Kirby Puckett Dies at 45
Legendary Minnesota Twins outfielder Kirby Puckett died Monday after suffering a major stroke at his home in Scottsdale, Ariz. at the age of 45.
Puckett, a 10-time All Star, was drafted by the Twins in the first round of the 1982 draft and was with the organization for his entire career, helping the team win the 1987 and 1991 World Series titles–the only two championships since the Twins move to Minnesota in 1961.
Puckett won multiple Gold Glove awards and batting titles, but was forced to retire in 1996 after losing vision in his right eye due to complications with glaucoma.
He was voted into the Hall of Fame in 2001—his first year of eligibility—becoming the third youngest player to be elected. Read the rest of this entry »