So Long, Kirby

Mike Popelka

Kirby Puckett died today. I'm sad. When I first became a baseball fan, the Twins were one of my very favorite teams. Kirby Puckett was their best player as well as their leader.

I'll miss Kirby because he played the game with a smile. He was successful because of his work ethic-- 5'8, 210 lb. men aren't known to be exceptionally gifted when it comes to innate athletic ability. He was fun to watch and he played the game right.

I'll miss Kirby because I miss being a kid. The very first baseball game I ever attended was a Twins/Tigers affair in 1988. I clearly remember booing Lou Whittaker (I wasn't sure if the crowd was saying "Boo" or "Lou"). I proudly waved my "1987 World Champions" homer hanky throughout the whole game. I also remember the PA announcer calling out, "Kirrrrrrby Pucketttt!" and going wild, hoping that my favorite player at the time would come through.

Due to the harassment charges (of which he was acquitted) and his astonishing weight gain over the past few years, fans may not remember Kirby Puckett to be the exciting baseball player that he was. Instead of remembering the overweight man in a suit with a bad eye and glasses, try to remember watching him climb up the walls to rob hitters of home runs. Remember him running the bases with that funny waddle he had. Most of all, remember the fun he always seemed to be having.

When compared with other Hall of Fame outfielders, Puckett's numbers aren't quite up to snuff. Keep in mind, though, that Hall of Fame voters tend to vote using three principles: the excellence of a player (numbers), leadership (championships), and character. Although Kirby wasn't the greatest player numbers-wise, he did end his career with a .318 average, 2,304 hits and ten trips to the All-Star game. He had 200 hits in a season five times and won six gold gloves and six silver sluggers. Not bad. More importantly, he led his team to 2 championships (when I say led I mean led-- remember game 6 of the 1991 World Series?) and was a community activist. That's the type of guy that belongs in the Hall of Fame.

Kirby, rest in peace. We baseball fans will miss you. Here's to your career.

Cheers.