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Remembering Kirby
The legendary Kirby Puckett, who led the Minnesota Twins to two World Series titles and was inducted into the Hall of Fame, died Monday at age 45. Here's what Brainerd Dispatch writers had to say about the ever popular Puckett:
Impossible quote
Aside from being one of the greatest baseball players I've ever seen and having one of the most gregarious laughs I've ever heard, Kirby Puckett was also one of the most difficult for a sports writer to quote. He was always so excited and talked so fast that it was virtually impossible for a sports writer to quote him with pen and paper. You had to use a tape recorder with Kirby, otherwise you missed most of what he said.
Mike Bialka
Sports editor
Heart and determination
Kirby Puckett represented the baseball player inside all of us. He was 5-foot-8 and all energy. His success was as much talent as it was heart and determination.
Trevor Williams
Sports copy editor
'Tomorrow night'
My favorite Kirby Puckett memory is, of course, his homer to win Game 6 of the '91 series, even though I slept through it. But I woke up to my mom cheering loudly, Kirby rounding the bases and Jack Buck saying, "We'll see you tomorrow night!"
Even though I'm a lifelong Twins fan, I lost interest in the team for a time in the late '90s, in part because they were terrible, but mainly because they didn't have Puckett, who retired far too soon. But at least he went out with the Twins, because he was and still is the greatest Twin.
John Hansen
Entertainment editor
Lessons to be learned
Since late Sunday morning, I've been glued to the television and Internet reports about Kirby Puckett's health. I just never realized how hard his stroke would hit me. I loved Kirby. I just hope the Minnesotans who loved Puck, learn from him. WCCO's Mark Rosen quoted Monday afternoon from Puck's retirement speech, something to the effect, "Enjoy today because none of us are promised tomorrow." I know I've had reminders the past year in my own life as well but I believe Kirby's death reminds us all of how important it is to live, love and laugh every day.
Kathi Nagorski
City editor
A class act
While I will fondly remember Kirby's million-watt smile and the way he played the game at an all-out, breakneck pace, there's one moment in Kirby's career that will stick with me forever.
At Kirby's retirement news conference Cleveland Indians pitcher Dennis Martinez, who hit Kirby in the face in his last professional at-bat, stood in the back of the room and wept. Kirby addressed Martinez, told him he loved him and never once blamed Martinez for what happened to him.
In Kirby's worst hour his class as a person came shining through.
To share your Kirby Puckett memories, go to www.brainerddispatch.com and link to forums.
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