BG-

If you're up for it, when the time is right, perhaps we can rally as a unit in the generous manner in which we have defined ourselves as Batlings in the recent past.

You and Kirby pick the charity, I'll bring my checkbook.

I'm grieving as a lover of the game but recognize the nth degree extent of those mourning in MN. My condolences Twins' fans everywhere.

Dear Batgirl

Hug

p.e.m.

That was lovely, Batgirl, thank you.

I'm going to miss Kirby a lot. He was the star of the first baseball games I ever watched, and my first baseball boyfriend.

Earlier someone mentioned the reception Kirby got on the Letterman show, and I'll always remember that minute of TV as a definition of what it means to be loved, to be a fan, to be a Minnesotan, to love the Twins.

I don't even know what to say...

touch 'em all, Kirby Puckett.

Other than my dad I only had one hero as a kid, and Kirby was him. So long Kirb.

Thank you for a nice writeup, Batgirl.

This is the first time I've openly wept in about ten years. I'm crushed.

Kirby, I have missed you on the field, and am deeply saddened at your passing. I cried the day you announced your retirement, and I am crying now.

Rest in Peace, Kirby Puckett, I can hardly wait to watch the baseball games in summerland.

Kirby Puckett, requiescat in pace.

It's a dark, dark day in baseball. I never got to see his amazing catch or his clutch homerun in person, only on highlight reels, but the magic is still there, he is a staple in baseball and the sprots world in general, he did amazing things and over came amazing odds. We'll miss you number 34. Never will I look at that number again and thin of anyone but him. God Bless his family and friends

Wow. . . . you found my words for me.

That is exactly how I feel.

Thank you, Bat Girl.

Kirby, we will miss you.
Rest in Peace.

Beautifully sad, B-G. And how painfully ironic is it that Kirby's last day of good health was 3/4?

Oh Batgirl, that's exactly how I feel (and have felt). Thank you for putting it in words.

Rest in peace, Kirby.

There's a beautiful instrumental by local musician Peter Ostroushko called "Puckett's Farewell". I've been listening to it a lot today (it is available on iTunes). And, of course, "Centerfield" by John Fogerty. I'm still trying to find my copy of the song "Touch 'Em All" by Pat Donohue (on his "Backroads" album). I guess I turn to music at times like this.

I wish I could find my tape of that Letterman appearance.

The Field of Dreams now has the centerfielder it's been waiting for.

Rest well Kirby.

We will always love you.

My condolences to you all. I'm not a huge Twins fan, but I am a fanatical baseball fan. To lose a player of Kirby Puckett's caliber at such a young age is sad enough for any fan of baseball, but to be a Twins fan right now would make it even harder. The baseball world mourns with you.

Batgirl - That could not have been better written. You provided words for thoughts that I've had and haven't been able to articulate.

Rest in peace Kirby. Watching you play was a great joy for any baseball fan.

RIP, Kirby.

Batgirl, that was extremely touching--thank you.

JustBeth

I remember something that some said when Wilt Chamberlain passed away " Wilt Chamberlain can't be dead, Superman isn't supposed to die" I think the same statement can be made for Kirby.

My first Twins game was games 6 of '91. There will never be another Kirby Puckett. He was the face of baseball, and the first Twin I recognized. Kirby meant a lot to me and many baseball fans. He will be terribly missed.

"And now, playing center field for Heaven's Angels, number 34, Kirrrrrrrrrrbeeeeeeeeeee Puckettttttt!"

That was absolutely beautiful Batgirl. Thank you.
Rest in Peace Puck. We'll miss your constant smile and spirit. Thanks for the memories.
To the Minnesota Twins - Make Puck proud this year!

Thank you, BG.

And thank you, Kirby. I'm the fan I am today because of you.

I just can't believe he's gone. I was sure he'd fight through this.

God, this hurts.

Like many others, I idolized Kirby when I was growing up. I saw absolutely nothing negative about the man. At the time, there might not have been much to see.

The incidents later in his life shattered my image not just of Kirby, but of heroes in general. But as I've thought more about it, I've learned a far greater lesson: not even our heroes are perfect, and we shouldn't demand that of anyone. We're all flawed, but we just have to do the best we can.

I guess it's true that you never get over your first love; Kirby was my first baseball love, and this hurts like hell.
BG, you found the perfect words. Thank you.
And, Nick: yeah.

My thoughts and memories are of Kirby. Hopefully people will be able to remember KP for the awesome ballplayer he was. Minnesota and MLB will never see someone of the caliber of Puck. He was certainly one of a kind.

I am at a loss for words; In all these years there were two people who defined the Minnesota Twins, Harmon Killebrew and Kirby Puckett, and it is almost beyond comprehension to think that he's gone at 44.

My condolences go to his family, of which you are all no doubt an extended part.

Baseball is not the same without him.

Chicago born, but made Minnesota proud.

RIP Kirby.

Does anyone know if people are gathering at the Metrodome? I feel like I could use being with people to mourn Kirby's death...

If not tonight, hopefully in the coming days, the Twins organize SOMETHING so the fans can pay their last respects. After all, Kirby was all about the fans. Kirby is Minnesota. The Minnesotans need somewhere to mourn.

Kirby's attorney, Ron Meshbesher was just on WCCO with Mike Max. He said they will be bringing Kirby back to Minnesota.

I hope we'll all get the opportunity to pay our respects in person.

Seattle Mariners fan here,

Devastated to hear about this profound loss to the game. I can only imagine how you guys must feel.

Truly, baseball won't be the same without him.

We are all grieving with you.

It's stunning to read how one man playing a foolish kid's game affected so many. But that's the beauty of the game of baseball; a man like Kirby, diamond perfect, flawed and all, isn't a once in a lifetime event. As he said, he was lucky, he got to play baseball. And we got to watch. And in watching him play a game we all love, we got to see a little bit of perfection in a world too often imperfect.

And maybe there were two Kirby's, I only knew one. I feel for those who knew both, because their sadness is perhaps mitigated. Yet, in his dichotomy, we learn a little bit about our own humanity. Maybe we will be a bit more forgiving, a bit less judgemental, a little more willing to appreciate those brief but potent moments when we see and do perfection.

In the end, we get to add Kirby to our memories, never to be forgotten. Was he the greatest Twin ever? What about Harmon, Rod, Camilo, Tony, Mudcat and the list goes on. And what about our dreams... Joe, Torii, Johann and maybe a little boy in a backyard who saw a pudgy man scale a wall and float back to earth with the ball safe and secure and he began to dream?

Oh, I'll cry tonight, but I'll cheer tomorrow... the memories and the dreams.

Batgirl,

Extremely well said.

Kirby is why I became a baseball fan(and just like him, I'm from Chicago) and it just won't be the same without him. Thank you Kirby for making me a Twins fan.

Hopefully, the Twins dedicate their 2006 season to Kirby and win a championship in his memory.

Pirates fan here,

I was only a kid when Kirby was in his prime, but I remember loving to watch him play just because of the way he loved the game. I really can't even put into words how shocking this is to me. I can't imagine what Twins fans must be going through.

You all have my condolences.

RIP Kirby

That pretty much sums up all of my feelings as well...

I've never really known what to make of the assault allegations. I was in college in Boston when the news broke, so it was almost like that stuff never existed for me. And now I'm in grad school and there's this...

It's just so surreal.

I'm leaving for Fort Myers tomorrow. And while I'm excited to experience my first Spring Training, I'm also saddened that it has to be like this. I can only hope that they do a nice tribute to Puck at the game on Wednesday. My first baseball memories include Kirby and I know that along with so many others, I will never forget him. RIP Kirby. You were loved so much.

Longtime fan of the site here. I just wanted to de-lurk for a moment to thank BG for the very eloquent tribute to Kirby, and to thank Kirby himself for everything he did for the Twins and baseball in general. As a lifelong Braves fan I can't pretend he was ever my favorite player, or that he didn't cause me any Game 6-related childhood trauma, but even then he had my respect and still does to this day. Thanks.

Wow. This hurts more than I thought it would. I became a Twins fan with Kirby and I can't believe he's gone now. So fast. Thank you for the beautiful words, Batgirl.

Thanks, Batgirl. I can't believe how sad I feel right now. But knowing I can come here makes it a little bit better.

I love you, Kirby, and I always will.

Everyone - go to the Twins website and watch the video entitled "Kirby forces game 7".

Watch it, smile and cry a little. He was more fun to watch than any player I've seen since.

Thanks Batgirl for all that you do with keeping us informed of Twins baseball every week. Thanks Kirby for making Twins baseball exciting and memorable for me. You are trully my hometown hero. I will miss you deeply.

Condolences from a Tiger fan. Kirby was always a class act, played hard and I had a ton of respect for him. He is way too young for this to happen. Prayers for Kirby and the Puckett family.

Thank you Kirby, for showing us all what it is to love what you do, and for loving baseball, and for playing with unceasing joy, and for sharing that with all of us.

