Kirby Puckett, Goodbye

by John Sickels on Mar 6, 2006 10:12 PM EST in News Comment 11 comments

Hi. This is Jeri, for John, who is visiting his family in Des Moines.

This is a sad day for baseball fans, and family of Mr. Puckett.

I know John agrees with me when I say that we should be happy for Kirby in that he didn't have to suffer a long time, and be a live without living.

Lots of things have been said, and will be said in the coming days about the man Kirby was, and the man it seems he became in his final years.

It certainly seems that he lost his way after his forced retirement. The scandals that followed Puckett in his final years on the personal level unfortunately can't help but detract from the way we remember him. Those scandals can't be forgotten, nor should they be.

However, nothing could ever detract from what he did for the game of baseball while he played it. He played with fun and grace.

I hope that despite the damage he caused to himself and others, Kirby will also be remembered as someone who truly loved baseball.

Jeri

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I still can't believe it

not even 45 yet.

by Trenchtown on Mar 6, 2006 11:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

wow

When I saw this I thought wtf! I know these words don't belong here but I was so shocked.

I personally hated some of the things he did. But his smile and obvious joy was something for all fans. When reading this I got goosebumps and feel it is a tragedy. I will try to remember him for all the good in his life.

by pedrophile on Mar 6, 2006 11:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Bye #34

He was a flawed human being, but on the field he meant so much to us in the Midwest. I hope the best for his family and wish them comfort. I know there is a place for a guy with his hussle on the Field of Dreams. Hopefully, good old Bob Casey will announce his arrival at the gates.

by steve johnson on Mar 6, 2006 11:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I loved him

by Ienpw on Mar 7, 2006 12:23 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Today is a sad day!

Hello everyone,

When I heard yesterday that Puckett had a stroke, that was shocking enough.

When I heard the news that Puckett had died, I was even more stunned.

Roughly 36 hours after the stroke, and now, he's no longer here.

The scandals were unfortunate, but he played the game with passion and was well-liked by many. He will be missed.

My heart and prayers are with his family and the entire Twins organization.

Rest in peace, Kirby Puckett.

by indiansfan on Mar 7, 2006 12:54 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

kirby

you were more then another ball player to me, you were why I watch baseball, played it and love the game.

You will be missed, and never forgotten.

For you brought our state eliteness in those 2 years in 87 and 91.

Always in our hearts, rest in peace #34

by hotshotschamp on Mar 7, 2006 1:42 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Kirby

I'll always remember the joy Kirby brought to me, a young boy at the age of 9 when he debuted. He was the first baseball star, and continues to be the best player I have ever rooted for.

All the home runs he robbed, leaping high over the wall.

There are many baseball achievements that made Kirby great, in addition to the 91 series I'll always remember his 6-6 game in Milwaukee in August of 87 and later in the game he stole a grand slam from Robin Yount. At the time, I thought, "He's Kirby Puckett, he can do anything".

It is very unfortunate how his life fell apart after baseball. He was human, as we all are.

Rest in Peace, Mr Kirby Puckett.

by dbimberg on Mar 7, 2006 9:38 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Kirby

Growing up my friends and I always argued about who got to be Kirby whenever we played pick up ball at the local diamond. The unlucky ones still emulated his trademark leg kick at every at bat. He was every kid's baseball hero.

Several of my coaches used Puckett's hustle and love of the game as a motivational tool. The man simply embodied everything that is right with baseball.

After the Twins upset the Tigers in the '87 ALCS, I was at the dome with my dad and 55,000 other Twins fans for an impromptu celebration. No one quite knew what to expect, but there was electricity in the air. When the Twins came through the doors in right field, the place erupted with a deafening cacophony of pride and joy. As great as a time that was for me, at the tender age of 14, I swear it was Kirby Puckett who was the most excited person in the building. He was hopping and jumping and waving his white towel around with that infectious smile of his like he just had every dream come true. To this day, it is my favorite sports memory.

Puck brought his enthusiasm to every game he played and to every fan he met. His teammates and the fans fed off that energy. Yesterday was a sad day and today is still below average. He will be missed...a lot.

by Jaerbesan on Mar 7, 2006 10:30 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

The other Kirby

I don't want to think about the other Kirby right now. He was in a bad place. He was depressed. He had lost his will to keep living life with the infectious joy, which defined who he was. I don't know all the stuff he had going on in his mind after he lost everything. And frankly, I don't care. I forgave him for that. And I forgot it all. But for the grace of God, I would be in much worse shape than he was. It's not my place to judge, so I forgive and forget.

That wasn't the Kirby I remember. I will always remember the bundle of joy, the kid in a man's body. I will always remember how many lives he brightened, millions of lives. I will always remember the man who won the Romerto Clemente award. And so will God.

cmathewson

by cmathewson on Mar 7, 2006 12:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Too young to appreciate

I didn't get into baseball until around 1995, so I missed most of his career. But just seeing his highlights and how people spoke of him, saying "it's a Minnesota thing" rather than "it's a Twins thing". It isn't. I think most fans would kill to have someone with that joy and enthusiasm for the game on their team. They can relate.

by drjayphd on Mar 7, 2006 3:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs