Kirby Puckett
From BR Bullpen
Kirby Puckett
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 8", Weight 210 lb.
- School Bradley University, Triton Junior College
- Debut May 8, 1984
- Final Game September 28, 1995
- Born March 14, 1960 in Chicago, IL USA
- Died March 6, 2006 in Phoenix, AZ USA
Inducted into Hall of Fame in 2001
[edit] Biographical Information
After being drafted by the Minnesota Twins, Kirby Puckett made his pro debut in 1982 with the Elizabethton Twins and hit .382 to lead the Appalachian League. The next year, he hit .314 with 9 home runs and 97 RBIs for the Visalia Oaks en route to being named California League Player of the Year. Puckett began 1984 with the Toledo Mud Hens but was promoted to the Twins in May, and he never played in the minors again.
His rookie season in the majors is extremely unusual statistically. In 557 at bats only had 12 doubles, 5 triples, 0 home runs, and 16 walks. The lack of power alone is very rare but even more unusual for a player that two years later hit 31 home runs with a .537 slugging percentage.
After beginning the 1996 season on the disabled list, Puckett announced his retirement on July 12, after glaucoma left him essentially blind in one eye. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on January 16, 2001 by the Baseball Writers Association of America, and his number, 34, is retired by the Twins.
Puckett passed away on March 6, 2006, one day after suffering a stroke.
Quote: "He has an effervescent, ingratiating personality. Kirby is a very warm, very genuine person. If he had been playing in New York or Los Angeles, they would be building statues to him." Andy MacPhail, former Twins GM.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 1984 Topps All-Star Rookie Team
- 10-time AL All-Star (1986-1995)
- 1991 ALCS MVP
- 1993 All-Star Game MVP
- 6-time AL Gold Glove Winner (1986-1989, 1991 & 1992)
- 6-time AL Silver Slugger Award Winner (1986-1989, 1992 & 1994)
- AL Batting Average Leader (1989)
- 2-time AL At Bats Leader (1985 & 1988)
- 4-time AL Hits Leader (1987, 1988, 1989 & 1992)
- 2-time AL Total Bases Leader (1988 & 1992)
- AL Singles Leader (1988)
- AL RBI Leader (1994)
- 20-Home Run Seasons: 6 (1986, 1987, 1988, 1993, 1994 & 1995)
- 30-Home Run Seasons: 1 (1986)
- 100-RBI Seasons: 3 (1988, 1992 & 1994)
- 100 Runs Scored Seasons: 3 (1986, 1988 & 1992)
- 200-Hit Seasons: 5 (1986, 1987, 1988, 1989 & 1992)
- Won two World Series with the Minnesota Twins (1987 & 1991)
- Baseball Hall of Fame: Class of 2001