Here was a guy who never, for a minute, took for granted or was selfish about what a great opportunity he had in being able to play a game he loved, and play it so well, and, on top of it all, be blessed with great riches for it all. And, let us not forget, he could have gone to Boston for more money, but he was loyal to his fans. He was loyal to the great traditions and spirit of the game.

Kirby is one of the reasons I grew to love baseball. In a sense, he was a one-man lesson in how the best should play the game.

I certainly am shedding a few tears over this (also mixed with some over my mother, who is quite ill right now). Still, the saddest thing is how Kirby left us, withdrew, and let himself go. Sadder still was how he was robbed of ball. For truly, that was when his spirit began to darken. To take the field and play nine, that is what made the man. Rest well in God's embrace, friend.

To Batgirl and her Batlings,

I am a White Sox fan from Chicago and I wanted to share my experience with Kirby Puckett with all of you. When i was 10 years old my parents got me into a baseball camp at Triton College, where Kirby attended and played baseball. I remember the camp well because the last couple days he and Lance Johnson would come to assist in the teaching and training, as well as sign autographs for all of us. He personally helped me with my bunting technique, and I'll never forget him telling me to pivot my back foot rather than square up my whole body to the pitcher. It was so cool at that age meeting a player of his magnitude, and from that day I was always a big fan of Kirby, and rooted for him even against my beloved Sox.

So I mourn with all the Twins fans here, and the rest of the baseball community, for today, we truly lost one of the best men to ever play the game.

Sadly,
Eric

Thank you Batgirl, for putting into words what I could not. Thank you Kirby, for the way you helped me to learn to love the game of baseball through your love and enthusiasm for it. Rest in peace, Kirby.

I love baseball because of Kirby Puckett. It's because of him that we have/had players like Torii, Jacque, Eddie, etc. I have a memory of an All-Star game where Ken Griffey Jr. came up to the camera and stated that he wanted to sit next to his hero and promptly sat down next to Puck. It's a very sad, sad day. Rest in Peace, Kirby.

Well said. We were all privileged to see him play some great baseball, and his early retirement made those years all the more precious.

RIP Kirby

Kirby was my favorite player when I was little. He was the reason I liked baseball. The reason I tried t-ball. I remember that I got for my 5th birthday, after the 91 world series, a pack with the baseball cards of all the Twins. The Kirby card was my prized possession at that point. now, the day before my 19th birthday, he's gone. A life and a career cut short. it sucks.

Very, very well written Batgirl.

you have said everything that i have in my heart, but even better than i ever could have. thank you. he will be missed.

That was absolutely beautiful, Batgirl. Thank you for that.

I really don't even know what to say. God Bless that man. 34

I really, honestly, don't know what to say. As I said yesterday (and as many people have said and will say) Kirby Puckett is the reason I watch baseball. It literally feels like a piece of my childhood has been ripped away.

Rest in Peace, Puck. We love and miss you so much. So so so much.

Listening to 'CCO tonight while driving home with my 5-year old son. It's funny how we gather back together like family, and 'CCO feels like family at a time like this. As an occasional contributor/frequent lurker, I can also say that that bat-girl.com feels a little like family at this time as well.

"Multiple sources are reporting that Kirby Puckett has been taken off life support, and has died."

I'll never forget that moment.

To hear Jack Morris ... JACK MORRIS ... breaking down on the air.

Rest in peace Kirby. After the demons he fought these last few years, it's the least we can ask for.

BG, thanks for the perfect tribute.

I have all of the heroic memories of Kirby too, but I most remember being at a game in 1995 and the Twins were playing the Bitch Sox and they were like 20 games out. They were behind something like 8-1 in the seventh inning, and Kirby hit a routine grounder to third and ran so hard his helmet flew off, and even though he was easily out, I'll never forget how hard he ran that stupid little ground ball out in that crappy lost season. He got the loudest ovation of the night for that play, and made me proud to be a fan of the Twins.

I have many fond memories... A fine player indeed. Sox fans mourn.

Thank you, Batgirl, for your words and for providing us with this gathering place. And thank you to all the guests who have come to share their memories and their emotions. It is wonderful to see how many people Kirby touched in his too-short career and too-short life.

I remember going to the Metrodome with a group of people and sitting in the cheap seats somewhere so far out in the outfield that you could hardly see the game. But one of the guys in the group turned to me and said something to the effect of how great the seats were -- because here he was sitting just a few feet away from Kirby Puckett.

That was wonderful, BG. Thank you.

This has been a day of extremes for me. The hospital he was at isn't far from where I work, and I was torn between wanting to go there and wanting to get as far away as possible. In the end the latter won and I left work, I just couldn't stand to be so close to what was happening.

Every time I think I'm okay I see something else that starts that whole emotional rollercoaster all over again. It's like a battle between the sadness I feel now and all the warm memories I have from the past. One second I feel incomprehensibly awful and the next I can't stop smiling. The two extremes are overlapping and pulling me in different directions.

So much sadness. So many amazing, wonderful memories. I wish I approached my craft with the same dedication, desire and joy that he did. I want to learn from his successes and his mistakes. I think we all can.

Thank you, Kirby.

I feel so many emotions right now, that they are hard to put into words. BG, you made me cry like a baby, and I thank you for it. He is the reason why we as Twins fans are proud of our team no matter what their record is, they have always played with hard and with enthusiasm. He was the first real reason why I could say I was proud to be a Minnesota fan period, both what he did on the field, and in the community. Today, he can again see with both eyes, and will never be in pain again. We can be thankful for that and grieve for us, but remember he is in a much greater place, and someday we will again see him room a much larger centerfield and still amaze us. Much love to all baseball fans, Jim

Gawd, I didn't want to come to this site and read this news. I am just bawling right now. That picture says it all: Eyes big as pizzas, fist reaching skward, tugging heaven just a little closer to earth, a smile that just envelopes you...center field (Kirby's Field) in the background. If you could stop time and relive a moment over and over -- that would be the one.

Came home from a meeting to a friend's phone message offering me condolences on Kirby Puckett's death. At least it a friend telling me. It took awhile to hit me, took me watching the news and seeing his smile and his Puckness to make me break down and cry like I haven't since his retirement speech.

Yes, I'm one of those people who named a beloved pet after Kirby. My fondest memory of both cat and baseball player was my reaching over during the commercial break before the bottom of the 6th inning in game 6 of 1991 and giving my cat a chin rub for luck. It worked. Rest in peace, Kirby. Both of you.

I was 6 years old when the Twins won their first World Series and 10 when Kirby's heroics won game 6 in '91.

I was born and raised in Texas, but my parents and grandparents were from North Dakota, making me a 3rd generation Twins fan. The oldest childhood memory I have is of our family sitting at the foot of my parents' bed watching those series, up way past my bedtime. Those are images I'll never forget, especially that Game 6 night.

Sports, the Twins, and Kirby in particular have a way of bringing families together. Because of his personality, his charisma, the way he played the game, I have 2 wonderful family memories to carry with me throughout life. Somehow I feel that it is not by accident that I am lucky enough to have Kirby be a part of them.

That is what I thank you for most Kirby. Memories will be your legacy.

My father died just before my second birthday, a few weeks after the '87 World Series. That championship meant more to him than anything, and I thank Kirby and the rest of the Twins for granting him those days of joy at the end of his life. Growing up, Kirby was my father figure, and was always all anyone could ask for in a hero. It was especially difficult for me when I learned of the allegations against Kirby; I had always associated the #34 with two great men, neither of whom I knew personally, but who both lived in my imagination as the two greatest men of all time. Neither, of course, was perfect, but in their imperfections and their struggles, they were perfect as heroes. I can't express in words my grief over losing the other male in my life today.

It may be cliche, but it is certainly true in this case - #34 on the field and #1 in our hearts. RIP Kirby, Minnesota will never forget you.

I grew up with a father and grandmother who were big Twins fans. It was natural to fall in love with baseball, the Twins, and Kirby.

Thanks for the beautiful words, Batgirl (and others). Thanks for providing a place for fans to "gather" tonight.

And thank you, Kirby, for the smile, the excitement, and your love of playing the game. You will be missed.

I hear from my friend that a sollem news announcement was just made over MPR, Kirby Puckett passed away.

After spending an hour talking to friends and die hard fans of the game, my attention turns here with a tear in my eye; only to find your wounderful words and your readers kind thoughts.

A sad day for Minnesota, The Twins, and all ex 10 year olds who remember watching that amazing Game 6.

One of the reasons I love this game has left.

Thank you, Kirby. Rest in peace now, my hero.

God, I'm so so so sad. My two sons (now 25 and 27) grew up idolizing Kirby, and I was so glad that they had such a great hero. They were there with their dad on the road trip where he went 10 for 11. They were there when he was inducted into the hall of fame. And we will be at his funeral. Oh, I can't stop crying ...

I will never forget the image of Kirby's face the first time I saw him. Smiling, laughing, and he had a gotee. Being a Twins fan hasn't been the same to me since he retired. I love the current Twins players, but Kirby holds a place in my heart no other Twins player could touch.

To Kirby's family, the Twins organization, and his closest friends, my prayers will be with each of you.

thanks batgirl for that superb post.
the fall of 1987 was one of the worst times in my life and the twins with that that funny little guy my sister and i so lovingly referred to as "bucket butt" made it bearable.
thanks kirby. its a sad day for all of us.

Although he retired several years before I began following the Twins - I was a Brewers fan before the '94 strike - I feel like all of baseball has lost one of its best. He was the kind of player that, no matter how many times he drove in or scored the game winning run against my then-favorite team, I couldn't help but like watching him play anyway.

When the history of baseball closes its book on the the pre-strike era of the early 1990's, I have no doubt that Game 6, 1991, will be on the cover. No moment in my baseball memory so personifies a team, a season, and a franchise like that does.

To all of you mourning the loss of one of your childhood (or later) sports heroes, you have my sincere sympathy. Having lost one of mine a little more than a year ago... I can tell you that the pain starts to fade eventually. A little more each day, and soon enough - while you still would do almost anything to watch him play just one more time - you are mostly left with the memories of the times he lifted your spirits, or just lifted yet another hanging breaking ball over the plexiglass. I promise.

A Cardinals fan here, wishing to offer sincerest condolences to all of Twins Nation. My heart sank when I heard the news.

RIP, Puck. Thanks for everything.

so now I know what losing a hero feels like.

Good night, sweet prince,
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest

Thanks for that, Batgirl. I've never known how to express my feelings about the two sides of Kirby, but I think you did better than I ever could have.

This year, every time I'm out playing slow-pitch softball, I'm going to make it a point to find my biggest smile. Yeah, I think he'd like that.

I have no words to convey what I feel at losing one of the men who literally introduced me to the game and drew me into a new experience I would enjoy for the rest of my life.

I take great solace in knowing that so many here don't need to me say it because they already know - and I hope his family truly understands that as well.

Greetings from a Nats fan. What a touching tribute, Batgirl, to a very special hero. My heart aches for all in Twins Nation. RIP, Kirby.

I've been trying to justify (in my own mind) my reaction to this, I began to really think through what Kirby meant to me; what I learned from him, and what he represesnted to me. Here's what I can mangle into words:

- He proved that you don't have to fit the mold to be exceptional, and that even though people WILL try to cram you into the existing mold, you CAN make your own mold.

- He taught me that the true heart of competition is rooted in FUN and CAMARADERIE. And if you undertake anything in that frame of mind, you CAN'T LOSE. That's something I will always profoundly believe and will pass onto my children (whenever I get around to that ). That, my friends, is an important legacy.

- He was my introduction to baseball, which through the years has been the ONE hobby I never got sick of. I LOVE the game, and I fell in love with it in the beginning because of one Kirby Puckett. Before Kirby, there was no baseball in my world, and now I just can't imagine my world without it.

It dawned on me a few minutes ago that aside from my parents (one of whom I just lost in October), he was the only hero I've ever had. Now I'm older, a little jaded about public figures, and a little more down-to-earth about who I look up to. Because of that, I doubt I'll ever have a hero in that way again. And that makes his loss even tougher, because he's irreplacable.

I'll never forget you, Kirby. Your impact is farther flung and deeper felt than you could ever have known.

- Freez
P.S. - Keep my Mom company up there, will ya?

There is a very nice piece about Kirby on SportsCenter right now. Dave Winfield being interviewed. It should be on a few more times tonight if you're missing it now.

This White Sox fan sends his condolences. Puckett was always a class act. Nobody in Chicago ever had a bad word to say about him and for good reason.

A Mets fans and blogger here, and when I heard the news I knew I needed to visit here. That was a beautiful piece of writing BatGirl, I don't think anyone could say it better. Game 6 totally reignited my love of baseball, which had dimmed very much in the late 80s and early 90s, and I'll always thank Kirby for that.

My thoughts are with you and the entire Twin Cities baseball community tonight.

Many have already written it, but it needs to be stated again - that post said it all. Thanks so much, Batgirl.

I agree with CapitalBabs - I really have no words to say. I never do when someone I loved or idolized dies. It's amazing how one can feel so much but freeze up all the same.

I think I'm gonna go watch the Kirby tape I got in my TwinsFest grab bag. Maybe that'll help.

Nice interview with Winfield on Sportscenter. How many of you tried to imitate the Kirby leg-kick in tee-ball and little league? I know I did.

One quick story. It was the summer of '91 and my family won a suite for a home game that year. I was 11, and loved baseball. I remember yelling down at the centerfielders for that day, Griffey Jr. and Kirby, trying to get a wave. Griffey wouldn't give us the time of day, but Kirby turned around the first time we said hi, and would wave to us each time he came out on the field. That to me meant so much then, but it means that much more now because of what it said about Kirby as a man. How many players, let alone stars, would recognize some annoying kids yelling hi to them?

This is so much harder than I thought it would be.

Eternal rest grant unto him, Oh Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him.

Beautiful and eloquent tribute Batgirl. Puts in words how I've been feeling, but can't quite express

RIP Kirby.

With Kirby, fairy tales were real - something he proved every day he was in the big leagues.
He was Superman, Hercules, Santa Claus and Peter Pan rolled into one.
He was my hero.

I am not usually an emotional person, but just reading all these comments and not only from Twins fans, but from other fans from other teams, just makes me teary eyed. As far back as I can remember Kirby was my first fav. Twin, which is apporpiate considering I was born in '87 when he helped us win our first World Series. RIP not only Kiby Pucket, but Bob Casey.

God.

Dammit.

I don't know if I have the right words for what I'm feeling. All I can do is fight back tears. The more I read here from regulars, de-lurkers, and fans from other teams, the more I love this site, it's readers, and what it's done for my love of baseball.

I don't have any big Puckett memories that haven't already been mentioned. But every time he came to bat, though, you knew he stood a good chance of making a difference. Now, after reading all of this, we all know that it wasn't just in those games that he was making a difference, but in our lives as well.

We love you Kirby, and we always will. Rest well, 34.

Puckett Quote from Wikipedia:

"Don't take anything for granted, because tomorrow is not promised to any of us."

Sadly, too true.

Thank you Batgirl.
RIP Kirby.

I sat for a long time - before I could find the 'right' words - then realized there are never 'right' words when someone so beloved passes away.

I don't have the eloquence as batgirl - I can only 'speak' - what I know -
And that is -Kirby played baseball how you should live life - with a smile - a kind word - with the reckless abandon that only a four year could imagine and no regrets.

My heart goes out to the Puckett family - the Twins family and all who knew and loved him -
Baseball lost a little when he was forced to retire - today baseball lost a lot -

Rest in Peace - Kirby

Much Love
Wonder Woman

Kirby, we'll miss you.

From an Angels fan, comes sincere condolences. - Kirby was a joy to watch and he will be missed. Thank you for your eloquent words Batgirl.

When I was little, the only imaginary friend I ever had was short, a little pudgy, always happy, and named Kirby. He really did make me love baseball. I don't know what else I can say. I don't remember his glory days, but still whenever anyone mentions the Twins, Kirby Puckett's smiling face is what comes to mind first.

Thanks for the tribute, BG. Loved Kirby Puckett. Loved that *grin*.

Condolences to Kirby fans everywhere.

I'm a Twins fan because of Harmon Killebrew (yup, that's how far back I go, saw them in DC as the Senators in 1960 at age 6), but a Twins lover because of Kirby. When my wife-to-be and I moved in together in the fall of 1987, she had no idea I was a baseball fan until I plopped down in front of the little 13" TV to watch the Twins, in our as yet unpacked apartment. Kirby helped turn her into a bit of a baseball fan as well. Who could resist?

Bat-Girl, you really put everything beautifully, thank you for that. It's a tribute to your site and your eloquence as well as to Kirby, the number of comments you have here from non-Twins baseball fans.

Brewers fan checking in...

It probably has more to do with the baseball era that I grew up in, but when I think of the Minnesota Twins I can't help but think of the pudgy guy with little legs running quickly with his fist up in the air as Jack Buck said, "And we'll see you tomorrow night!"

He gave us all some moments that might have made us opposing fans sad and/or angry at the time, but I'm certain at some point all of us baseball fans to your right turned to the person next to us and said, "Can you believe this guy?" in disbelief. Kirby was that type of player. Noone can dispute the magical moments he gave to us in his career, even if our team was on the receiving end. We still talk about that 6-6 game he had against us.

R.I.P. My thoughts go to the two children that lost their father unexpectedly and the mourning fans everywhere.

Why do these things happen so fast? And when they are least expected?

Thanks, BG. And Nick, your comment is spot-on as well.

and thanks, Kirby.

