Jon Buck
KFAN.com

Kirby Puckett was so much more than a baseball player. As a high school player, Puckett showed no measurable baseball skills. He left Bradley University in 1980, leaving baseball behind.

Puckett was no quitter. Determined to make his dream last, Puckett went to Triton (in Illinois) to give baseball one more chance. Puckett’s hard work paid off and the Minnesota Twins drafted him in the first round of the 1982 draft.

Puckett shined during his two years in the Twins minor leagues. He was called up to the majors on May 8th, 1984. In his first full game against the California Angels, Puckett became the 9th player to record four hits in his first game.

Ten times he was an All-Star, and six times a gold glove winner. The stat that impresses me most about this legend was 12 seasons with the Twins. Puckett had opportunities to leave for more money. Loyalty was a word synonymous with Puckett.

The Twins won the World Series in 1987. Puckett batted a gigantic .357, to lead the Twins over the Saint Louis Cardinals. In 1988 the Twins finished second in their division to the Oakland Athletics. From there the Twins record slowly declined. In 1990 the Twins finished last in their division.

During those years Puckett had his best statistical years. 24 homeruns in 1988, and a batting title in 1989, Puckett showed no signs of slowing down. Then came that magical season in 1991.

Puckett carried the Twins through the season and overtook the Athletics for the division lead. The Twins faced the favored Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Championships. Puckett lead the Twins over the Jays with a .429 batting average, two homeruns, and six runs batted in.

The World Series in 1991 featured two cellar-dwellers from the previous year. The Atlanta Braves held a 3-to-2 game advantage. Game six went to extra innings. In the 11th, Kirby walked to home plate for his turn at bat.

I remember Charlie Leibrandt was pitching. My brothers were all sitting on the couch in our basement. My brother Matt, the biggest Twins fan in the world said, “Puckett ends it right here.” The next thing we remember was Jack Buck’s legendary quote, “And we’ll see you tomorrow night.”

Everyone knows how it turned out. Jack Morris pitches the 10-inning gem to win game seven. Puckett was intentionally walked three times. The game ended when Gene Larkin drove Dan Gladden in.

The 1991 season was hailed as the highlight of Puckett’s playing career. The Twins’ record started to slip, but Puckett continued to perform. In 1994, Puckett led the league with 112 runs batted in. Puckett continued to shine in 1995 until Dennis Martinez broke his jaw with a fastball. Fully recuperated, Puckett arrived at spring training ready to play. After having a excellent spring batting .360, Puckett woke on March 28th, unable to see from his right eye.

Puckett was diagnosed with glaucoma and had several surgeries to attempt to correct his vision. On July 26th, Puckett was forced to retire from the game he loved. He stayed close with the Twins and had his number retired in 1997. In 2001, Puckett was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on his first ballot.

In 2002, Puckett was tried and acquitted on charges of groping a woman in a restroom. The public trial took its toll on Puckett and his family, contributing to Puckett’s divorce. This once very public superstar withdrew from the limelight.

Even after his death, Puckett continues to give. His family shared Puckett’s request to be an organ donor. Puckett was a hero to many, and an icon to all. He is the face associated with Minnesota baseball. He was a father, a teacher, a teammate, a legend, and a friend. There will never be another Kirby Puckett.

Puckett had two children, Catherine and Kirby Jr. Baseball fans everywhere will miss Puckett. Perhaps Puckett said it best, "Don't take anything for granted, because tomorrow is not promised to any of us."

Touch em all Kirby Puckett. #34