Today the sporting world lost a great one. Kirby Puckett passed away today at the age of 45, a day after suffering a stroke. He passed away at a hospital near his home in Arizona.
Kirby Puckett was the face of the Twins for over a decade. He led them to two world series championships, in 1987 and 1991. It was the '91 series where he made his mark and became one of the elites in baseball history. Down three games to two in the series, Puckett came into the clubhouse before game six and told his teammates "Guys, I just have one announcement to make: You guys should jump on my back tonight. I'm going to carry us." And carry them he did. In the first inning, Puckett tripled home a run and then scored himself. In the third, Puckett robbed Rob Gant of a home run with a leaping grab in center field. He put the Twings ahead briefly in the seventh with a sac fly. And, with the eyes of the nation on him, and the game tied in the bottom of the 11th, Puckett sent a soaring drive into the left-centerfield seats. The Twins went on to win the series in the seventh game (behind one of the greatest pitching performances ever in a World Series by Jack Morris...the 10 inning shutout), but Kirby's sixth game heroics put him on the same postseason level as the Yankee greats of the 20s and 50s. However, this was only part of who he was.
Kirby Puckett was not only a great player, but he was also a great person. Never has anyone played with such exuberance or pure joy of the game. He was a clubhouse leader as much for his great attitude as he was for his skill. Players loved to be around him, and he made everyone better just for being around him. He played the game with heart. He played the game how it should be played. He was a joy to watch, and a joy to be around. This 10 time all-star was one of the kindest people to ever play the game. Not exactly the "superstar" we are used to these days (*cough*barry bonds*cough*). He was a superstar on and off the field, and he is remembered for both his great play and amazing attitude.
He was forced to retire in 1996 because of a case of glaucoma that left him mostly blind in one eye. An unceremonious end to a great career. This really hit Kirby hard...he was no longer able to play the game he loved. After his retirement, things didn't go so well for Mr. Puckett. His then wife accused him of threatening to kill her during an argument, which he denied. He was later accused of sexual assault of a woman at a suburban Twin Cities restaurant. Charges were eventually dropped, but his image was tainted by these accusations. He kept a low profile after these events, and his life spun out of control. He drank a lot more and put on a lot of weight. But he remained upbeat in his life, and always remained the kind guy we remember from his playing days.
When remembering this great man, I like to look back on his playing days. How great he played and how kind he acted. He really was a ballplayer kids could look up to. In a time when baseball sorely needs players kids can look up to, this is a tragic loss. Kirby will be missed by millions of fans the world over. I just hope he's found peace... and a new baseball field to play on.
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