Puckett's death a tremendous loss to baseball fans
Senior, Tim
Issue date: 3/13/06 Section: Letters
As I sit today and write, I find myself in a whirlwind of emotions. Recalling all the smiles and goosebumps shared over the years, I fight off the tears as I remember one of my biggest childhood idols.
A mere 10 years ago, his playing career was cut short when he was diagnosed with glaucoma. And now, four short years after his induction into Cooperstown, a stroke has all too soon ended the life of my beloved sports hero, Kirby Puckett.
Kirby was known for his achievements on and off the field. But more than anything, "Puck" was known for his smile, a smile that became the face of Minnesota sports for more than 12 years. With his 5'9" frame, Kirby had as big a heart as any professional ball player.
Off the field, Puckett donated large amounts of time and money to numerous charities throughout the Twin Cities and Chicago. Kirby was a selfless superstar among the overpaid, overhyped athletes that we see today.
Even in his retirement press conference, Puckett made sure to publicly forgive Dennis Martinez, the pitcher who unintentionally beaned him in the face during his last major league at bat. Kirby took all the credit for the accident, stating "I just want to say I love you (to Martinez). He didn't do it on purpose. I was hanging out over the plate cheating." (Fox Sports.com)
On the field, Kirby WAS baseball. Despite much controversy over his Hall Of Fame induction, Kirby, on his first try, was elected to Cooperstown in 2001. He entered the Hall as a 10-time All-Star (MVP in '93) and a six-time Gold Glove center fielder.
Kirby had many amazing, highlight-worthy plays in his 12- year career as a Minnesota Twin. In the final game of the 1987 World Series, Kirby went 2 for 4, driving in the game-winning run. And no one can forget his unbelievable performance in the '91 World Series. After trailing the Braves in the Series two games to three, "Puck" single-handedly brought the Twins back into contention.
After an awe-inspiring, leaping catch against the center field wall, Puckett forced extra innings in which he hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 11th. His game-winning, some would argue Series-winning, home run will go down in Minnesota sports history. Because of Kirby, the phrase "And we'll see you tomorrow night" has a separate meaning for all Twins fans.
After retirement, we watched as Kirby struggled through a divorce and sexual assault allegations. We watched as he tried to cope with the fact that he was unfairly cut short of an extended career in the MLB. We watched as the use and appearance of his eye deteriorated, along with his once athletic body. Yet, even with his all-but-human shortcomings, Kirby will forever be remember as "The center fielder, No. 34, Kir-by Puck-ett." Touch 'em all Puck … you truly did!
Tim Hoel
Senior
A mere 10 years ago, his playing career was cut short when he was diagnosed with glaucoma. And now, four short years after his induction into Cooperstown, a stroke has all too soon ended the life of my beloved sports hero, Kirby Puckett.
Kirby was known for his achievements on and off the field. But more than anything, "Puck" was known for his smile, a smile that became the face of Minnesota sports for more than 12 years. With his 5'9" frame, Kirby had as big a heart as any professional ball player.
Off the field, Puckett donated large amounts of time and money to numerous charities throughout the Twin Cities and Chicago. Kirby was a selfless superstar among the overpaid, overhyped athletes that we see today.
Even in his retirement press conference, Puckett made sure to publicly forgive Dennis Martinez, the pitcher who unintentionally beaned him in the face during his last major league at bat. Kirby took all the credit for the accident, stating "I just want to say I love you (to Martinez). He didn't do it on purpose. I was hanging out over the plate cheating." (Fox Sports.com)
On the field, Kirby WAS baseball. Despite much controversy over his Hall Of Fame induction, Kirby, on his first try, was elected to Cooperstown in 2001. He entered the Hall as a 10-time All-Star (MVP in '93) and a six-time Gold Glove center fielder.
Kirby had many amazing, highlight-worthy plays in his 12- year career as a Minnesota Twin. In the final game of the 1987 World Series, Kirby went 2 for 4, driving in the game-winning run. And no one can forget his unbelievable performance in the '91 World Series. After trailing the Braves in the Series two games to three, "Puck" single-handedly brought the Twins back into contention.
After an awe-inspiring, leaping catch against the center field wall, Puckett forced extra innings in which he hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 11th. His game-winning, some would argue Series-winning, home run will go down in Minnesota sports history. Because of Kirby, the phrase "And we'll see you tomorrow night" has a separate meaning for all Twins fans.
After retirement, we watched as Kirby struggled through a divorce and sexual assault allegations. We watched as he tried to cope with the fact that he was unfairly cut short of an extended career in the MLB. We watched as the use and appearance of his eye deteriorated, along with his once athletic body. Yet, even with his all-but-human shortcomings, Kirby will forever be remember as "The center fielder, No. 34, Kir-by Puck-ett." Touch 'em all Puck … you truly did!
Tim Hoel
Senior