The Story of Twins Legend Kirby Puckett
This week's Random player story is on the 5'8" chubby centerfielder that edged his name into plaque in the Baseball Hall of Fame and secured himself a statue outside of Target Field. Puckett was the proof that you did not have to be tall and muscular to make a name for yourself in professional sports. In 1982 the Minnesota Twins selected Puckett 3rd overall in the draft. After performing strongly during his time in the minor leagues in just two years Kirby would make his Major League debut in 1984 at the age of 24 finishing his first season with a well respected .296 batting average. After that being his first year, Puckett was just starting… in his second season finished with a .288 batting average, and led the league in at-bats. Puckett was dedicated and played hard as he showed swiftness with the leather. He was a shorter stocky guy that played the game of baseball fervidly. In his next 4 seasons, all with the Twins, Puckett batted well over .300 while leading the league in hits for 3 of those seasons as well as batting average in 1989 finishing the season with a .339. In every one of the 12 seasons, Puckett played amongst the best in the league. In the 1990s Puckett continued to play at a top tier level while batting over .300 in all but one season where he just missed that mark slashing .296. Puckett’s career was complete with dominating seasons all with the Minnesota Twins. Puckett attended 10 consecutive All-Star games, 2 World Series Championships, and was awarded 6 gold gloves in the heart of the outfield. Unfortunately for Puckett at the end of his career heading into 1996 Puckett was entering his age 36 season, which he planned to continue playing but woke up one morning not being able to see out of one of his eyes. Puckett was diagnosed with glaucoma and was unable to get into the batter's box with guys throwing 90 mph + Kirby called his career after that and looking back at his career it was a special one that earned him a spot in the Hall of Fame. After his baseball career, Puckett struggled with demons in his life, dealing with an alleged sexual assault charge and problems relating to his mistress. Puckett however, proved that you could still play the game hard even with a chubby body and short frame. Throughout his career, Puckett was a fan favorite and thrill to watch while putting up numbers that earned him a spot in the Hall of Fame.
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