to play all the years I wanted to, I did it.

And to any young person out there, if anyone tells you that you can't do what you want to do and be what you want to be. I wanted to play baseball ever since I was five years old. And I want you to remember the guiding principles of my life: You can be what you want to be. If you believe in yourself, and you work hard because anything, and I'm telling you anything is possible. It doesn't matter if you're 5'8" like Kirby Puckett or you're 6'6" like my man Winnie, you can do it.

And don't feel sorry for yourself if obstacles get in your way. Our great Twins World Series teams faced odds and we beat 'em. Jackie Robinson faced odds and made this game truly the national game.

And I faced odds when Glaucoma took the bat out of my hands. But I didn't give in or feel sorry for myself. I've said it before and I'll say it again: It may be cloudy in my right eye, but the sun is shining very brightly in my left eye.

And just think how the sun has shined. Right up to the door of this great Hall, the shrine for the greatest game in the world and the greatest players in the world, baseball.

We call it the national game because of its great and unique history. And it doesn't matter where you came from. From the projects like me, in Chicago, or the gated communities of Beverly Hills. And because it doesn't matter what race, creed or national origin you are: black, white, Hispanic, Japanese, or whatever. It just matters how you play the game. And I played it with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my might.

I played the game and tried to live my life in a way that would make the people that I love and care about proud. So, to my late parents, my two brothers who recently passed away, my remaining three brothers and sisters, all of my sisters and brother in laws, my mother in law, my nieces and nephews and all the many friends that I have. And most importantly, my wife Tonya and my children, Catherine and Kirby, Jr., I hope I have made you proud. I have been blessed with so much and so many to be thankful for. And I have been blessed to play the greatest game for the greatest fans in the world. And now I join the greatest players in the Hall of Fame. For all of this, I say Thank God and thank you. I love you all, thank you."

[Captain Cold Nose]

I popped a movie in after I got back from the gym. I had Sportscenter on, and there was a segment talking about Puckett and keeping him in your prayers.
The movie was 77 mintes long. Switch to the TV, first thing I see is the rolling ticker-Kirby Puckett dies at 44.
I thought he'd be ok. Preliminary reports were he'd pull through.
I had my top tier of favorites growing up, and adopted a couple players as I grew older and my players left the game. Puckett was one of them. Sad and shocking news.

[RuthMayBond]

It scares me to think that this man is younger than my mom. It's terrible for any person to die this young.Heck, he was almost younger than me

[Chris from NY]

When I was a kid I would always watch Blue Jays game with my dad. I knew most of the Blue Jays players back then but I didn't know any of the other team's players. Then in grade one, I think, I bought a book from the school book fair about the best players in baseball. Kirby was in the book. After that I always recognized him and liked to watch him play.
RIP Kirby. My condolences go out to anyone whose life was touched by Kirby Puckett

[Old Hoss Radbourn]

I was watching Olbermann last night and he broke back from commercial with the news. I have to admit, it brought a tear to my eye. A truly great baseball player. A guy who played the game the right way. And a guy who always had a smile on his face and seemed to make everyone around him happy. Kirby, you died way too young. :ughh

[Kdub Red Sox Fan 4Life]

Just checked on baseball-almanac. He was born 3-13-60 in Chicago. Died 3-06-06, 1 week shy of his 46th birthday. Much, much too young. RIP Mr. Puckett.

[west coast orange and black]

he was one of my dad's favorite players.
and my dad didn't really have all that many favorites.

*puckett bangin' hard into the plastic baggie to rob a double*

[E.Banks#14]

Just checked on baseball-almanac. He was born 3-13-60 in Chicago. Died 3-06-06, 1 week shy of his 46th birthday. Much, much too young. RIP Mr. Puckett.
Hmm... I checked the almanac last night when I posted my previous post and the birth year was 1961.

[Mattingly]

Hmm... I checked the almanac last night when I posted my previous post and the birth year was 1961.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/baseball/mlb/wires/03/07/2010.ap.bbo.obit.puckett.1018/
Puckett's birth date was frequently listed as March 14, 1961, but recent research by the Hall of Fame indicated he was born a year earlier.

http://baseball-reference.com/p/puckeki01.shtml
He's listed as being born in 1960. Here's what his page sponsor wrote of him:
Brian Hendrickson sponsor(s) this page.

Remember that 6 for 6 game (in which he also robbed Yount of a GS) against the Brewers in late August of '87? The greatest performance I've ever seen on the diamond. One of the finest gentlemen ever to don a Major League uniform. RIP Kirby!!

[AMG]

Very sad to see someone die so young.

R.I.P. Kirby.

[CuriousBoston]

Text of Kirby Puckett's Hall of Fame plaque in Cooperstown, N.Y.:

A proven team leader with an ever-present smile and infectious exuberance who led the Twins to World Series titles in 1987 and 1991. Over 12 seasons hit for power and average, batting .318 with 414 doubles, 207 home runs. Also a prolific run producer, scored 1,071 runs and drove in 1,085 in 1,783 games. A six-time Gold Glove winner who patrolled center field with elegance and style, routinely scaling outfield walls to take away home runs. The 10-time All-Stars career ended abruptly due to irreversible retina damage in his right eye.

