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Kirby Puckett (1961-2006)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Kirby Puckett died Monday, a day after the Hall of Fame outfielder had a stroke at his Arizona home, a hospital spokeswoman said. He was 44.

Puckett died at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Kimberly Lodge said. He had been in intensive care since having surgery at another hospital following his stroke Sunday morning.

Puckett carried the Twins to World Series titles in 1987 and 1991 before his career was cut short by glaucoma. His family, friends and former teammates gathered at the hospital throughout Monday.

The hospital said Puckett was given last rites and died in the afternoon.

The buoyant, barrel-shaped Puckett broke into the majors in 1984 and had a career batting average of .318. Glaucoma forced the six-time Gold Glove center fielder and 10-time All-Star to retire when he went blind in his right eye.

"This is a sad day for the Minnesota Twins, Major League Baseball and baseball fans everywhere," Twins owner Carl Pohlad said.

Yes, I know: mistresses, wife beating, gambling, crime, etc.  He was also, before all that, the face of the Minnesota Twins and helped carry them to greatness in the late 80's and early 90's.  I remember his Game 6 walkoff home run that led to their seemingly improbable World Series win in the Worst To First Series against the Braves.  It sucks that a bad eye (irony of ironies for the career 318/360/477 hitter) cut his career short.  It sucks even more that he tarnished what was a great public image with his infidelity and temper.

Rest in peace, Kirby Puckett.