I think we all know who the B.O.D. is today and forever. I had more tears streaming from eyes today then when Mickey Mantle died, and for a Yankees fan, that's saying something.

Long-time lurker, moved to "go public" with Kirby-related random memories.

1987 - In Europe for the summer before starting my first real job. Reading the two-day old USA Today baseball updates out loud to my buddies as we walked to the beach. "Kirby did WHAT over the weekend in Milwaukee? And the Twins are STILL hanging on to first place?" Starting to believe that they might actually win the division, and feeling like after 17 years of bad baseball, even that would be enough.

1991 - Our community band had a concert the night of Game 6. Our director gave the audience - and the performers - score updates between songs. We got home just in time for The Catch, followed by "See You Tomorrow Night." The next night, watching Game 7 in our basement with my wife and my parents, and being afraid to look every time Atlanta got a guy on base.

1995 - I had four tickets to a late-season afternoon game. The Twins were hopelessly out of it, and I couldn't find anyone to join me, so I didn't go. That day, Kirby got hit the head by a Dennis Martinez pitch. He would never play again in the regular season. I really wish I would have gone to that game.

Thank you Batgirl. I remember watching the Twins with my grandfather and seeing Harmon playing. He was my hero. When my daughter started watching games in my lap, Kirby was her hero. He was the reason my love for the game was re-ignited. That and seeing a 5 year old girl cheer for a player that truly loved doing what he did.
She is still has a love for the Twins that Kirby ignited in her. Thanks Kirby!!!!

Orioles fan here.

Kirby Puckett was so much more than just one of my favorite visiting players. He was one of the few that truly merited hero status.

Rest in peace, Kirby.

Your words Batgirl say it all. I was always hoping Kirby would someday return to the Twins in some capacity, but sadly that won't happen. A lot of sad things happened to him, and in this aad time its important to remember the good. He was huge part of why I became a Twins fan in that glorious year of 1987-I owe Kirby many thanks for that. And in '91-Kirby being the heart of that Twins team that had the 15 game winning streak; the dispatching of Toronto in the ALCS; and finally, what I still feel is the best World Series I have ever seen. Thinking about Jack Buck's call of the gane 6 home run makes me both happy and sad.

Once again, Rest in Peace Kirby.

Thank you batgirl for providing this place for fans to come and share their memories. I was only 7 for the 91 series, but I watched every inning of games 6 and 7, and must have watched the 91 world series champions montage video dozens of times growing up. He was a great player stolen from the game, and this life, long before his time should have been up. Baseball has lost one of its few modern legends.

Thank you for all of the memories Kirby.

Thanks for the beautiful thought, Bat-girl, and to all those people in the comments. I cried the day Kirby retired and here it goes again.

I moved to MN in Kirby Puckett's rookie year, got to be there for both championships, and watching Kirby play was watching joy in action.

My memory. It was '95, late in the season. The Brewers were in town, and it was a battle to stay out of the basement. Every time Kirby came to the plate, the crowd was about as expectant as any game I've ever been to. Earlier, the Twins had been robbed when Knoblauch was called out at home. I know this for certain, because during my cigarette break, a Brewers fan said it to me. Then I knew it wasn't just in my mind.

Anyway, there it was, bottom of the 11th, the score tied at 2, no one on and one out. Here comes Kirby. Two foul offs, two balls, and CRACK, there it goes over the centerfield fence. We're on our feet, yelling and clapping and my buddy turns to me and says, "Shades of '91"

Even when your on the bottom, you play as hard as you can.

Thanks Kirby.

Lovely stuff, Batgirl. Thank you for articulating our grief. I'll just say that through some outrageous good fortune I was able to attend game six and to sit 13 rows above the first-base dugout (Ted Turner was sleeping a few feet away). And when Kirby connected off Liebrandt, in that split second of silence before pandemonium erupted, I leaned over to my friend Kevin and said, "I don't think so." I know Kirby murders inside pitching but I thought he had to reach too far across the plate to get this one out. Two seconds later I was gloriously wrong and hugging anything that moved. And yet I wasn't suprised. I truly expected the remarkable from him. And what a rare thing that is! To have a person walk amongst us, even for a short while, who brings with him the possibility of the remarkable. That is the gift he gave us. And that evening will always be one of my favorites. How does one thank someone for that? I guess just by remembering. It won't be hard.

For me, growing up there were were two players that WERE the Minnesota Twins, Kent Hrbek and Kirby Puckett. On summer nights, when the Twins would play, my sisters and I would sit on the floor of our parent's bedroom while the game played on their small television set. Whenever Kirby would step to the plate or make a catch, my little sister, who was probably only four or five at the time, would always yell, "It's Kirby Puckett the Pizza Man!"

I'm still not entirely sure why he was the "Pizza Man," thinking about it now, I think he did a Pizza Hut commercial or something along those lines, but the name stuck, and for the rest of his career he was always the Pizza Man.

No other athlete has ever managed to endear himself to Minnesota in the way that the Pizza Man did, and no athlete will ever mean more to me personally than Kirby. He was the reason why we would watch Twins baseball when they were getting blown out for the umpteenth time in the mid-nineties and he is the reason why I will forever be a Twins baseball fan.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and those that knew him personally. The effect that his life had on me was tremendous, and I never even met him, I cannot imagine what those nearest to him must be going through now.

Thanks for putting into words what so many of us can only think while we sit in a shocked silence.

...It won't be the same at the Dome. But he'll always be there watching over the game, I just know it.

Off and on all day, I've been thinking about that Game 6 and Kirby and how my best friend, Justin, had two tickets for it and gave one to me to go with him. We were sitting way up in the nosebleeds going absolutely nuts.

While there are many other Kirby memories--seeing him joyously play in the bright sun at spring training with my family against the Reds and my dad somehow sneaking down to the dugout after the game to grab manager Pete Rose's torn up lineup card (the Reds lost in extra innings), skipping school in 8th grade with my Mom, brother and sister to go downtown and watch him wear that goofy WWII pilot hat at the '87 Series parade as his car just about drove over my feet 'cause we were so close, skipping school again as a senior in high school to carouse around the '91 Series parade with friends, getting his autograph at a now weirdly legendary card show (Kirby and Canseco and Strawberry and Wade Boggs all at one show?!)--it's Game 6 that sticks in my mind most.

It's one of my all time favorite memories--sports or otherwise.

While I can't believe Kirby is gone--his own awkward baggage and all--I am so glad I was able to go to that game and have those memories be tied to family and friends I love.

Much love to MN Twins and MN Twins Fans everywhere,
-Brian
(el diablo)

As a Chicagoan and White Sox fan I not only had a hometown connection to Kirby, but got to see him play more than a few times at our home park. And I can safely say that I never loved a player from another team as much as I loved Puckett. He was a class act who made fans of every baseball team proud to have a man like him in the sport we love. RIP Kirby, you will be missed.

My greatest tribute and hope, is that I hope my son has a chance to idolize a player as great as Kirby Puckett.

d33

Good stuff, Kid. Cardinal Nation will miss Kirby. He was a worthy advisary.

I'm a Yankee fan. But I also love baseball.

And I loved watching Kirby Puckett play baseball.

I was a short kid, and here was this short guy robbing my guys in center, being a pesk at the plate, always on base, always smiling, playing the game as if he loved it. Playing the game the way we played it on a lot when no one was watching, playing the way we played when we played wiffle ball in someone's back yard until Mom called us into dinner.

I've no idea what he was like as a man, what his life was like, what his demons were. But on the field he was class all the way. He played the game the right way and when so many players seem to forget that most of America would love to get paid to play ball, he never seemed to forget that. He never seemed to forget that as serious as it was, it was a game. And that, while it was serious, it was also fun.

I tip my hat.

I'm so sorry, Batgirl. He will be missed, and terribly so.

One of the tributes I would have to Kirby Puckett is that while being my over-hyper-super-educated self I went through a baseball black hole while in college and grad school. '88-'94. I don't even remember the strike happening, that's how far out of it I was. However, those who say no light escapes a black hole are dead wrong, as I can remember like it was yesterday the '91 Series and what Puckett did in those games.

My Yankee fan friends had that love/hate relationship with him, but the Mets fans, well, we all loved him. How cold you not love someone who beat the Braves with such joy?

My condolences to all of the Twins family. Remember that Kirby will just want you to go out and play catch as soon as you can.

Shaved head, Yoda ears, the kids were on to it first. Initially adorable, he was becoming magical. One hop laser to get Rickey Henderson at home. Willfully expanding the outfield 10 feet to dash young Robin Yount. Six for six in Bernie Brewer’s face with all trajectories of artillery launched by the leg kick, the coil, the lunge and the lash.

Millions of smiles later, he would force poor Charlie Leibrandt to unnaturally attach his chin to his chest and allow Gene Larkin to be mentioned with Eddie Collins and Lou Gehrig by drunken Columbia grads. It would go on only to be stilled by genetic predisposition.

