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This is sad and scary at the same time. He's younger than I am. RIP Kirby.
Hall of Fame OF Kirby Puckett dies at 44
March 6, 2006
PHOENIX (Ticker) - Hall of Fame outfielder Kirby Puckett died Monday afternoon of complications from a stroke. He was 44.
Puckett underwent neurosurgery Sunday and was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, where he died.
"This is a sad day for the Minnesota Twins, Major League Baseball and baseball fans everywhere," Twins owner Carl Pohlad said in a statement. "Kirby's impact on the Twins organization, state of Minnesota and the upper midwest is significant and goes well beyond his role in helping the Twins win two world championships.
"A tremendous teammate, Kirby will always be remembered for his never-ending hustle, infectious personality, trademark smile and commitment to the community. There will never be another 'Puck.'"
A 10-time All-Star and six-time Gold Glove winner as a center fielder, Puckett suffered the stroke Sunday morning at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was transported to Scottsdale Memorial Hospital, then airlifted to Scottsdale Osborne Hospital, where he underwent surgery.
Perhaps the most popular player in franchise history, Puckett played his entire career with the Twins (1984-95) and led them to World Series titles in 1987 and 1991.
Puckett announced his retirement in July 1996 due to an eye injury and had his No. 34 formally retired by the team in May 1997.
Despite having his career cut short by irreversible retina damage to his right eye, Puckett was inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2001.
"This is a sad and tragic day for the Baseball Hall of Fame," Hall of Fame chairman Jane Forbes Clark said. "He was an incredibly productive player from the moment he joined the Twins until his last at-bat 12 years later. When you remember Kirby, you think of the joy and optimism he brought to the ballpark every day, and into the lives of everyone who knew him. He was, in every sense of the term, a Hall of Famer. We will miss Kirby greatly."
After receiving baseball's highest honor, Puckett's personal life took a downward turn. His ex-wife, Tonya, alleged that he abused her. In 2003, he was acquitted of three charges stemming from an alleged assault of a woman at a restaurant.
Fun-loving as a player, the pudgy 5-6 Puckett was a lifetime .318 hitter with 207 home runs and 1,085 RBI. He retired as the Twins' all-time leader in hits (2,304), doubles (414), total bases (3,453), at-bats (7,244) and runs (1,071).
Puckett was selected to 10 consecutive All-Star Games from 1986-95 and won five Silver Slugger Awards.
Also one of baseball's great community leaders, Puckett won the Roberto Clemente Man of the Year award in 1996.
Puckett made an immediate impact with the Twins, becoming just the ninth player in major league history to collect four hits in his first game on May 8, 1984.
He went on to collect numerous big hits in his career, including the game-winning home run in the bottom of the 11th inning in Game Six of the 1991 World Series against the Atlanta Braves.
Puckett is survived by his daughter Catherine, son Kirby Jr. and his fiancee Jodi Olson and her son Cameron.
Updated on Monday, Mar 6, 2006 8:59 pm EST
Hall of Fame OF Kirby Puckett dies at 44
March 6, 2006
PHOENIX (Ticker) - Hall of Fame outfielder Kirby Puckett died Monday afternoon of complications from a stroke. He was 44.
Puckett underwent neurosurgery Sunday and was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, where he died.
"This is a sad day for the Minnesota Twins, Major League Baseball and baseball fans everywhere," Twins owner Carl Pohlad said in a statement. "Kirby's impact on the Twins organization, state of Minnesota and the upper midwest is significant and goes well beyond his role in helping the Twins win two world championships.
"A tremendous teammate, Kirby will always be remembered for his never-ending hustle, infectious personality, trademark smile and commitment to the community. There will never be another 'Puck.'"
A 10-time All-Star and six-time Gold Glove winner as a center fielder, Puckett suffered the stroke Sunday morning at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was transported to Scottsdale Memorial Hospital, then airlifted to Scottsdale Osborne Hospital, where he underwent surgery.
Perhaps the most popular player in franchise history, Puckett played his entire career with the Twins (1984-95) and led them to World Series titles in 1987 and 1991.
Puckett announced his retirement in July 1996 due to an eye injury and had his No. 34 formally retired by the team in May 1997.
Despite having his career cut short by irreversible retina damage to his right eye, Puckett was inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2001.
"This is a sad and tragic day for the Baseball Hall of Fame," Hall of Fame chairman Jane Forbes Clark said. "He was an incredibly productive player from the moment he joined the Twins until his last at-bat 12 years later. When you remember Kirby, you think of the joy and optimism he brought to the ballpark every day, and into the lives of everyone who knew him. He was, in every sense of the term, a Hall of Famer. We will miss Kirby greatly."
After receiving baseball's highest honor, Puckett's personal life took a downward turn. His ex-wife, Tonya, alleged that he abused her. In 2003, he was acquitted of three charges stemming from an alleged assault of a woman at a restaurant.
Fun-loving as a player, the pudgy 5-6 Puckett was a lifetime .318 hitter with 207 home runs and 1,085 RBI. He retired as the Twins' all-time leader in hits (2,304), doubles (414), total bases (3,453), at-bats (7,244) and runs (1,071).
Puckett was selected to 10 consecutive All-Star Games from 1986-95 and won five Silver Slugger Awards.
Also one of baseball's great community leaders, Puckett won the Roberto Clemente Man of the Year award in 1996.
Puckett made an immediate impact with the Twins, becoming just the ninth player in major league history to collect four hits in his first game on May 8, 1984.
He went on to collect numerous big hits in his career, including the game-winning home run in the bottom of the 11th inning in Game Six of the 1991 World Series against the Atlanta Braves.
Puckett is survived by his daughter Catherine, son Kirby Jr. and his fiancee Jodi Olson and her son Cameron.
Updated on Monday, Mar 6, 2006 8:59 pm EST
