Twins legend Puckett dies after stroke

[BlackSnake]

Puckett died at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix. He had been in intensive care since having surgery at another hospital following his stroke Sunday morning.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Kirby Puckett died Monday, a day after the Hall of Fame outfielder had a stroke at his Arizona home. He was 45.

 

[lucky-E-leven]

Damn! That totally bums me out.
I have wonderful memories of trekking out to Rangers games as a kid and we always tried to go when the Twins were playing. We sat out in center field on several occasions and he was the nicest guy. He'd often toss a bunk ball our way or come and chat with us during field switch and pitching warm up. We affectionately deemed him 'bubble butt'. He was a real crowd pleaser and an all around good ball player.

 

[Belegon]

Kirby was a class act who showed you didn't have to have the classically sculpted body; just desire, a little talent and a sheer love of the game.

R.I.P. Kirby...I'm glad I got to see you play and wish I could have met you...

 

[Boxlicker101]

His passing was a real loss. Besides being a great ball player, he was a really swell guy and a credit to the game.

 

[MasterPhoenix]

Rip Kirby Puckett, a hell of a ball player and an all around good guy.

 

[Colleen Thomas]

He was a great ball player and a great ambassador for the game. Oneof those good guys who wasn't overshadowed by the attitude cases who so often get the press in pro sports.

 

[Huckleman2000]

I lived in Minneapolis during the early part of his career (moved away in August '87 right before the first World Series). He single-handedly saved the Twins after the disaster that was the Metrodome. What a weird place to watch a baseball game! Still, it was easy to get to, and Kirby was always fun to watch. Like a fire hydrant playing center field.

I haven't really followed a World Series since 1991. Kirby's heroics in Game 6, and Black Jack Morris going 10 innings to win 1-0 in the seventh. I can't imagine I've missed a better Series since then.

 

[Lucifer_Carroll]

Shite, he was one of those true baseball legends. Faithful to his home team despite their record, a lover of the game for the game, and a good player without an ego problem. One of the last greats from a dying generation of baseball players who made it a sport worth loving rather than a frightening metaphor for how money can corrupt the American dream.

I for one will miss him.

 

[Lord DragonsWing]

I've missed watching Kirby play since he had to retire in 96 due to glaucoma. He is one of the all-time greats. He's going to be sorely missed in the baseball community. I wish his family and fans the best.