Tonight, it has all been unleashed again in the hearts and minds of all that it touched.

Most excellent-well said, Batgirl.

Though I'm a Mariners fan, some of my earliest memories are of going to Twins games with my grandfather when I was visiting family in Minneapolis during summer vacation.

Because of my grandfather, Harmon, Tony, and all those early years greats I've always had a soft spot for the Twins and appreciated watching Kirby and his exuberance for the game. And I cheered with all of you when they won the Series.

Rest in peace, Kirby... and thanks.

Raven

"Kirby Puckett's going to be all right. Don't worry about me. I'll show up, and I'll have a smile on my face. The only thing I won't have is this uniform on. But you guys can have the memories of what I did when I did have it on."

sad times.

Kirby was never my favorite player as a kid. I was a huge Kent Hrbek fan, and Kirby was always second for me.

But he was always great.

And even if he wasn't my favorite, he was always a hero.

We have too few heroes in this world. And I've lost too many recently.

Farewell.

I'm sure I speak for the others when I express my sincere thanks and gratefulness to all the fans of other teams who have made a point of coming here to remember Puck and wish well upon Twins Territory.

It's good to know we can come together at a time like this.

Thanks Batgirl for the post.
When I heard that Kirby had past, I was in shock. I was so sure that he would pull through. It's hard to say what memories come first for my true baseball hero. In '87 I was only 4 years old, but my hero was already found in Kirby Puckett. I recall bringing a radio to day care when I was that young so I could cheer for my Kirby. I remember being upset in teeball whenever I couldn't play centerfield, because I wanted to play like him.
I was only 11, but I know exactly where I was for Game 6 in 1991. My family was at my aunt and uncles and I was arranged to sleep on the pullout couch in the living room. The game was still on when I was situated for bed, but when Jack Buck made his call it was the only time that I didn't get scolded at for jumping on the bed.
Whenever I see that highlight I get goosebumps. I know that will never change, and Kirby will always be my hero.

RIP #34

I was not a Twins fan when I watched him from Seattle, as a kid, but I always liked and admired the way Kirby Puckett played the game. Every baseball fan in the country did, I'm sure. He was the best CF to come between Mays and Griffey, he had a unique flair, and everything about him as a player set an example of how to get the most out of yourself and each day in life.

I think you're right, Beege--he must have been very troubled and conflicted without baseball, the daily opportunity to do what he loved. It's a sad, ironic fate, but maybe another lesson we may learn from his example, as well. I hope he's found peace.

Thanks to whomever said Superman isn't supposed to die.

My Dad taught me to love baseball at a very young age, for all the reasons there are to love this great game. And you know every story is better with examples? Puckett was my living example. From the game-winning homers to running out the "stupid ground ball in a lost season." (Again, well put.)

I am so thankful today that I got to see his entire career here in Minnesota.

Thanks BG. For writing such a great piece, for giving us a place to be sad and for reminding us that this game goes so very far beyond stats.

Bring on the 2006 season. What better homage to Puck than another title!

Kirby is the reason I started following baseball and the Twins. My first baseball glove I owned was a Kirby Puckett glove from a Metrodome promotion in May of 1986. He was larger than life to me as a kid growing up and I'm sure he was to almost any Twins fan and baseball fan for that matter.
Other than his World Series heroics, I have one highlight that stands out in my mind more than any other.
(long story) In late August of 1994, about a week before September callups, the Twins were playing the Angles in Anaheim. The Twins had lost the first two of a three game weekend series. Sunday afternoon's game was a scheduled off day for Puck. The Twins were getting blown out and rallied for something like six runs in the eighth and ninth to send it to extra innings. The game stayed knotted up for a couple of more innings, but the Twins had made so many switches that Kirby had to enter the game in the field... the infield! Second base I believe. He made a nice running stab of a liner headed up the middle with a runner at second and two outs and threw out the runner at first to thwart a potential Angles victory. Everybody in the Twins dugout came out and congratulated him with high fives. The team was having a down year and yet at that moment they celebrated like they just won the division title. And in the top of the next inning he singled and scored the eventual winning run. I'll never forget the exuberance on his face when that game ended. The game meant nothing in the standings, and it was an off day for him, yet when he entered the game he gave his usual 110 percent. I was 15 years old at the time and I remember thinking to myself, If I was a young kid again, I would want to be just like Kirby. It reaffirmed in me what he meant to me as a six year old getting my first glove with his name on it nine years prior - Kirby Puckett will always be my favorite baseball player.
Goodbye Kirby, we'll miss you.

My years may have been a little bit fuzzy in my previous story.checking the facts it was probably in 95. Sorry.

RIP Kirby, we'll miss you.

Feeling Sad

D

I am old enough to remember the 65 world series and the heartbreak. When the Twins won in 87 the joy was great. 91 oh 91 it will always be the series to remember. When I heard that Puck had died all that went through my head was the Jack Buck comment "and we'll see ya tomorrow night". Good night Kirby and thank you.

When I came home from work and when I checked ESPNews as soon as I came home just to see how he is doing, I read about his death in the ticker. I was floored, sad, and upset. I literally cried just hearing the news. I rarely ever cry literally when an athlete dies, but I cried this time because Kirby was a huge influence in my life as I was following sports. He and Darryl Strawberry were two of my favorite baseball players when I became a baseball fan in 1991 as a 11-year old kid. He was one of my favorite athletes that I ever watch as a sports fan. If you ask me who was my favorite athletes of all-time, it was Kirby and Michael Jordan. I just love the way both guys were able to perform with the pressure on. I just admire Kirby for the way he went with his business and for the class that he showed on and off the field. He was a special player and a special human being. He was a great story. I was very lucky to watch him like most Twins fans that grew up watching him . Most baseball fans that saw him play were very lucky. This death really hit me along with the Twins fans in Minnesota and nationwide. I am just shocked. I thought he would beat this.

To say that Kirby provided lot of great moments is an understatement. He was bigger than life for sure. He did lot of great things for the state on and off the field. When you think of Minnesota and the Twins, you think of Kirby. You think of what he meant to the franchise and to the state. You think of what he did in coming through in big games. He always talk the talk and walk the walk. He got it done. He wasn't scared. He just had the confidence that he could get it done. That's what made him endear himself to the fans, his teammates, his coaches, and to the media locally and nationally. He just knew what to do. He never was scared.

He was not only a great player, but he was a special person. He related well to the fans. He enjoyed being around them. I can't say enough about how he loved being with the kids. He would make them smile. He would sincerely talk to them in a down-to-earth manner. He just love being around them. You can sense that he wanted to be close to the kids. He devoted a lot of his money to charities and for underpriviledge kids. He would buy tickets for kids to go to the games and they had great seats. His actions in the community is why every fan loved him.

Rarely ever you see athletes conduct themselves with class and dignity nowadays no matter what level of sports they are in. Kirby was just different. He won with class. He acted with class. He played with a smile on his face. He was a guy that clearly enjoyed playing a kids game. He was just well-liked. His teammates loved him out there. He was willing to talk to everyone on the team. The opposing players from other teams have nothing but great things to say about him. That says a lot about him. You don't see fans from other teams hating Kirby either. Just reading other message boards like NYYFans.com, Son of Sam Horn (Red Sox board), and such, those fans had nothing but great things. They appreciated what he did in baseball. It was not just Twins fans that appreciated him, but it was baseball fans nationwide that appreciated him for what he did.

Just watching SportsCenter later edition in the overnight, I was just in tears again as ESPN showed montage of Kirby's accomplishments as a player. That is something to remember for sure. It sure brought me memories when I watched him as a kid. I had a smile in my face just looking over em.

He will be missed for sure. It's been tough for the organization and the fans. First, we lost a great friend in Bob Casey last year. Now, Kirby. Kirby's death clearly has shocked the state of Minnesota for sure and with good reason. No one thought he would die this quickly. He died very young. His death should remind us that tommorow or next month or next year is no gurantee. I recalled Kirby's speech to the fans when the Twins honored him years ago about how we should enjoy life and appreciate each day. That speech clearly should be applied more than ever with people dying at a fast rate. Be thankful for your good blessings.

Kirby is definitely going to live an eternal life for sure. God is definitely waiting for him and I know Bob Casey is clearly waiting for him too. He is going to safe place.

I speak for most Twins fans in which I am very thankful for giving the Twins two World Series Championships. I thank him for entertaining Minnesotans for years with his play and his community work. He was not only an icon in Minnesota, but an icon in baseball nationally.

He was clearly one of us.

RIP, Kirby

Great tribute by Kirby, BatGirl.

I enjoyed reading everyone's tribute on him too.

Puck wasn't just a superstar. He was a living, breathing superhero, made all the more real by his down to earth physique. And when he put on his uniform and stepped out onto that field, that's when the magic happened...

