Hall of fame outfielder and former Twins great Kirby Puckett died on Monday (March 6) one day after suffering a massive stroke. Puckett was 45 years old.
Puckett suffered the stroke while at his home in Arizona and was taken to a nearby hospital for surgery. Doctors there say the stroke was caused by a brain aneurysm. Both of Puckett's parents died before the age of 50 from heart disease.
Twins centerfielder Torii Hunter, who was close friends with Puckett, left the Twins complex in Ft. Myers Sunday after learning of Puckett's condition and did not play in the Twins' game against the Red Sox. Hunter started his career with the Twins in 1997 after Puckett retired but had been mentored by Puckett throughout his career.
Several former Twins had gathered in Arizona to be by Puckett's side during his final hours including Harmon Killebrew, Jacque Jones, Eddie Guardado and Dan Gladden. Gladden and Puckett became close friends during their run as teammates on both World Championship teams.
Puckett is the Twins all time leader in hits, doubles, total bases, at bats and runs scored. He had a career batting average of .318 and was inducted into baseball's hall of fame in 2001. He retired in 1996 after glaucoma blinded him in one eye. Puckett helped lead the Twins to World Series titles in 1987 and again in 1991. In the '91 Series, Puckett made a game saving catch and hit the game winning home run in the Twins Game 6 victory over the Braves. Puckett was a ten time all star and six time Gold Glove winner. Puckett's entire career was spent with the Twins (1984-95).
Puckett was invited to the Twins spring training this year as a special instructor but he declined. He has not attended Twins spring training since 2002.
