Kirby Puckett in Critical Condition

Glengoyne · 03-06-2006, 02:34 PM

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/s...=ESPNHeadlines

Quote:

PHOENIX -- Hall of Fame outfielder Kirby Puckett was in critical condition early Monday after undergoing surgery for a stroke he had on Sunday. Puckett, 44, remained in intensive care at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, hospital spokeswoman Kimberly Lodge said. Puckett was moved to the hospital after undergoing surgery at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn. "Tough day," former Twins manager Tom Kelly said Monday at the Twins' training camp. "It could get worse." Puckett had surgery to drain blood and relieve pressure resulting from bleeding in the brain, two sources familiar with the situation told The Star Tribune of Minneapolis. The Twins announced from their spring training camp in Fort Myers, Fla. that Puckett had a stroke at his Arizona home Sunday and was taken to a hospital for surgery.


	Puckett was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001.

Puckett, who led the Twins to World Series titles in 1987 and 1991, had surgery at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn, the team said, and was later moved to St. Joseph's. "The Minnesota Twins and major league baseball ask fans to keep Kirby and his family in their thoughts and prayers," the team said in a statement. Ron Shapiro, who was Puckett's agent, said he had been in contact with Puckett's family Sunday but would not confirm his whereabouts. "We're all praying for his recovery," Shapiro said. The Twins played the Boston Red Sox in an exhibition game Sunday at their spring training complex, winning 5-1. Star center fielder Torii Hunter sat out after learning of Puckett's stroke. Hunter, who is close to Puckett, took himself out the lineup, saying he "couldn't focus on anything," The Star-Tribune reported. He left the ballpark and spent the rest of the day getting updates on Puckett's condition. "I learned about this game from him," Hunter told the newspaper. "He's a guy I look to like he's an older brother. I've come up in this game just by watching what Kirby Puckett is all about." Puckett's former managers and coaches hoped for the best. "Our thoughts and our prayers are turned towards Puck in Arizona," current Twins manager Ron Gardenhire told the Star-Tribune. "We all heard about this before lunch and that pretty much takes away from anything you do at a ballpark. We did the best we could do today and the game was whatever ... it was a game." "The doctors said that if he has good luck, he'll be all right. You have to keep the faith," added former manager Tom Kelly, who won two World Series with Puckett. Puckett, who broke in with Minnesota in 1984, had a career batting average of .318. Glaucoma forced the Gold Glove center fielder and 10-time All-Star to retire in 1996 after 12 seasons with the Twins when he went blind in one eye. Three years ago, he was cleared of assault charges after being accused of groping a woman at a Twin Cities restaurant. He said then that he was retired and spent his time golfing, fishing and doing nothing. Puckett has maintained relationships with many people in the Twins organization. The team tried unsuccessfully to get him to come to spring training as a special instructor this year, something he hasn't done since 2002. Another former Twins great, Tony Oliva, a special instructor during spring training, said he has been worried about Puckett's weight. "The last few times I saw him, he kept getting bigger and bigger and bigger," Oliva said. "And we worried about him. I saw him about five months ago. He always tries to invite me. He says, 'Come to Arizona, and we'll play some golf.'" Puckett is divorced and has two children. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

JeffNights · 03-06-2006, 06:12 PM

Godspeed Kirby.

McSweeny · 03-06-2006, 07:06 PM

Kirby Puckett is expected to be removed from life support tonight, two people with knowledge of his condition told the Star Tribune.
We fear this means the worst for Kirby. Family members assembled at the hospital Monday to make the decision on life support. The 44-year-old Hall of Famer suffered a massive stroke at his home on Sunday morning. Mar. 6 - 7:51 pm et
Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune

terpkristin · 03-06-2006, 07:16 PM

Kirby Puckett has died.
http://www.startribune.com/10017/story/287541.html
RIP.

/tk

terpkristin · 03-06-2006, 07:16 PM

Dola,
ESPN is showing it as breaking news on their bottom line and on ESPNNews.

/tk

Glengoyne · 03-06-2006, 07:16 PM

Man that really sucks. I'm admittedly not a huge Kirby fan, but I always felt he was one of the best things about baseball when he played.

SegRat · 03-06-2006, 07:17 PM

Wow, only 44 years old, way to young for anyone to go.

SackAttack · 03-06-2006, 07:18 PM

Quote:

His right retina had irreversible damage, caused by a blockage of blood vessels.

Sounds like that might have been a precursor to the stroke?

tucker342 · 03-06-2006, 07:19 PM

wow... sad to hear.

RIP Kirby

Ironhead · 03-06-2006, 07:20 PM

This is really sad. My condolences go out to the Puckett family. 44 is just too freaking young to die.

vtbub · 03-06-2006, 07:20 PM

Franklinnoble · 03-06-2006, 07:20 PM

From ESPN:

Puckett Dies Following Stroke

Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett died Monday, a day after suffering a stroke at his Arizona home, a hospital spokeswoman said. The 44-year-old Puckett, who led the Twins to two World Series titles before his career was cut short by glaucoma, was stricken Sunday morning at his Arizona home.

miami_fan · 03-06-2006, 07:20 PM

wade moore · 03-06-2006, 07:21 PM

kingfc22 · 03-06-2006, 07:25 PM

MrBug708 · 03-06-2006, 07:27 PM

TroyF · 03-06-2006, 07:31 PM

Back when I really loved baseball, Kirby Puckett was my favorite player. The Twins were my favorite team and they were the first team I ever cheered for who won a championship. (three years before CU had their split and a full decade before the Broncos won the title)

It's been dissapointing and saddening to hear about many of the things he did to his wife and those type of stories. Even with all of those stories, I'm so sad he's gone. What a horrible thing to have happen.

JonInMiddleGA · 03-06-2006, 07:32 PM

Joe · 03-06-2006, 07:36 PM

Thanks for the memories, Kirby. RIP

MikeVic · 03-06-2006, 07:39 PM

Cards4ever · 03-06-2006, 07:42 PM

Long life was not a trait held by many in his family, so when I heard about the stroke yesterday I feared the worst.

As someone who moved to Minneapolis in July of 1984 and watched Kirby in his rookie season and attended many games each season(I lived a mile from the Dome) and being there in 91 when he brought such a dramatic performance to Game 6, today is definitely a sad day. I know he has had his troubles the past few years but I've always loved what Kirby brought to the ballpark.

Batting third, number 34 Kirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrby Puckett

RIP Kirby

SunDevil · 03-06-2006, 07:43 PM

Senator · 03-06-2006, 07:47 PM

Vince · 03-06-2006, 07:55 PM

RIP.

Hurst2112 · 03-06-2006, 07:56 PM

He was 45, and RIP

Eaglesfan27 · 03-06-2006, 07:58 PM

Very sad.

Cards4ever · 03-06-2006, 08:03 PM

March 14, 1961, he would have turned 45 this month.

Hurst2112 · 03-06-2006, 08:04 PM

The hospital, media guide and strib all said he was 45. Kfan was saying that. Strange

Cards4ever · 03-06-2006, 08:10 PM

http://www.baseball-reference.com/p/puckeki01.shtml

My media guides list March 14, 1961 too.

Hurst2112 · 03-06-2006, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cards4ever

http://www.baseball-reference.com/p/puckeki01.shtml

My media guides list March 14, 1961 too.

Not that it's a big deal. I emailed KFAN and told them to get their stuff right. It's a pretty indecent thing to do...getting his age wrong.

Hurst2112 · 03-06-2006, 08:14 PM

NOW KFAN says 44. Sludge and Lake are morons. Never liked their show.

I will wait to tell the story of Kirby in a titty bar by my studio.

Sweed · 03-06-2006, 08:14 PM

RIP Kirby. Thanks for the memories.

BYU 14 · 03-06-2006, 08:17 PM

Very sad...so sudden. RIP Kirby

cuervo72 · 03-06-2006, 08:18 PM

Back in the 80's and our MicroLeague heyday, Kirby was a favorite, and was a mainstay on the team of my friend who "founded" the league (he played a season before the rest of us did, and Kirby was on the team and was one of the players he protected in our initial draft). In a way, he was probably the face of the league for me. Became one of the players I rooted for as well, and he was fun to watch. RIP Kirby.