The death of Kirby Puckett is a shock that can't be described. I hope everyone knows that even in opposing ballparks, he struck fear into the opposing fans, but was never disliked. To get respect in Tiger Stadium as he was killing my team in the playoffs in 1987 said as much about the man as any eulogy could.
All of baseball is mourning right now.

thanks Batgirl for writing this ... it is how I feel ... and i've yet this morning to see anyone else bring up all of these issues/feelings.

i've been reading your blog since it started and never commented until now .... but what you wrote really hit home for me.

Most tributes to Kirby Puckett will skip from Chicago's projects and a Ford assembly line directly to his sudden, transformational appearance with the Minnesota Twins. But some fans know he played ball at Triton (Ill.) College, and in my hometown more than a few remember his earlier heroics.

At the Junior College World Series, Puckett hit a record .688 for the 1982 tournament. That's a slow-pitch softball average, not baseball, and the locals figured they might see more of this kid with the fireplug body. No one imagined he'd be starring for the Twins just two years later.

I like to think my dad was one of those fans who enjoyed Puck's performance. He must've been in the stadium for those games, because one of his great labors of love was helping establish a permanent home for the JUCO baseball tourney, qualifying Grand Junction, Colorado, as a sort of warm Omaha. (Omaha is the site of the College Baseball World Series.)

But he never saw the rest. The spring Puckett broke through in the majors, my father died. He was the same age I turned just last week.

Kirby Puckett gave fans a lot of joy, but maybe nothing greater than his farewell to baseball when glaucoma took his sight and his career.

"Tomorrow is not promised to any of us," he said.

So enjoy the game today.

I grieved when they took the Washington Senators away from me in the early 70's, but at least, after a long while, a team came back...all we have left of Kirby will be the fine baseball memories--RIP

These are the times I am so glad to have all of you. No one around me will ever quite understand. We'll miss you forever, Kirby.

Even from Cleveland, Kirby Puckett always seemed 'larger than life' and I truly respect his (and the Twins') on-field accomplishments. More than that, though, I loved watching him play.

I remember watching the game when Martinez hit him with a pitch and in the aftermath thinking how awful it would be to lose him from baseball.

Sadly, that's exactly what happened. It's clear that we are not alone in mourning the loss of this great player, and I think B-G's absolutely right about not wanting to reconcile the two Kirbys.

To me, Kirby has always been the guy chasing down would-be homeruns in the outfield and circling the bases the way I imagine a bowling ball would. I'll miss him and have missed him, and I don't think that will change any time soon.

You said it, BatGirl. Can't add anything to that.

That was beautiful BG.
RIP Kirby

Game 6, 1991.

My brother and I were at the Hawk & Dove in DC with some friends -- along with mostly Atlanta Braves fans and one girl in a Braves shirt telling us about how many "points" were scored in the game.

Kirby comes to the plate and we are standing near a pay phone and my brother calls God to ask for a home run.

Kirby and God delivered.

RIP Kirby.

As a Reds fan I have had the pleasure of of seeing a lot of great players and truely nice guys of the game, but having said that I have always loved the game and Kirby was not only a great player, but a good guy and in the end it's that I will choose to remember, the world could use more like him. R.I.P. Kirby

Beautifully said, BG.

Rest in peace, Kirby.

Did anybody ever just admire Kirby? He had talent enough that we'd all have admired him even if he was a surly introvert, a misanthrope like Barry or Pete. But nobody ever admired Kirby. We just loved him. And not in the vague, overstated way that we might say we love peanut butter or Veronica Mars, but real, honest-to-goodness love, as we love our dearest friends.

In Cooperstown in '01, I ran into dozens of people who were there because they knew Kirby from back when. A couple of his little league coaches. Guys who played summer ball with him in college. One of his elementary school teachers. Folks who had not seen him since he crossed their paths for a season half a lifetime before, but they had to come to Cooperstown to see Kirby receive his due and when you talked to these people they maybe told you a story of young Kirby or maybe they kept his confidence and begged off, but they all smiled the faraway smile that tells you there are tears behind those eyes because they loved the man so much. A now-elderly man who had coached the teenage Kirby for a couple of months put his hand on his own son's shoulder and cried when he saw Kirby's plaque.

What can anyone say that is more eloquent than Kirby's own inspiring words, or that elderly coach's tears of happiness seeing Kirby's great big smile on a plaque of bronze? I'd like to hope there is some heaven worthy of that kind of love, a springtime country where Kirby leaves us with a walkoff homer, rounding the bases, always on his way home.

When my mom called me from Minnesota and told me last night that Kirby was gone, it didn't hit me. It didn't hit me until 4 in the morning, when I was woken up by my 12-year old self, who was crying in the corner of the room on the floor because his hero was dead.

Kirby was the first to make us all feel like winners. I was at his first game, '87, '91, and Cooperstown. I will never be able to repay him for making me feel like a winner and realize anything was possible. Thanks Puck.

Just comin' round to offer Twins fans (and all baseball fans) condolences. Kirby was the only non-Dodger who was my 'favorite'. Like Ballwonk said, I think I just loved the guy. I was a fan of his when he played, but after his retirement speech and HOF speech, I really admired him, in fact, all the other stuff didn't tarnish that at all... gave it a little more perspective, a little sadder perspective. I feel privileged to have seen him play.

Thank you Batgirl. Beautifully stated, when many of us can find no words to express how we feel.

Rest in peace, Kirby. You were my hero, and you will be missed.

Thank you very much for the memorial. Like Kirby Puckett, you set an example of appreciating each day, loving to play, and spreading joy.

I knew your tribute would be eloquent, and I knew it wouldn't soothe my feeling of loss. I just find it impossible to say good bye.

I damn near lost it here...

"I lost more than a teammate and a friend," Hunter said, "I lost Kirby." -From today's Strib, click my name for link.

I have to think the Twins will be adding "34" patches to their sleeves this season. And I'm not sure I'm going to be able to handle the home opener...but I'll be there anyway.

One of the hardest things to coach young kids successfully is to never give up the ship on the way to first. You try everything but kids just will not leg out a weak bouncer. Until you get smart and tell them to watch Kirby Puckett play the game. End of problem.

Batgirl, thank you for your words. I'm not really much for words, so this will be brief. Kirby was my first favorite baseball player. He embodied everything that you would want in a baseball player. He was a great batter, a great center fielder, and a great personality. Every time he came to bat, you expected a hit. Every time a ball was hit to center, you expected a catch. He didn't look like much on the field - just a short, chubby guy. But he could play, and he played hard. Kirby represents the pinnacle of Minnesota Twins baseball history, and he was taken way too soon.

My condolences to all who hold 34's memory close.
Matt

BG - thank you so much for writing the words all of us are feeling.

August 10, 1994. Last game of the lost season, and everybody knows it. Nothing to play for, and I'm sure some guys didn't even show at the park. I distinctly remember Kirby Puckett's box score the next morning: 2 for 3 with 4 runs, 2 HR and 7 RBI.

The man came to play, all day and every day. That's why even though I grew up in Jersey, my two favorites as a kid were always Gwynn and Puck, two guys who looked more physically suited to be mall security guards than Hall of Fame centerfielders. Kirby gave it his all with uneding joy, and he made all of us want to give it right back.

My heart goes out to all in Twins Nation this morning; I'm weeping right there with you.

BG, thank you. As soon as I woke up this morning, I came here, knowing you'd find a way to say it, and say it well. And you did. Thank you.

This is also on my blog, but I'm not going to give out the address. I'm not here to plug the blog today.

--

I got to meet Kirby twice. My father knew him vaguely from the years he was a sportscaster. The first time was the '87 Twins Fest. I barely remember it; I was 5. The man had the biggest hands I had ever seen. My dad introduced me to him, he signed a baseball (which still sits by my computer; it's not for sale).

The second time was the next year, after the Twins had won it all. Twins Fest again. The second time I remember. I don't know where he was coming from, or going to, but he was walking through and saw me (how is beyond me; I was 6, I couldn't have come up to the crowd's waist).

He stopped what he was doing, came through the crowd, got down to one knee and said "Hi, Peter. It's good to see you again. How's your dad?"

I'll remember it for the rest of my life. Kirby Puckett remembered my name, and sought me out in a mob of people at Twins Fest, just to say hi to a 6 year old.

---

Kirby Puckett's story is such an American tragedy. A man who was at the top of the world, the top of his field, and one pitch took it all away. A weekend on the bench, a week on the disabled list, and then it was over. It still seems wrong.

Kirby obviously adjusted poorly to life after baseball. The weight, the wife, the girl at the bar. Things that would make you look down at anyone else, but with Kirby, you just couldn't help but feel sorry for him. He was just such a man adrift. A man who walked the earth, but whose life was over. Saddest damn thing you ever saw.

And now, over a long weekend, he's gone. Official cause of death: complications from stroke. Don't be fooled. Kirby Puckett died of a broken heart.

