Kirby Puckett dies at age 45

Kirby Puckett , one of baseball's greatest players and by far the Twins most beloved player, passed away tonight of complications caused by a stroke he suffered yesterday. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2001 after a spectacular 12 year career in which he compiled 2,304 hits, 414 double, 207 HRs, 1085 RBIs and a career batting avg of .318. He was a 10 time All-star, a 6 time Gold Glover winner, 1991 ALCS MVP and 1993 All-Star MVP. He led the league in hits 3 straight years and 4 overall. He will be remembered for his enthusiastic play and his love for the game. He was a key member of the two World Championships the Twins won in 1987 and 1991. His career was cut short when he was hit by a pitch that broke his jaw. He later was diagnosed with glaucoma after he woke up one morning with no vision in his right eye.

I will always remember Kirby for his spectacular play that cost my Atlanta Braves their first World Series title. He pretty much carried the Twins in game 6, which for Minnesota was an elimination game. He leaped high on the centerfield wall to rob Ron Gant of at least a double then hit a walk-off-homer to send the series to a deciding game 7 and ultimate World Series Championship.

Rest in peace Kirby, you will be missed.