Kirby Puckett: gone way too soon
Wanna feel old? This baseball great left us 19 years ago. Time flies.
I couldn’t believe it when I realized that the late, great Kirby Puckett, the hero of one of the greatest games, and greatest announcing calls, in MLB history left us nearly 20 years ago. As if I didn’t feel old enough! Puckett was impossible to root against. And he will forever be remembered by Twins fans and baseball fans everywhere as one of the classic era’s greats. Here’s his story, written by Classic Baseball World staff writer, Julien Price - RI
Baseball has always been a sport of grit and tenacity, with the underdog rising to prominence through pure resolve. Few players exemplified that spirit more than Kirby Puckett, a man whose unwavering determination propelled him from Chicago's housing projects to the pinnacle of baseball success. His career was filled with both triumphs and challenges, and even after the game took him away too soon, he found ways to leave a lasting mark outside of the diamond.
Kirby Puckett was born on March 14, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois, as the youngest of nine children. His family resided in the Robert Taylor Homes, one of the city's most challenging housing developments. Baseball provided Puckett with solace despite the fact that he lived in an environment of violence and poverty. He spent hours playing on the sandlots, imitating the greats he saw on TV. Despite his passion for the game, professional baseball felt like an unreachable ambition. His high school, Calumet High, did not even have a baseball team, so Puckett had to play softball to get some swings in.
Puckett worked at a Ford plant after graduating from high school, installing carpets in vehicles. The work was consistent, but it was not his passion. A layoff marked a turning moment, motivating him to attend The Kansas City Royals open tryout. While he did not make the squad, his performance drew the attention of a coach at Bradley University, who offered him a scholarship. Puckett took the opportunity, but when his father died unexpectedly, he switched to Triton College to be closer to his family.
Puckett's talent flourished while at Triton. He batted .472 with 16 home runs, leading his club to the National Junior College Athletic Association championship game and earning Player of the Year honors. The Minnesota Twins took notice and drafted him third overall in the January 1982 Major League Baseball Draft.
Next stop: The Show!
Puckett's rise through the minor levels was quick. He made his Twins debut on May 8, 1984, and had four hits in his first game. His contagious zeal and hard ethic rapidly earned him a fan following.
Puckett's career included multiple highlights. He was a ten-time All-Star, six-time Gold Glove Award winner, and six-time Silver Slugger. He led the American League in batting in 1989, with a.339 average, and helped the Twins capture World Series crowns in 1987 and 1991.
One of his most legendary events occurred in Game 6 of the 1991 World Series. With the Twins on the verge of elimination, Puckett made a leaping catch against the center-field wall to rob an extra-base hit before hitting a walk-off home run in the 11th inning, forcing a Game 7 that the Twins eventually won.
During spring training in 1996, Puckett awoke with no vision in his right eye. He was diagnosed with glaucoma and, after numerous surgeries, had to retire at the age of 36.
Puckett stayed engaged in the community after his retirement. He sought to raise awareness about glaucoma and was interested in children's organizations, receiving the Roberto Clemente Man of the Year Award in 19
However, his post-baseball life was hampered by personal difficulties, including legal issues and health problems. Puckett died on March 6, 2006, from a stroke, just days before his 46th birthday.
Kirby Puckett's path from the Chicago projects to baseball history exemplifies the power of endurance and devotion. His legacy serves as motivation to all who face adversity, reminding us that with determination, we can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.