But once upon a time, Kirby Puckett remembered my name. Thanks for saying hi that day, Kirby. It made a difference.

Touch 'em all.

I wrote this last night, and I didn't really know what to do with it, so I guess I'll post it for the readers here...

"Touch em all…Kirby Puckett!!"

-Bob Casey, countless home games

"Annnnnnd we'll see ya….Tomorrow NIGHT."

-Jack Buck 1991 – World Series Game Six.

Kirby Puckett provided Minnesota sports fans with one of the magnificent moments in their lives – among several other incredible moments during his career. Stop into Hubert's Sports Bar and look at some of the walls. Stop into a Champps, drop his name into a crowd and overhear the moments recited with such furor and excitement as if they happened yesterday. He delivered every sports fan a vision of what they loved so deeply about sports. Willing yourself accomplish a goal. Conquering insurmountable odds. Competition. Excitement. A commitment to the game.

Kirby grew up dirt poor with a baseball team of brothers and sisters. That's not to say they all played baseball in some sports version of the Jackson 5, but there were nine of them. The Puckett 9. Kirby grew up using household items for bats and crumpled up aluminum foil for a ball. After high school he worked in an assembly line for the Ford Motor Company – only he was fired because he worked TOO hard.

He volunteered for every overtime shift during the 30 day trial period. The bosses knew once he was union there would be no way to ever get rid of him. So they canned him. Let that sink in. While countless other athletes are wasting college careers with drugs and horrible choices, Kirby was originally offered no chance. He was part of a human machine on an assembly line – and got fired for being too conscientious at it. Eventually, he tried out for the Kansas City Royals, impressing a coach from Bradley University. You can read the rest of his statistics on baseballreference.com, I won't bore you with the incredible numbers he put up year after year. (But if you aren't familiar, you should look at them…here they are: http://www.baseball-reference.com/p/puckeki01.shtml)

No one handed him a Hummer during his sophomore year of high school. There was no million-dollar endorsement deal from Nike awaiting his entry into the professional ranks. Even when the red-carpets were rolled out during a 1992 free agency period, he chose to stay loyal for less money.

Kirby Puckett had a dream. Accomplish it… or work on the lumberyard.

He built himself into one of the greatest baseball players you will ever see in your life. In the 23 years of watching sports, he is the first athlete from Minnesota that I've felt close enough to really feel comfortable saying that. HE IS ONE OF THE BEST FROM OUR GENERATION. Akin to Larry Bird and Boston, Magic Johnson to Los Angeles, Ernie Banks to Chicago. He was ours, he gave himself to us – the fans, as unloyal and fickle as many of us can be. And now we were robbed of him.

My contemporaries grew up with Kirby Puckett. He taught us how to climb the center field wall. He taught us you CAN hit the first pitch and be a successful hitter (the fastest to 2,000 hits even). He taught us that you don't need a dad to to play catch with. He taught us that if YOU want to be great. YOU need to do it.

More deeply, he was the first black person that many white people in Minnesota really let into their homes. Outside of the Twin Cities, Minnesota in the 80's was a white-wash. (And I'm not talking about November through February).

As Chris Rock said, "There aren't any black people in Minnesota! The only black people in Minnesota are Prince and Kirby Puckett!"

Kirby Puckett inspired farmers that previously would tell their daughters, upon leaving for college, to not bring "colored folk" home, to name their pets and even children after a black man. He turned a racist old man into an awe-inspired fan (Calvin Griffith).

Yes – he broke color lines that still exist in Minnesota. He stamped his name across more pieces of paper than immigration during Spring Break, while knowing that silently many "fans" still called him the n-word. And he no doubt transformed some of the ignorant just by his hard work, dedication, and sincere smile.

Now, when you're reading this you'll probably think of the past years involving Kirby. You'll say this and that about his character. But that has nothing to do with why this man should or should not be beloved. Those were private, personal issues – and Kirby Puckett was a man. No different than you or me. Do we not deserve to be forgiven of our trespasses? To err is human. We loved

In his excellence he reminded us the great things we can accomplish when motivated by greatness. In his darkest moments he reminded us of the ill conceived while motivated by other factors. He was a man, just like you and me.

Kirby Puckett reminds me of why I loved baseball once. Why I loved to be at the ballpark. How I loved to catch a pop-fly in center, crow-hop and nail a runner trying to tag up from third. How I loved to dig my back foot into in the agrilime of the batters box, knowing I was swinging like hell at the first pitch I saw, no doubt a fastball. The joy of slapping an outside pitch to right field. The cat-and-mouse game between first and second base, making a pitcher throw over to the base because you kept making a commotion. I still remember saying, ""Annnnnnd we'll see ya….Tomorrow NIGHT,"after a playoff game in 1997 that my team had won. We all immediately laughed and traded storied about "Hey I was there!" or "Yeah we watched it at my cousin's house," etc etc etc. It went on for 10 minutes. And that was six years later.

People like Kirby Puckett remind you how other people can make YOUR life great, and that you can directly impact someone's life by not even knowing them. I've never been to the "show". But sitting in the $5, cramped right-field upper deck seats of the Dome (that are now blocked off with a huge drape); he let you come along for the ride. #34 played every game as it might be his last, every hit might be his last crack of the bat.

Bob Casey and Jack Buck's legendary calls still apply during this terribly joyless, horrible day. You did touch us all Kirby. And while we won't see you tomorrow night, hopefully we will again someday.

Kirby – Minnesota will always love you. Rest well.

"Don't worry about me. I'll show up, and I'll have a smile on my face. The only thing I won't have is this uniform on. But you guys can have the memories of what I did when I did have it on…..."-Kirby Puckett, 1996.

Hmmmm...I don't know about the "one pitch" thing; I assume this is a refernce to when Puck was hit in the face by Dennis Martinez in '95, which was never considered by doctors the reason for the glaucoma.

But this is a tragic day. I'm just glad that I was living in Minneapolis when Puck was still playing, and that I got to spend a few lovely afternoons and evenings under the big tarp watching him play the game he loved so dearly. And maybe, hopefully, time's passage and the glowing words of his friends and teammates will restore a bit of luster to his tarnished image. Puck, I've missed you since 1996 - and I really miss you now.

And thanks to you, Batgirl, for your beautiful tribute. You said it all.

"I want you to remember the guiding principles of my life. You can be what you want to be if you believe in yourself and you work hard because anything, and I'm telling you anything, is possible."

- Kirby Puckett, HOF Enshrinement Speech, 2001

Another White Sox fan writing to say I'm very sorry. Kirby Puckett was a wonderful player that a ton of us in Chicago loved watching even though he wasn't on the Sox. I din't realize until I moved to Minnesota, though, just how loved he was here. You wrote a very fitting and moving piece Batgirl. And while they are sad, I appreciate reading all of the comments and will continue to read them as they come in.

You certainly did touch us all, Kirby Puckett. You will forever remain in our hearts and our angel in the outfield.

CORRECTION
To my previous post where I said "Kirby's attorney, Ron Meshbesher was just on WCCO with Mike Max. He said they will be bringing Kirby back to Minnesota."

That statement was not from Ron Meshbesher, but Kirby's agent, Ron Shapiro who had his power of attorney.

R.I.P. Kirby... You gave me the greatest Twins moments of my life.

My condolences to the Puckett family, Batgirl, and all the Twins fans out there.

The 1987 World Series was the first time I remember watching baseball games as an interested fan. Even though "my" team didn't win, the play of Kirby and his teammates left a definite impression. He won't be soon forgotten.

Here in Florida, I am devastated by this news of Kirby. As we are the same age, I grew up watching this incredible player as well as a human being. My heart has fallen this morning and I am crushed. So long Kirby!!!!!

:(

Kirby was one of the players id admired he played hard and had fun. Yet, after he had to retire due to his eye injury, he commentated @ the 96 Little League World Sries. My dad was an Umpire on one of the games, he ragged on my dad and didnt let up. I looked at the replays and my dad was right on 99.9% of them.
After that i didnt care for the man. Yet when i found out he had the stroke i prayed for him and wished him a speedy recovery, yet i think we all knew in the back of our minds he might not make it.
I just want to say KIrby, you came from the WOrst Neiborhood in the planet and took your opprotunity to win 2 World series rings. You thought like me hey ill work at a factory. Now im a coach and Umpire (ASA) and a teacher.
So Both of our dreams came true.
Ill see you in heven KP
GOD BLESS AND LAYTER
James ALlen Dickey

oh, i knew i had to come here to be with some fellow mourners. i wish i could be back in the cities for whatever public gatherings come together.

i have a lot of unsorted emotional responses to this, and i can't really make much sense of it at present.

curiously, i find myself wondering if anyone remembers what was included in the "puck pack" value meal at mcdonald's. anyone remember that?

