I've started posting entries from my honeymoon journal, with links to photos. Check it out.

March 7, 2006

Memories of a Hero

"Now batting, number thirty-four, the centerfielder, KIRB-EEEEEE PUCKETT!"

Roars from the crowd. Everyone in Minnesota loved him. And no wonder -- his smile and cheerful attitude were contagious. I remember seeing him for the first time in 1985. My uncle, Ronnie, got us free tickets from his employer, and took me and my brothers and sister to games occasionally for several years. He was crotchety man, but still he loved Kirby. Everyone did. A few years later, Ron wanted to watch Kirby bat one last time in his hospital room before he passed away from heart disease.

Everyone loved to watch Kirby play, both on the field and off. I watched him carry the Minnesota Twins to two World Series championships in 1987 and 1991. I saw him in person at the victory parades. I collected his baseball cards and his autographs, which I've kept all these years.

Kirby, you will always be a hero to me.

Kirby Puckett, 1961-2006

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Posted by Geoff at 11:09 AM | Comments (2)