General Mike · 03-06-2006, 08:22 PM

RIP Kirby.

Buccaneer · 03-06-2006, 08:23 PM

He was my little brother's favorite player of all time.

Pumpy Tudors · 03-06-2006, 08:41 PM

As much as I hated the Twins for beating my Cardinals in the 1987 World Series, I respected the way those guys - and especially Kirby Puckett - played on the field. I was stunned on the day that Kirby retired. I had always hoped that he'd find some way to come back and play, even though everyone knew that it wouldn't happen.

Obviously, this news is much more stunning.

Antmeister · 03-06-2006, 08:45 PM

Craptacular · 03-06-2006, 08:47 PM

As much as I hated the Twins, period, I did like Kirby. RIP.

EagleFan · 03-06-2006, 09:35 PM

Sad news. RIP Kirby.

Grammaticus · 03-06-2006, 09:39 PM

Wow, that is just way too young.

CraigSca · 03-06-2006, 10:25 PM

Wow, if you guys are right, the latest ESPN.com headline: "Kirby Puckett 1960-2006" is wrong as well.

pennywisesb · 03-06-2006, 11:32 PM

One of the all-time greats, RIP Kirby.

mckerney · 03-06-2006, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CraigSca

Wow, if you guys are right, the latest ESPN.com headline: "Kirby Puckett 1960-2006" is wrong as well.

His birthday is actually 1960 and not 1961 as it had been recorded by other sources.

Hurst2112 · 03-07-2006, 01:23 AM

How the FUCK can a hall of famer's birthday be questioned?!?! It wasn't like this guy was born in another country.

mckerney · 03-07-2006, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hurst2112

How the FUCK can a hall of famer's birthday be questioned?!?! It wasn't like this guy was born in another country.

Dunno, though heard it was the Hall of Fame that found his birthday was a year earlier than previously thought.

Hurst2112 · 03-07-2006, 01:38 AM

channel 4 actually had 1906-2006 for 1 shot. They fixed it by the next time they put it up.

Hurst2112 · 03-07-2006, 03:06 AM

Sporting News Radio was just saying that at 5'8", he was pushing 400 pounds! My God! I hope that's an over-estimate.

SackAttack · 03-07-2006, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hurst2112

Sporting News Radio was just saying that at 5'8", he was pushing 400 pounds! My God! I hope that's an over-estimate.

Doesn't sound like it if you read some of the comments out of the Twins camp following his passing. One guy mentioned that every time they saw him, Puckett was larger, and they had hoped he was taking better care of himself.

Karlifornia · 03-07-2006, 05:57 AM

This is so sad. I had this naive thought that all of our sports heroes pull through. This is just another message to me that life deals blows regardless of when you're ready. The Twins/Braves series was the first World Series that I was old enough to keep up with (Born in '84). I was rooting for the Braves for reason, but I remember Puckett's amazing catch and game ending homer in that series. Amazing moments from an amazing player.

I know he made very serious mistakes after his playing career, and I can only hope he learned from them between then and now. I am very sad about this. I can't believe a hero from the World Series in my lifetime is now dead. I thought for sure he'd pull through, and that Sportscenter would wake me up with news on how Kirby's condition was improving. Fuck.

Dammit.

03-06-2006, 07:16 PM	#4
terpkristin Grizzled Veteran Join Date: May 2003 Location: Ashburn, VA	Kirby Puckett has died. http://www.startribune.com/10017/story/287541.html RIP. /tk __________________ GO TERPS! https://www.flickr.com/photos/terpkristin https://twitter.com/terpkristin

03-06-2006, 07:16 PM	#5
terpkristin Grizzled Veteran Join Date: May 2003 Location: Ashburn, VA	Dola, ESPN is showing it as breaking news on their bottom line and on ESPNNews. /tk __________________ GO TERPS! https://www.flickr.com/photos/terpkristin https://twitter.com/terpkristin

03-06-2006, 07:17 PM	#7
SegRat High School Varsity Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Oshkosh, WI	Wow, only 44 years old, way to young for anyone to go. __________________ USFL: Charlotte Fightn' Squirrels

03-06-2006, 07:20 PM	#11
vtbub College Starter Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Burlington, VT USA	__________________

03-06-2006, 07:25 PM	#15
kingfc22 Head Coach Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Morgan Hill, CA	__________________ Fan of SF Giants, 49ers, Sharks, Arsenal

03-06-2006, 06:12 PM	#2
JeffNights College Prospect Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Michigan	Godspeed Kirby.

