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Puckett is celebrated, honored at Metrodome
Associated Press
Published March 13, 2006
MINNEAPOLIS - Kirby Puckett was known for his eagerness, enthusiasm and exceptional ability to play baseball, as well as a perpetual smile and a passion for other people.
Where he might have made his biggest mark in the game was with his effort.
As Twins manager Ron Gardenhire reminded the crowd gathered at the Metrodome for Sunday night's two-hour remembrance of Puckett, the Hall of Famer wasn't one to cut corners - never neglecting where he came from and always appreciating his success.
"As long as I'm running this baseball team, we will play this game with respect," said Gardenhire, who coached third base for Minnesota during the last half of Puckett's 12-year career.
"We will run every ball out, and we will give you a show every time we come out," Gardenhire added. "Because that's what Kirby would have wanted us to do."
About 15,000 fans joined Puckett's family, friends and dozens of Twins players, coaches and personnel, both current and former, to celebrate what Puckett meant to them.
"Make sure you smile and laugh tonight because that's what Kirby would want, and that's why we loved him," said Twins radio announcer John Gordon, the master of ceremonies, in his introductory remarks.
Gardenhire and a handful of players, including Torii Hunter, Brad Radke and Joe Mauer, skipped a day of spring training to attend. Kent Hrbek, Harmon Killebrew and Dave Winfield were among the former players who took seats around the infield as a local gospel choir began the event by singing the old hymn I'll Fly Away . Fans, many toting Homer Hankies and Puckett memorabilia, clapped rhythmically from the seats.
A private memorial service was held earlier in the suburb of Wayzata for Puckett's family and friends before gates opened - some lining up outside the stadium several hours early.
"You could be in the worst mood ever and all you had to do was hear Kirby laugh, or see his smile, and he could bring you back. Even when you were mad at an umpire," said Cal Ripken, who played against Puckett's Twins teams throughout the 1980s and 1990s with the Baltimore Orioles.
"He's a real person. He was genuine. He was considerate. He was everything a friend should be," Ripken said, asking everyone to close their eyes for a moment and consider Puckett's impact on his or her life.
"I guarantee you, you'll feel better," Ripken said.
[Last modified March 13, 2006, 00:59:12]
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