HOF'er Kirby Puckett dead at 45

[BR549]

Sad news...

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,187010,00.html

 

[rpn453]

Wow; it seems like yesterday that he was playing. I'll always remember him as a good guy and a great player.

 

[T-Keith]

A sad day indeed. If it weren't for his eye he'd probably have lived longer. He seemed to do much worse after he stopped playing, in almost all respects.

-T

 

[sprintman]

Who is he?

 

[jmacmaster]

He's a former outfielder who played his whole 12 year career at the Minnesota Twins. In 1995 he retired after getting hit in the eye with a ball and getting glaucoma. He's in the Hall of Fame. He was 45 when he died after a massive stroke. He led the Twins to World Series wins in 87 and 91. He's considered to be the best and most popular Twin of all time. After retiring he put on a LOT of weight, tho he was real stocky even when playing and only 5' 8". I suspect his weight led at least partially to medical problems which may in turn have led to the stroke.

 

[MNgopher]

Sad day for all Twins fans and baseball in general. I agree that not being able to play baseball after glaucoma certainly seemed to be a predecessor to a lot of rougher times, especially the wieght gain in recent years.

To most Minnesotans, Kirby is probably the most famous athlete in this state has ever known, in any sport. Even little kids could immediately identify Kirby out on the field - his short, stocky stature and constant smile made him a favorite of many kids.

 

[GROUCHO MARX]

"Who is he? "
----------------------------------------------------------

Basically a bowling ball with legs who could stick.

 

[Ryan00TJ]

Kirby was a tremendous player and played every game as it were his last. The man was all hussle ladies and gents! Truely a sad loss.