Death of a sports legend
I’ll admit, this news hit me pretty hard. I have been going through some rough times in my life the past two months and the passing of my favorite baseball player of all time did not help matters that much. Kirby was the quintessential baseball player. He loved the game, he was loyal, he gave 100% every time, and he played with a smile. At theMetrodome, Kirby would be introduced by the now late Bob Casey as “The center fielder, number 34, Kirbyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Puckett!” Casey later revealed that he introduced him like that because that is how Kirby’s mother used to call him home when he was young.
Kirby will be best known for his Game 6 home run in the 11th inning of the 1991 World Series vs. the Atlanta Braves. Kirby, in the pregame, had told his players “guys jump on my back, I’m gonna carry you tonight.” And that he did. In the3rd inning he stole a sure double as he leaped against Minnesota’s plexiglass outfield wall and caught a Ron Gant fly ball. And in the 11th inning, tied at 3 to 3 Kirby delivered the blow that sent the Twins to Game 7 of the 1991 World Series.
Kirby’s career was cut short though after 12 years as glaucoma took his site in his right eye in 1996.
Puckett was inducted as a first ballot hall offamer in 1991 along with his one time teammate Dave Winfield in 2003.
Puckett will also be known for some problems he had off the field. Puckett was arrested after allegedly groping a woman in a bar restroom on September 5, 2002. He was acquitted of all criminal charges, but following this publicity and trial, allegations of womanizing and other emotional and physical abuse against Puckett surfaced, and he and his wife Tonya divorced. Since these problems, Puckett has largely withdrawn from public appearances. Which is a shame because Kirby Puckett is the Minnesota Twins. TheMetrodome, where the Twins play, is at 34 Kirby Puckett Place.
While the news of Kirby’s passing will fade in the next couple days, this will always be a tough day for me. My only sports hero has now passed on.
Rest in Piece Kirby.
The Comments
Mr. Wilson March 7, 2006 at 7:28am
Thanks for the tribute, D.M.B.