Baseball Legends: Kirby Puckett (Twins 1984-1995)

Kirby Puckett was a larger than life player, who captured the hearts of not only the fans, but his teammates as well. He was always quick with a smile and was known as one of the most generous players during his playing days.

Kirby was drafted in the first round (third overall) of the 1982 amateur draft by the Minnesota Twins. From the moment that Kirby was promoted in 1984, he excelled in his day to day playing. He is only the ninth player in major league history to achieve four hits in his debut game. He became a sensation in center field in Minnesota. His popularity soared when John Fogerty’s single “Centerfield” was released as a single in 1985. Twins fans started to associate Puckett with the song because of his electric play in the outfield.

Puckett had the strength and quick wrists of a power hitter, despite his small stature. Before the 1986 season, he began adjusting his approach at the plate. He was no slouch to begin with, but the adjustments he made with the help of hitting coach Tony Oliva, turned Kirby into a superstar.

Not only was Kirby hitting for average, he was now hitting for distance as well. The 1986 season brought a rise in average, a rise in home runs and his first of six Gold Glove Awards. 1987 saw a World Championship over the Cardinals and also brought the best game of his career. On August 30^th, Kirby went 6 for 6 with two home runs and took a grand slam away from Robin Yount in Milwaukee.

Kirby continued hitting throughout his career. Puckett was always a tough out and age didn’t slow that. In 1988, he hit .356, but a .339 mark in 1989 would win him a batting title. In April 1989, Kirby became the first player in the 20^th century to reach 1,000 hits in his first five years.

Another World Series Championship followed in 1991 against a tough Atlanta Braves team. Kirby’s dramatic game-winning home run in Game 6 was the turning point of the entire series. The Twins started to fade, but Puckett seemed to only get better. He finally got an RBI title in 1994, driving in 112 runs in 108 games.

Kirby was forced to retire in 1996, when his vision was limited due to glaucoma in his right eye. At his retirement press conference, Kirby continued to say the right things at the right moment.

“I was told I would never make it because I’m too short. Well, I’m still too short, but I’ve got 10 All-Star Games, two World Series championships, and I’m a very happy and contented guy. It doesn’t matter what your height is, it’s what’s in your heart.”

The Twins retired his number 34 in 1997. In addition to 10 All-Star games, 6 Gold Gloves and 6 Silver Sluggers, Kirby won the Roberto Clemente Award in 1996, the Branch Rickey Award in 1993 and was named the 1993 All-Star Game MVP.

Puckett was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001, with 82.14% of the vote.

See Puckett’s career statistics at baseball-reference.com.

Written by Steve G. at whitesoxcards.blogspot.com.