It is a sad day for the Twins and all their fans. I can only hope that if the Pohlad Family gets their new stadium with the help of public funds, they find a way to avoid selling the naming rights and instead call it...Puckett Field.

Dear BG: Kirby stirred us as no other Twin for over a decade, and then he seemed to lose himself after he left baseball. While he was a superhuman athlete on the diamond, he was human, all too human in the other arenas of life. That makes him even a more fitting example for all of us, and more beloved. He was real and flawed and wonderful. Rest In Peace, dear dear Puck.

BatGirl:

Very well written--and the tributes from all the batlings are good too. I started out as a Brooklyn Dodger fan--showing my age here--becoming a Mets fan when the Dodgers escaped to the left coast.

I remember the day one of my childhood heroes (Gil Hodges) died young--after managing Mets to 69 World Series and being a key part of the Boys of Summer. It reminds me of today. Gil was had as many fans as Kirby--people prayed for him when he went into a slump. His death was shocking--it took a while but eventually the pain went away--just like it will again.

I became a Twins fan recently thanx to Bert's announcing skills and people like Torii giving a 110% everyday at risk to life and limb but always smiling...in the last 24 hours I learned that Kirby taught Torii that.

The Minnesota Twins way of playing baseball is Kirby's legacy. I agree with somebody else above--the best legacy would be to name the new park--Puckett park.

RIP Kirby.

DAM

Great tribute Batgirl.

R.I.P. Kirby

Next to Batgirl Jason Stark is my favorite baseball writer, and his coloum today about Kirby is almost as good as BG's

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=2357768

Torii's words sum it all up perfectly, I think:

"I didn't just lose a teammate and a friend. I lost Kirby."

That's what it's all about. Kirby was more than a ballplayer. Flawed and human, yes, but like someone said above, he wasn't just admired. He was LOVED. I can't really think of anyone else that's true of. Maybe Michael Jordan to Chicago or Mickey Mantle to the Yankees. I don't know. All I know is, I don't feel as if I've lost a mere sports hero; I feel like I've lost a dear, dear friend.

We've lost Kirby.

This hurts so much.

andy in wrigleyville:
I had forgotten about the Puck Pack. I was in high school working at that fine dining establishment when the Puck Pack came out. My memory is notoriously poor, but I believe it included an Arch Deluxe, fries, medium drink, and a hot fudge sundae. Something like that.

BatGirl...

Thank you. I didn't have the words when I found out about Kirby this morning. I still don't. I tried to offer a memorial to him on my own blog (http://erin-go-bragh.blogspot.com) but it fails to capture how I truly feel. You captured it with your post. Thanks again.

Mae

Kirby had played with more joy on the field than anybody I had ever seen before or since. Cardinal nation offers its depest sympathys.

All I have to say is, the fact that there are 170 comments in less then a day, shows what kind of man Kirby was. I'm from arizona, As I was watching the Twins and Braves in the BEST WORLD SERIES EVER, I fell in love with Kirby. He reminded me of the boy on the end of the bench who is just happy to be on the team, who is always smiling, and having fun. Who realizes that it's just a game and so go out and have a blast doing it. The only differece is Kirby was good. Damn good.

Awesome. Well said. Here I thought you only made funny mindless things for me to laugh at. Now you have also made me cry.

Game 6, 1991, no tickets to be had, so we headed down to Rosen's bar (is that even around any more?) just to be with other Twins fans. I remember how quiet it was, and then - BAM! The whole place just erupted. High-fiving and hugging complete strangers, but not strangers because we were all one family, especially at that moment. Kirby united us all, gave us all something to be proud of. In a way, I guess he managed to unite us once again in our grief.

I'm really going to miss you, Kirby, and thank you so much for the tremendous memories!

justbeth:

that sounds right, it definitely had the hot fudge sundae - that was, i think, the signature element. but maybe it was a double cheeseburger instead of arch deluxe? now i think i have to go have a "puck pack" at my local mcdonald's just as a comforting ritual.

as a general comment on the man/myth divide, i think it should be pretty clear that hero status is not attained, but assigned. heroism is a decision that a group of people makes about an individual - to, in effect, empty him of his human substance and elevate him as an icon. if this turned out to be a poor decision, we cannot hold kirby responsible for that (though, like any man, he is responsible for his actions).

this is the danger of hero-making as a practice. it's not a reasonable assessment of a person; it creates myth, a sort of secular religious experience that is supposed to be unassailable. but surely we understand why we do it. as hero, kirby became an icon for things like hard work, up-from-poverty individualism, and the sheer joy of sport and perhaps life more generally. when we made him a hero, we really did set the tone for this ballclub that continues to this day, and that is a major source of pride for twins fans everywhere.

there is something juvenile, and innocent, and perhaps naive about hero-making. that is the beauty of it, as well as the folly.

It's almost too much to bear. Kirby was one of my baseball heroes, a guy who showed up to play so full of passion and joy that you couldn't help but love him, no matter who you root for. It's so tragic that he left us this way. The first pitch on Opening Day won't be the same after this. Thanks for the beautiful tribute. God bless and keep you, Puck...

thank you..wow i didnt realize how much I missed Kirby till sunday when the news hit of the stroke..and now i feel even worse for realizing that baseball has went on without him and i just plain forgot..ur tribute was so touching its making me tear up..thank you

Well stated andy in wrigleyville. Until his stroke, I had been very conflicted about my feelings for Puck. When I heard about his ill health, my love for him came roaring back. We all have flaws, we all make mistakes, we are all human. I have been crying on and off since I heard the news of his passing.

Kirby, I love you, I have missed you, and I am glad you are now completely restored.

He was a great guy, and a great neighbor.

If anyone is interested in seeing the ESPN piece that Tim Kurkjian click my name and the video should start to load.

Lovely post bat girl. I can't overstate what Kirby meant to me growing up in St. Cloud. He was my idol. He represents everything that was good in my childhood- and those very very special days when dad would bring me down to the dome and it seemed, without fail, that Kirby would hit a home run.

I've never known nostalgia to be as strong as the nostalgic grief I am feeling today.

Well put...thank you.
I wrote my own blog here:

http://www.myspace.com/12272528

take care, everyone.

Martin

This was a great post. thanks. The memories i have of Kirby hitting the homer in game six always make me smile. I was living in chicago at the time and watching it on TV, made me feel closer to home.

I didn't know Kirby Puckett, but after reading so many heartfelt articles and blog postings today, I feel like I did.
When I heard he died yesterday I knew that baseball had lost a true, original hero. I just watched the footage of his game six HR in 1991. It was electric just watching him online, I couldn't imagine what it was like to have been there. Baseball needs more players like Kirby.
My heart goes out to Kirby's family, you, BG, and Twins fans everywhere.

It's gonna sound dumb, but when I was a kid, I had two big heroes: Pope John Paul II, and Kirby Puckett. And now they're both gone, less than a year apart... :(

Condolences from another Nats fan (and new baseball addict) who just today received in the mail the Nationals jacket I'd ordered last week.

Reading the above made me tear up more than once, but every time I look over at the jacket I am filled with hope for the coming season, something that I imagine -- even on this sad day -- Kirby must have felt many a time himself. Life does go on, and the Twins will be playing the game again (as will the Nats).

In some sense a part of him will be around forever, for as long as a little kid (age 6 or 36 -- the latter my current) walks into a stadium for the first time and is awed by the feats of players who grab baseballs out of the sky or whap them into the upper atmosphere.

RIP KP, and thanks.

Here's a great article by Scoop Jackson that was just posted on Page 2 about Kirby.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=jackson/060307

My condolences to all baseball fans everywhere.

July 12, 1986 - I was on my way back from Phoenix and saw Kirby's press conference in an airport bar at MSP. I was openly weeping, and looked around the bar and noticed that many others were as well.

I haven't cried since July 12, 1986...until Sunday. RIP, Kirby.

Man, I cried last night while I watch the highlights of Kirby's career. I went to my first game at age 11 in 1987 and sat first row, center field, right behind Kirby and cheered my little heart out. Later that season I remember sitting on the couch with my older sister watching the series, jumping up and down in our living room...

With the allegations against him in the last few years, my feelings toward Kirby had become muddled.

I want to remember him only as the shining star, hero, friend-to-all that he was to Minnesota, to baseball and the world.

Bat-girl--You and Kirby are both reasons to love baseball and all that goes with it. Thanks.

The reason Kirby was so popular and will be missed so much is he belonged to us. Players always talk about securing their future for their family but Kirby belonged to the fans and lived for baseball and lived to play, we were his family. There is no one to replace Kirby in the game today. Everyone who was a fan during his era was priveleged. I doubt we will ever see another like him again.

A day later and I still have no way of describing how I feel, except to say that I am so sad at this loss.

All of you have said what I feel in one way or another so I will just wish Kirby eternal peace.

I hope you are feeling all the love that we your fans are sending you.

You are a hero and you can never be replaced.

I love you Kirby and I will miss you.

Rest in Peace