03-06-2006, 07:06 PM	#3
McSweeny College Starter Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Somerville, MA	Kirby Puckett is expected to be removed from life support tonight, two people with knowledge of his condition told the Star Tribune. We fear this means the worst for Kirby. Family members assembled at the hospital Monday to make the decision on life support. The 44-year-old Hall of Famer suffered a massive stroke at his home on Sunday morning. Mar. 6 - 7:51 pm et Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune

03-06-2006, 07:16 PM	#6
Glengoyne Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Fresno, CA	Man that really sucks. I'm admittedly not a huge Kirby fan, but I always felt he was one of the best things about baseball when he played.

03-06-2006, 07:19 PM	#9
tucker342 Pro Starter Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Iowa City, IA	wow... sad to hear. RIP Kirby

03-06-2006, 07:20 PM	#10
Ironhead College Prospect Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Barnegat, NJ	This is really sad. My condolences go out to the Puckett family. 44 is just too freaking young to die.

03-06-2006, 07:20 PM	#12
Franklinnoble Banned Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Placerville, CA	From ESPN: Puckett Dies Following Stroke Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett died Monday, a day after suffering a stroke at his Arizona home, a hospital spokeswoman said. The 44-year-old Puckett, who led the Twins to two World Series titles before his career was cut short by glaucoma, was stricken Sunday morning at his Arizona home.

03-06-2006, 07:20 PM	#13
miami_fan Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Land O Lakes FL	RIP

03-06-2006, 07:27 PM	#16
MrBug708 Head Coach Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Whittier	Sad

03-06-2006, 07:31 PM	#17
TroyF Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000	Back when I really loved baseball, Kirby Puckett was my favorite player. The Twins were my favorite team and they were the first team I ever cheered for who won a championship. (three years before CU had their split and a full decade before the Broncos won the title) It's been dissapointing and saddening to hear about many of the things he did to his wife and those type of stories. Even with all of those stories, I'm so sad he's gone. What a horrible thing to have happen.

03-06-2006, 07:32 PM	#18
JonInMiddleGA Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Behind Enemy Lines in Athens, GA	__________________ "I lit another cigarette. Unless I specifically inform you to the contrary, I am always lighting another cigarette." - from a novel by Martin Amis

03-06-2006, 07:36 PM	#19
Joe Pro Starter Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Minneapolis	Thanks for the memories, Kirby. RIP

03-06-2006, 07:39 PM	#20
MikeVic Head Coach Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hometown of Canada	RIP

03-06-2006, 07:42 PM	#21
Cards4ever College Benchwarmer Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Eagan, MN	Long life was not a trait held by many in his family, so when I heard about the stroke yesterday I feared the worst. As someone who moved to Minneapolis in July of 1984 and watched Kirby in his rookie season and attended many games each season(I lived a mile from the Dome) and being there in 91 when he brought such a dramatic performance to Game 6, today is definitely a sad day. I know he has had his troubles the past few years but I've always loved what Kirby brought to the ballpark. Batting third, number 34 Kirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrby Puckett RIP Kirby __________________ Cardinal Baseball & Gopher Hockey, what else do you need?

03-06-2006, 07:43 PM	#22
SunDevil College Prospect Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Tempe, AZ	RIP

03-06-2006, 07:47 PM	#23
Senator FOFC's Elected Representative Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: The stars at night; are big and bright	. __________________ "i have seen chris simms play 4-5 times in the pros and he's very clearly got it. he won't make a pro bowl this year, but it'll come. if you don't like me saying that, so be it, but its true. we'll just have to wait until then" imettrentgreen "looking at only ten games, and oddly using a median only, leaves me unmoved generally" - Quiksand

03-06-2006, 07:55 PM	#24
Vince Pro Starter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Willow Glen, CA	RIP. __________________ Every time a Dodger scores a run, an angel has its wings ripped off by a demon, and is forced to tearfully beg the demon to cauterize the wounds.The demon will refuse, and the sobbing angel will lie in a puddle of angel blood and feathers for eternity, wondering why the Dodgers are allowed to score runs.That’s not me talking: that’s science. McCoveyChronicles.com.

