Hunter still feels odd facing Twins Aug 22, 2008
Hunter reached out to Span after the Twins selected him with their first-round pick in the 2002 Draft, much like Kirby Puckett did to Hunter. The two players developed a strong bond that has continued despite Hunter being in a different organization. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
Pitching - a lonley proposition - Todd on Sports Aug 7, 2008
After Kirby Puckett had ended the sixth game in the 11th with a solo homerun, the Twins'game seven starter, Jack Morris, stepped to the microphone to entertain questions. He was asked if he was looking forward to throwing the following night, and this is what he said - In the words of that great 60s Motown song - Let's Get it On. (Forest City Summit, IO)
COMMENTARY: Plenty of Favre haters in Vikings country Aug 1, 2008
The only thing comparable from a Minnesota standpoint would have been seeing Kirby Puckett in a Chicago White Sox uniform, but even that doesn t really fit the bill. Twins-White Sox is a nice little head-butter. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Several factors led to Teixeira trade Jul 31, 2008
( I would never have brought in the slow circle change pitcher to pitch to Kirby Puckett) ) With the talent the Braves have had we should have won more than one world series, Braves have not played fundemental baseball for yrs. Long ball dependency. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Levine: Malden musings Jul 26, 2008
For those with long memories, which former Malden resident borrowed Doug Flutie s Boston College Eagle Football helmet on the eve of the 1985 Cotton Bowl (the Hail Mary pass game), got into a physical confrontation with Mr. Oprah Stedman Graham in a Chicago restaurant, conducted a live on-air interview with veteran sportscaster Bill O Connell on the Channel 7 sportscast pretending to be ex-Patriot Tim Fox, venting angrily over being traded to the San Diego Chargers, and in 1992 convinced Channel... (Malden Observer, MA)
Angels make more with less Jul 22, 2008
"Kirby Puckett used to say, 'If it's high, let it fly. If it's low, let it go.' I just go up and hack. "It's the most comfortable 0-for-3 when it's against him. You just say, 'Whatever. (Scripps Howard News Wire)
Kotchman gives Vlad a late reprieve Jul 21, 2008
Facing Wakefield, Hunter recalled, as he often does, the words of the late Kirby Puckett, his Minnesota guru: "There's no such thing as patience with a knuckler. 'If it's high, let it fly. If it's low, let it go -- there's no money to be made.' "I let it fly," Hunter said. The Angels are flying high as the Indians arrive for three games, after which the Halos embark on a 10-game journey through Baltimore, the Bronx and Boston. "We're going to see them on the road trip," Kendrick said, knowing... (MLB.com -- Anaheim Angels)
No shortage in summer highlights Jul 19, 2008
The can't-miss prospects seen at Thurman Field the last 30 years: Rickey Henderson, Kirby Puckett, Jose Offerman, Miguel Tejada, Tim Hudson and Evan Longoria. What's next this summer, you ask. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Baseball (16) Jul 17, 2008
1993 Kirby Puckett, Minnesota, AL. 1992 Ken Griffey Jr., Seattle, AL. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Sheets, Lee named All-Star starters Jul 15, 2008
Your Connection to the. Web Search powered by YAHOO. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Stadium's final Classic special for two Jul 15, 2008
"I want to really get to sit for five or 10 minutes and bring them into the conversations. When I think about All-Star Games, I can always think of conversations that I've had, whether it was Kirby Puckett or Mark McGwire, or Cal Ripken and Paul Molitor. "I don't really remember the 1-1 pitch by [Greg] Maddux, even though that's important. It's the times in the training room getting iced, and they're telling you about their families and where they like to vacation. (MLB.com -- NY Yankees Yankees)
Attack leaves Walker future in question Jul 4, 2008
Its the same injury that forced former Minnesota Twins All-Star center fielder Kirby Puckett to retire and the very similar to the injury suffered by Marcus Williams, the former Raider prospect who was injured in 2003 after being punched in the face by linebacker Bill Romanowski. Puckett and Williams both suffered from blurred and double vision as a result of their respective injuries, which led both men to retire. (SilverandBlack.com)
Battle over Griffey's 600th HR still rages along Jun 13, 2008
He has some Kirby Puckett memorabilia in his collection, some Dan Marino autographs and even a signed Mickey Mantle ball. But none of that is associated with any sort of milestone, Kimball said. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Celtics' Tony Allen looks healthier Jun 4, 2008
