MLB Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett has stroke at 44.

[MnFats]

www.sportsillustratedcnn.com

Kirby's still a big hero around here despite that beef over groping a woman in a bar's restroom. (I can't remember the outcome but I think it was dropped.)

Wonder if getting beaned -- the injury that ended his career also contributed to this stroke.


Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett had a stroke at his Arizona home Sunday and was taken to a hospital for surgery, the Minnesota Twins announced from their spring training camp.

The 44-year-old Puckett, who led the Twins to World Series titles in 1987 and 1991, was taken to a Scottsdale hospital.

"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. Star center fielder Torii Hunter sat out after learning of Puckett's stroke.

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.

[Punkingal]

1. Too bad!

Such a shame his career ended early! I will be sending him good thoughts!

[MnFats]

2. remember 'the catch' and his 11th-inning homer in game 6

...of the '91 series.
he grew wings to make that catch, i'm tellin ya.

"And we'll SEE ya, TOMORROW NIGHT!"

[Punkingal]

3. Yes....

A super-star who lived up to the title. He was awesome!

[Dudley_DUright]

4. I was living in the Cities during most of Kerby's career and

mostly thanks to him I actually enjoyed watching baseball. He was one of those players that gave his heart and soul in every game. I did not know about the Glaucoma. I hope he recovers from this since 44 is way too young to have a major stroke.

[GrumpyGreg]

5. Bruschi and now Puckett--awful !

[kenny blankenship]

6. Eat, drink, and load up on steroids

for tomorrow we may die.

[MnFats]

7. I don't think so.

nobody ever mentioned Kirby's name in connection with steroids that I know of.
his health problems began when he took a pitch near or at his eye socket.
he never played again after that.