Dammit people, the guy just died.

[WeRQ4U]

Colin Cowherd on ESPN, as well as many other people on this very site, have been ripping on Kirby Puckett all day....ON THE DAY AFTER THE GUY DIED. I'm sorry,(and I wrote this same post in response to this very thing), this guy had flaws, for sure, and to discount those flaws would be irresponsible and disrespectful to the people he hurt. But to discount his life in a couple sentences, based on mistakes he made throughout that life would be ignorant as well.

This is a man who came from absolutely NOTHING and left as the face of an organization. I speak from experience when I say that this man CREATED fans for MInnesota and for baseball in general. I remember going to the Metrodome as a kid and hearing Bob Casey announce his name. There was NOTHING like it. I remember emulating his high leg kick as a kid on the playground. I remember him taking HOURS to sign autographs for little kids. When asked if he ever got tired of signing autographs for people he reported once said "If you can take 30 seconds to make someone happy, why not do it?" Torii Hunter has said that he actually changed the way he signed autographs for kids on Puckett's suggestion. Puckett stated that in doing so, it would be more legible, and therefore kids would get more enjoyment from it. He set up scholarship foundations at Minnesota Universities. He regularly particpated in charity events and donated dollars and immeasurable time and spirit to the same. He was not above anyone. The equipment manager for the Minnesota Timberwolves considers him a friend. A person could talk for hours about what Kirby Puckett meant to them and not mention his baseball stats. I know it might be hard for a person who isn't a Twins fan to realize truly what this man meant to people. If you really want to get a small, small taste of this, take a jaunt over to the streaming radio at KFAN.com. http://www.kfan.com/main.html . People named their children, boys and girls, after him. Their children had Twins pajamas with #34 emblazoned on the back. They named a street after him. You know, I have many heros and I rarely cry. But today has been just surreal. He was such a huge part of my childhood. It's very hard, as it is for many.

As I said before...he did have his faults and frailty. But who doesn't? I don't fault the critics for analyzing some of the questionable decisions he made. However, let his family, friends, and fans have this day to remember him for what we love. Their will be an eternity for the rest.

As a Twins fan, I am comforted in knowing that as he enters a different place, his friend, Twins legend and stadium announcer Bob Casey is there to introduce him to the already departed. "Batting next, the Center Fielder, Number 34, Kir-Beeeeeeeeeeeeeee-PUCK-it!!!"

RIP.

[Midlodemocrat]

1. I'm sorry you are so sad.

I think we all have famous people who touch us in certain ways, whether in the entertainment world, sports arena, or politics.

May he RIP.

[WeRQ4U]

8. I think it's mainly because he was so visible when I was a child.

It's hard when you lose one of your childhood hero's.

[minkyboodle]

2. uggghh Colin Cowherd

I hate Colin Cowherd. Worst guy on sports radio IMO.
Also from what I remember he is a big right winger was
ripping Kerry all the time during the 04 election run
up. I'm just so happy that Tony K. came back and knocked
Colin Cowherd off the air here in DC.
RIP Kirby

[underpants]

3. I must have missed it-what is the criticism?

:shrug:

[WeRQ4U]

4. Well, there are many.

He was accused of sexual assault but was found not guilty. THis tarnished his image quite badly. This was following a domestic quarell with his wife and accusations by another woman of infidelity that eventually led to his divorce. There was also a large sports illustrated spread that accused him of numerous things, including trying to kill his wife. The accuracy of the article has been scrutinized and the allegations questioned. But his image never really recovered.

I just think that with all the bad, there is still much more good. And although we can debate his public image forever, the day after his death is not the day to do it. That's my opinion.

[underpants]

5. Oh I completely agree

I didn't know all of that but regardless wait a while to bring it up sheesh.

[alarimer]

10. The important thing was that he was acquitted

Apparently to some, just being accused of these things = automatic guilt. But even so, the guy just died and a lot of people are upset about it because he genuinely cared about the fans and the team. Enough that he could have made a lot of money by going somewhere else to play but didn't. It isn't as if these people are arguing that he wasn't a very good player or he didn't belong in the hall, you can dispute those allegations with stats. But they are bascially dismissing him as a human being simply because he had problems or made mistakes. Note that he was acquitted and NEVER charged with anything.

If Barry Bonds were to suddenly die (I hope this doesn't happen but this is by way of example), I would never talk to HIS fans this same, by saying things about his (probable) steroid use or the fact that he is an asshole.

[DrGonzoLives]

6. This is why Kornheiser needs to come back to radio

Cowherd's show is a stinking pile of horseshit. Hell, George Will talking about baseball would be better than that show.

[WeRQ4U]

7. I actually used to listen to Cowherd when he was on in Portland.

That was before he went to ESPN. He wasn't that ass backwards in Portland. He's such a dick now.

[brook]

9. Sorry it's been rough for you.

Probably why I avoid a lot of threads. So many 'perfect' people, so little time.

Your memories and feelings are yours. Don't let others crap on them. :hug: