Posted on 03/06/2006 6:00:54 PM PST by Fedupwithit
MINNEAPOLIS -- Kirby Puckett died Monday, a day after the Hall of Fame outfielder had a stroke at his Arizona home, a hospital spokeswoman said. He was 44.
Puckett died at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Kimberly Lodge said. He had been in intensive care since having surgery at another hospital following his stroke Sunday morning.
Puckett carried the Twins to World Series titles in 1987 and 1991 before his career was cut short by glaucoma. His family, friends and former teammates gathered at the hospital throughout Monday.
The hospital said Puckett was given last rites and died in the afternoon.
"On behalf of Major League Baseball, I am terribly saddened by the sudden passing of Kirby Puckett," baseball commissioner Bud Selig said. "He was a Hall of Famer in every sense of the term.
"He played his entire career with the Twins and was an icon in Minnesota. But he was revered throughout the country and will be remembered wherever the game is played. Kirby was taken from us much too soon -- and too quickly," he said.
The buoyant, barrel-shaped Puckett broke into the majors in 1984 and had a career batting average of .318. Glaucoma forced the six-time Gold Glove center fielder and 10-time All-Star to retire when he went blind in his right eye.
"This is a sad day for the Minnesota Twins, Major League Baseball and baseball fans everywhere," Twins owner Carl Pohlad said.
Wow, this is terrible news. I met him as a kid when we were on vacation in Baltimore. He told us to come watch him play, and we did. I'm glad I was able to meet him, RIP.
very sad. :( he was a great player.
He was a great ballplayer. This is a very sad loss for anyone who's ever seen him play.
My best wishes to his family and friends.
Regards;
RIP Kirby Puckett
From a Dodger fan,
Kelly
He really brought pride back in Minnesota baseball....I am sad to hear of his tough times as of late so lets all remember him in his prime, I know I will.
I remember when the Twins parade (after the first win) drove down West 7th in St. Paul, near my office. A woman in our office cried.
Tragic lose in the world of baseball, indeed this nation. Rest in Peace Kirby, you'll not be forgotten.
same age as me ... makes you think
RIP. Know nothing about him but he's much too young for death much less by a stroke.
"Homer Hankies" drying tears.
I didn't know him well as a public figure, but it's truly sad to see anyone cut down at 44. I'm sorry to hear it and wish the best for his family and friends.
How horrible.
Condolences to Twins fans and his family from Cardinal Nation.
I lived about a mile from the Hump when Kirby broke in to the majors and saw him play a few times early in that season before I moved to the left coast.
What a terrific player he was, even as a rookie. And so well-loved by all Twins fans. He'll be missed terribly.
Kirby didn't look like the prototypical baseball player, but the guy could play. Plus from what I've heard, he was a great guy.
Kirby didn't look like the prototypical baseball player, but the guy could play. Plus from what I've heard, he was a great guy.
From what I've read, he was a real creep sometimes. Not that I'm glad he died.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/news/2003/03/11/si_puckett/
Wowie, Zowie. Creepy brother. RIP....
Same age as my oldest daughter---that really makes ME think !!!!
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