The shoes also will bear tributes to two of Garnett's late friends, former Timberwolves teammate Malik Sealy and ex-Twins center fielder Kirby Puckett. They'll be acknowledged with "2 Malik" under the strap and "KP34" on the back. (Boston Globe)
Hot-hitting Utley takes NL weekly honors Jun 3, 2008
"I used to think Kirby Puckett was the greatest thing since sliced bread. I see how Utley goes about his business day in and day out, how he prepares and how he plays. He's tremendous -- his dedication, his determination.". It's the fifth time in Utley's career he's received the honor and the fourth year in a row he's won it at least once. (MLB.com -- Philadelphia Phillies)
Manuel showers Utley with praise May 31, 2008
PHILADELPHIA -- It never takes Phillies manager Charlie Manuel long to name his favorite player, as Kirby Puckett flows from his mouth almost before the questioner finishes asking ... "I used to think Kirby Puckett was the greatest thing since sliced bread. I see how Utley goes about his business day in and day out -- how he prepares and how he plays. He's tremendous. His dedication, his determination.". (MLB.com -- Philadelphia Phillies)
Baseball's Last Gunslinger May 22, 2008
Right after Twins' star Kirby Puckett won Game 6 with a dramatic 11th-inning home run, Morris says he felt "a total peace" wash over him--a complete confidence that with the ball in his hand, the next night the Twins would be champions. "I never realized that I could lose," he says. (Forbes -- Business)
DIAMOND DIGITS: Quirky stats, facts from around baseball May 16, 2008
The blazing fast Gomez became the first Twin since the late Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett did so on August 1, 1986. Gomez, the only player the Twins got in the Johan Santana trade that is contributing this season in the major leagues, is being expected to replace longtime favorite Torii Hunter in the outfield. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
It's a one-sided argument May 11, 2008
CG: "I was so excited because Kirby Puckett [the last Twin to hit for the cycle, in 1986] was one of my favorite players. It's amazing. I saw the video of Kirby Puckett doing it. That was unbelievable. I knew I had a chance because there was a lefty pitching.". What do you envision yourself as down the road. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Votto (3 HRs) powers Reds May 8, 2008
Twins 13, White Sox 1 - Carlos Gomez became the first Twins player since Kirby Puckett 22 years ago to hit for the cycle, Livan Hernandez took a shutout into the ninth, and Minnesota won in Chicago. Gomez homered off Mark Buehrle (1-4) on the game's third pitch. (Boston Globe)
AMERICAN LEAGUE Lee goes lower in his ERA limbo May 8, 2008
That made Gomez - acquired from the Mets in the Johan Santana trade - the eighth Twins player to hit for the cycle and the first since Kirby Puckett on Aug. 1, 1986, against the A's. Royals 9, Angels 4: David DeJesus and Alex Gordon each homered for host Kansas City. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Baseball Today May 8, 2008
Carlos Gomez, Twins, became the first Minnesota player to hit for the cycle since Kirby Puckett 22 years ago in a 13-1 victory ... Carlos Gomez became the first Twins player since Kirby Puckett 22 years ago to hit for the cycle. (International Herald Tribune -- Technology)
Buehrle, bullpen knocked around May 8, 2008
" Carlos Gomez made history for the Twins, becoming the franchise's eighth player to hit for the cycle, with a leadoff home run during which he sprinted around the bases, followed by a triple in the fifth, a double in the sixth and an infield single in the ninth. He stands as the first Minnesota player to accomplish such a feat since the late Kirby Puckett on Aug. 1, 1986, and the first player to do so against the White Sox since Oakland's Mike Blowers on May 18, 1998. Just another reason for... (MLB.com -- Chi White Sox White Sox)
Gomez, Hernandez lead Twins over Sox May 8, 2008
It was the first cycle hit by a Twins player since Aug. 1, 1986, when Kirby Puckett accomplished the feat. "He set the tone for us, hitting that home run right off the bat after such a long delay," Redmond said of Gomez. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
The Daily Break May 8, 2008
- Ask people if they'll trade you their IDs for a near-mint 1985 Donruss Kirby Puckett Rookie Card. - "There be no cover on this night/but wishing entry without a fight/demands I first must ask of thee/the answering of these questions three!". (Daily Iowan, IA)
Lee stays in his groove for Indians May 8, 2008