Text of Kirby Puckett's Hall of Fame induction speech, Aug. 5, 2001:

"Before I get to a few words I have prepared, I would like to thank Commissioner Selig, the organizers here at the Hall of Fame, and all of these great players for being here with me today. Particularly my fellow inductees, Dave Winfield, Mr. Mazeroski, himself, and to the family of Hilton Smith. I am overwhelmed by the number of great fans who traveled all of the way from Minnesota or wherever you came from. You are the best.

I also see some of my former teammates out there. It's awesome that you guys took the time to be with me today. When I asked my family for advice about my talk today, they were quick to tell me to keep it short. So I will.

The only problem I have with that request is the time I need to thank all of the people who have helped me get here today. Because you don't get where I am today without help from a lot of people. I hope those I leave out will excuse me, but I want to thank the coaches who taught me the fundamentals of Baseball - Dewey Kalmier of Bradley University and Bob Simmons of Triton Jr. College, who also taught me some of the important fundamentals of life.

To Carl and Eloise Pohlad and the entire Minnesota Twins organization, as well as all of the many teammates I played with throughout my career, including my buddy Dave Winfield - I can't tell you what a joy it is to be inducted with a friend.

The tremendous guys I played against on all of the other teams. To Ron Washington, my first roommate - in those days we didn't any of those single rooms like guys have today - he was my big league father and he showed me the ropes as I broke in the big leagues. My manager and friend Tom Kelly, he led our teams to world championships and he hasn't lost his edge today. To my good friend, Tony Oliva, an awesome hitter who helped me to become a better hitter with his tremendous knowledge of this game. I hope to be here next year listening to you give your induction speech, Tony. I love you.

The amazing public address announcer voice of the Minnesota Twins, Bob Casey, who taught the world how to say my name. I also want to thank Ron Shapiro, Michael Maas, Brian Woods, and everyone at Shapiro, Robinson, and Associates. Ron, you are not only my agent, but one of my best friends. You have taught me so much about life and how to treat people, and I want you to know that I love and respect you very much, Ron, thank you so much.

To my mom and dad, and I'll talk more about them later. To my brother Ronnie, who's here. My sisters June, Frances and Jackie, all my sisters and brothers who followed my mom's orders to never let their little brother's clothes get dirty. I was cleanest kid in the ghetto.

And most importantly, my beautiful wife, Tonya who has been there with me through a lot of the highs and lows of my career. And who has taken such great care of my life's greatest blessings, my babies, Catherine and Kirby Jr. I love you Tonya, and thank you for all that you have done for me. And you'll always be there for me, and thanks for baby-sitting me for 16 years sweetie. I appreciate it. And to Catherine and Kirby, Jr. You will never know how much your daddy loves you.

I had a lot of help getting here today. I had some great role models along the way. My on-field heroes were the great Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, and Willie Mays. I wanted to be like them on the field and I am so damn proud to join them in the Hall of Fame.

My off-the-field heroes, the people who gave me the values to live by and who inspired me with their hard work and unselfish dedication to their family were my mom, Catherine, and my dad, William. My only regret is that they and my two brothers, Donnie and Spencer, could not be physically here today. I do know that they are here spiritually. And mom's probably looking down right now and thinking about all those spankings she gave me for hitting balls through neighbor's windows and breaking lamps and breaking everything in the house. I want to tell mom, well, Ma, I hope you can see now that it was worth it. Your little baby is going into the Hall of Fame.

There may be a few people out there who remember a time when the word on Kirby Puckett was that he was too short or didn't have enough power to make it to the big leagues. Well despite the fact that I didn't get to play all the years I wanted to, I did it.

And to any young person out there, if anyone tells you that you can't do what you want to do and be what you want to be. I wanted to play baseball ever since I was five years old. And I want you to remember the guiding principles of my life: You can be what you want to be. If you believe in yourself, and you work hard because anything, and I'm telling you anything is possible. It doesn't matter if you're 5'8" like Kirby Puckett or you're 6'6" like my man Winnie, you can do it.

And don't feel sorry for yourself if obstacles get in your way. Our great Twins World Series teams faced odds and we beat 'em. Jackie Robinson faced odds and made this game truly the national game.

And I faced odds when Glaucoma took the bat out of my hands. But I didn't give in or feel sorry for myself. I've said it before and I'll say it again: It may be cloudy in my right eye, but the sun is shining very brightly in my left eye.

And just think how the sun has shined. Right up to the door of this great Hall, the shrine for the greatest game in the world and the greatest players in the world, baseball.

We call it the national game because of its great and unique history. And it doesn't matter where you came from. From the projects like me, in Chicago, or the gated communities of Beverly Hills. And because it doesn't matter what race, creed or national origin you are: black, white, Hispanic, Japanese, or whatever. It just matters how you play the game. And I played it with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my might.

I played the game and tried to live my life in a way that would make the people that I love and care about proud. So, to my late parents, my two brothers who recently passed away, my remaining three brothers and sisters, all of my sisters and brother in laws, my mother in law, my nieces and nephews and all the many friends that I have. And most importantly, my wife Tonya and my children, Catherine and Kirby, Jr., I hope I have made you proud. I have been blessed with so much and so many to be thankful for. And I have been blessed to play the greatest game for the greatest fans in the world. And now I join the greatest players in the Hall of Fame. For all of this, I say Thank God and thank you. I love you all, thank you."

Too young to die, a life well lived. Induction into HOF, 2001. I'm glad he was able to make that speech. RIP, Kirby. Join the eternal baseball game..