03-06-2006, 07:56 PM	#25
Hurst2112 College Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Minneapolis	He was 45, and RIP __________________ http://www.myspace.com/longliveanalog

03-06-2006, 07:58 PM	#26
Eaglesfan27 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: New Jersey	Very sad. __________________ Retired GM of the eNFL 2007 Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles (19-0 record.) GM of the WOOF 2006 Doggie Bowl Champion Atlantic City Gamblers. GM of the IHOF 2019 and 2022 IHOF Bowl Champion Asheville Axemen.

03-06-2006, 08:03 PM	#27
Cards4ever College Benchwarmer Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Eagan, MN	March 14, 1961, he would have turned 45 this month. __________________ Cardinal Baseball & Gopher Hockey, what else do you need?

03-06-2006, 08:04 PM	#28
Hurst2112 College Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Minneapolis	The hospital, media guide and strib all said he was 45. Kfan was saying that. Strange __________________ http://www.myspace.com/longliveanalog

03-06-2006, 08:10 PM	#29
Cards4ever College Benchwarmer Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Eagan, MN	http://www.baseball-reference.com/p/puckeki01.shtml My media guides list March 14, 1961 too. __________________ Cardinal Baseball & Gopher Hockey, what else do you need?

03-06-2006, 08:14 PM	#31
Hurst2112 College Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Minneapolis	NOW KFAN says 44. Sludge and Lake are morons. Never liked their show. I will wait to tell the story of Kirby in a titty bar by my studio. __________________ http://www.myspace.com/longliveanalog

03-06-2006, 08:14 PM	#32
Sweed College Benchwarmer Join Date: Oct 2003	RIP Kirby. Thanks for the memories.

03-06-2006, 08:17 PM	#33
BYU 14 Coordinator Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The scorched Desert	Very sad...so sudden. RIP Kirby

03-06-2006, 08:18 PM	#34
cuervo72 Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Maryland	Back in the 80's and our MicroLeague heyday, Kirby was a favorite, and was a mainstay on the team of my friend who "founded" the league (he played a season before the rest of us did, and Kirby was on the team and was one of the players he protected in our initial draft). In a way, he was probably the face of the league for me. Became one of the players I rooted for as well, and he was fun to watch. RIP Kirby. __________________ null

03-06-2006, 08:22 PM	#35
General Mike Pro Starter Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: The State of Rutgers	RIP Kirby. __________________ Boise Stampede Continental Football League Jacksonville Jaguars GM North American Football League Nebraska Coach FOFC-BBCF Rutgers & Washington coach Bowl Bound-BBCF

03-06-2006, 08:23 PM	#36
Buccaneer Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Colorado	He was my little brother's favorite player of all time.

03-06-2006, 08:41 PM	#37
Pumpy Tudors Bounty Hunter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Pittsburgh, PA	As much as I hated the Twins for beating my Cardinals in the 1987 World Series, I respected the way those guys - and especially Kirby Puckett - played on the field. I was stunned on the day that Kirby retired. I had always hoped that he'd find some way to come back and play, even though everyone knew that it wouldn't happen. Obviously, this news is much more stunning. __________________ No, I am not Batman, and I will not repair your food processor.

03-06-2006, 08:45 PM	#38
Antmeister Pro Starter Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: At the corner of Beat Street and Electric Avenue	__________________ "I'm ready to bury the hatchet, but don't fuck with me" - Schmidty "Box me once, shame on Skydog. Box me twice. Shame on me. Box me 3 times, just fucking ban my ass...." - stevew

03-06-2006, 08:47 PM	#39
Craptacular College Starter Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: The Mad City, WI	As much as I hated the Twins, period, I did like Kirby. RIP.