Kirby Puckett dies after suffering stroke
 

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2357158

This has been big news in the sports world, especially around baseball. Puckett was one of the stars of the game in the 80s and 90s, and his performance in the 91 World Series (one of the greatest World Series ever) was his biggest moment. Glaucoma ended his career early, and the past couple of years most of the reports on him had been about his failing health and personal problems.

In his prime he was regarded as one of the best players in baseball and one of the best people in the game. He was the leader of a Twins team that won 2 World Championships (87 and 91). He was one of the youngest players ever elected to the Hall of Fame when he was inducted in 2001. It is sad that his life ended so early.

RIP Puck . . .

A truly dominant player in his prime - I loved the guy. Sad.

I hated the twins when he played for them, but he was always one of my favorite players.

RIP Kirby - a pervert with the women even when blind that knew how to beat females well.

-Rudey

I was a little upset when Kirby died yesterday, but then my homie told me about his secret life, and it totally changed my perception about him.

It's crazy all of the things that came out after he retired; his image took a dramatic turn pretty quickly.

There's no doubt Puckett was involved in some backwards (and potentially awful) things outside the lines - although he was never convicted of anything, this is a prime example of how athletes generally are not complete role models, and how fans don't really know athletes just by watching them (something I think most fans forget).

For me, the only thing I'll take from Puckett was the fact that he was a dominant player, and along with Ozzie Smith seemed to have more fun playing the game than anyone else I've ever seen - that's the only thing to take from the man. I'll admit that I was pretty let down when the skeletons began to emerge from the closet - but that's what makes this sad, in my mind: a guy who truly 'made good', coming from nothing to become a Hall of Famer, only to be maladjusted and lazy, eventually dying at an amazingly early age at nearly 100 lbs over his (already robust) playing weight and shrouded in the specters of spousal abuse and etc.

I think we can all find something to think about in that scenario.

This is soo sad. I remember being little and loving his name. As a ten year old I thought it sounded so cool.

He was so young. I hope he rest in peace. :(

From what I have heard from interviews and press releases, he was one of the most loved, genuine, and good guys in the game. Noone knows exactly what happened in his personal life, allthough he was acquitted of most of the accusations. Whats sad is people judging without knowing and saying that he was a huge let down because of accusations. He was a professional in every sense.

Pretty classless post.

RIP Kirby. I admired him even though I wasn't crazy about the Twins. My stepdad was shocked when I told him the news.

RIP Kirby...

I grew up in Minneapolis and I remember the 1991 Series very well.

The kids there idolized Kirby Puckett. His private life notwithstanding, he was an incredible player with an incredible baseball team. So sad.

very sad

This coming from the guy who drops N bombs like it's nothing