He became the first Twins player to hit for the cycle since Kirby Puckett on Aug. ... "Kirby Puckett, I saw the video of the player. He is an All-Star and I can't explain it to you. That's unbelievable.". (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
Gomez pulls off rare Twins cycle May 8, 2008
Gomez became the first Twin to hit for the cycle since Kirby Puckett did it on Aug. 1, 1986, against Oakland, and the eighth in team history to do so. "It's amazing, something that Kirby Puckett did," Gomez said. (MLB.com)
Phillies' Utley knocks in go-ahead run to beat D'backs 5-4 May 8, 2008
5/8/2008, 2:31 a.m. EDT CHICAGO (AP) Carlos Gomez became the first Twins player since Kirby Puckett 22 years ago to hit for the cycle, Livan Hernandez took a shutout into the ninth and Minnesota beat the Chicago White Sox 13-1 on Wednesday night. 5/8/2008, 2:30 a.m. EDT SEATTLE (AP) Vicente Padilla allowed two hits over seven innings to outpitch Erik Bedard and Milton Bradley homered as the Texas Rangers beat the struggling Seattle Mariners 2-0 Wednesday night. (NJ.com -- Sports)
Utley Puts Himself In Elite Company Apr 23, 2008
Said manager , "Chase Utley is a very, very, very tough player. I've been in the game a long time, and he's as tough as any player I've seen. I'm talking about old throwback players, guys like Pete Rose and Kirby Puckett. You could put Utley in that category. He could play with any of them.". Phillies Note Pad. (Philadelphia, TheInsiders.com)
Warning: Don't run on Twins' outfielders Apr 21, 2008
MINNEAPOLIS -- While growing up, Denard Span enjoyed watching Kirby Puckett play defense. Now, Span roams the outfield where the Hall of Famer had so much success, and when it comes to throwing out runners, he is becoming like Puckett. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
Hunter feeling right at home with Angels Apr 17, 2008
"That's why I gave myself a little fist pump. I flipped the bat a little, but I do that sometimes when I ground out to the pitcher. It was just an amazing feeling. I'd hit walk-off homers before, but never a grand slam -- anywhere. Not in Little League, Babe Ruth, nowhere. "I think about [the late] Kirby Puckett a lot. When I came to the Twins at 17 years old, they put me in a locker between Kirby and Dave Winfield in Spring Training in Florida, and I learned so much from those guys. (MLB.com -- Anaheim Angels)
Three to don No. 42 for Red Sox Apr 15, 2008
But once he came to the Major Leagues, the late Kirby Puckett -- the man Ortiz wears No. 34 in honor of -- gave him an education. From that point on, Ortiz has had a huge appreciation for Robinson. (MLB.com -- Boston Red Sox)
Post-game forum Apr 4, 2008
Hey, Bobby, why not bring in Charlie Leibrant again to pitch to Kirby Puckett. That was a brilliant move as well. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Angels' Hunter given seventh Gold Glove Apr 3, 2008
The Angels' new center fielder was presented with his seventh Rawlings Gold Glove, surpassing by one the total of Gold Gloves claimed his predecessor with the Twins, the great Kirby Puckett. The fans at the Dome rose and cheered, just as they had on several occasions on Opening Night for Hunter. (MLB.com -- Anaheim Angels)
Nothing could be finer, for baseball's opening day is here Apr 2, 2008
Neither was Kirby Puckett. Or Tony Gwynn in his old age. (Forest City Summit, IO)
Twins open with Angels Mar 31, 2008
Hunter spent the first nine full seasons of his career in Minnesota, where he was arguably the most popular player since Kirby Puckett. He is coming off one of his better seasons, hitting. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
Cox rounding 30th season Mar 30, 2008
Or worse, how could he possibly let Charlie Leibrandt pitch to the Twins' Kirby Puckett in the pivotal 11th inning of Game 6 in 1991. Don't lay that stuff around the Braves clubhouse. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Snowbelt teams play around the clock at the Metrodome Mar 28, 2008
"You're on a major league field and they all watched Kirby Puckett, the adrenaline is flowing," said assistant coach Rick Fantini. Program's future in doubt. (USA Today -- Sports)
Kossuth Keepers Mar 15, 2008
" Blome scored 288 points in 25 games for an average of 11.52 points per game for a balanced North Sentral Kossuth team. The senior guard grabbed 117 rebounds, came up with 40 steals, passed out 101 assists and blocked a pair of shots this year. She connected on 35-of-88 shots behind the three-point arc for .352 percent. The Eagle player made 111-of-243 from the floor for .420 percent and drained 70-of-104 free throws for .673 percent. In 78 career games, Blome scored 660 points. She also hauled... (Algona Upper Des Moines, IA)
Wanted: Fat Guys for All-Male MLB Cheerleading Squad Feb 24, 2008
And although cheerleaders might be an unfamiliar site in baseball, big men aren't, as fans have long cheered on the likes of Babe Ruth and Kirby Puckett. Share. (Fox News)
More > Feb 23, 2008
"From Kirby Puckett to Torii Hunter, the middle of that outfield has been strong for a long time, so of course there will be some high expectations," Span said. "And there will be some pressure on you. "But you have to start your own path and whoever wins [the job] -- Gomez, Pridie, or myself -- we just have to be ourselves. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
Notes: Hunter remembers mentor Feb 19, 2008
-- Before settling into his new digs on Monday, Torii Hunter paused to reflect on the late Kirby Puckett, a man who served as his tour guide during his impressionable youth in Minnesota. "I was with him every day, having lunch, dinner," Hunter, the Angels' new center fielder, said. (MLB.com -- Anaheim Angels)
Santana will look to help his own cause Feb 9, 2008
The Twins have retired only five numbers: 3, 29 and 34 for Hall of Famers Harmon Killebrew, Rod Carew and Kirby Puckett; No. 6 for three-time batting champion Tony Oliva, and No. 14 for homegrown star Kent Hrbek. "I don't know about back when Killebrew played," manager Ron Gardenhire said a few years back. (MLB.com -- NY Mets Mets)
Maximum love for Celtics' Garnett in Minny Feb 8, 2008
"I told him all the people wanted was a good effort, but he was more interested about things off the court. He said, 'I want to touch people.' I told him about Kirby Puckett and everything he meant to the community. He said, 'I want to be like that.' That's pretty impressive stuff coming from a rookie.". Garnett supported a number of Minneapolis-area charities and received a community assist award from the NBA in 2005 for donating $1. (Boston Globe)
Impact Freshmen: The Rivals 10 Feb 8, 2008
But with the season a few weeks away, the Volunteers have high hopes for the outfielder that is often compared to Kirby Puckett. Davis missed some of his senior season because of a car accident, but hit. (Notre Dame Sports -- Rivals.com)
Column: Morneau, Cuddyer and Santana Jan 31, 2008
Not since the days of Kirby Puckett, Kent Hrbek, Gary Gaetti and Tom Brunansky have we had that type of Murderers Row in our lineup. The money spent also seemed to leave room to negotiate a contract with Johan Santana. (Albert Lea Tribune, MN)
Doug Kroll: Just Fresh Enough Jan 25, 2008
Davis is short and stocky and reminds a lot of people Kirby Puckett. For new coach Todd Raleigh, he'll certainly take a Puckett-like outfielder as he tries to rebuild the Vols. (Kpmariners.com)
Around the Horn: Outfielders Jan 24, 2008
"But one thing I said to the fans while out on the Winter Caravan last week is that there was a pretty good center fielder who played here years ago by the name of Kirby Puckett. Shortly after he retired, Torii Hunter came along. So now that Torii's gone, somebody else will have to come along and fill that vo 00004000 id. "It's just going to be a matter of who is going to step up and do it. " The solution is not as easy as it sounds considering that the Twins lack a front-runner candidate for... (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
It's dealer's choice for Twins GM Bill Smith Jan 20, 2008
Yet he's also seen players such as Kirby Puckett and Brad Radke spend their entire careers in Minnesota because they loved it there. "We've had to turn our roster over every four or five years," Smith said. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
One-team HOFers vanishing Jan 9, 2008
"Cal Ripken, Tony Gwynn, Kirby Puckett -- it would be nice to stay with one team. But once free agency came in in 1976, a lot of things changed," said Bert Blyleven, who pitched for five different franchises over his 22 seasons and has been a perennial bubble pick for the Hall. "Look, even Harmon Killebrew, as great a player as he was, didn't end his career in Minnesota,'' Blyleven said. "It would have been nice to stay with the Twins. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- MLB)
There's nothing false about Rice's credentials Jan 9, 2008
He hasn't cried about racism or favoritism (he'd probably already be in Cooperstown if he'd had the disposition of Kirby Puckett or Gary Carter), but he knows he was a better hitter than former teammates Perez and Wade Boggs and he suffers in silence while inching excruciatingly close to election. But he's not going to insult our intelligence by telling us he doesn't give a "rat's ass" about Cooperstown. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Save opportunity for Young Jan 6, 2008
GG: "I wish I knew. I mean, look at Kirby Puckett, God rest his soul. If Jimmy had played at the Metrodome, they'd have had to rebuild that place because he would have torn it down. It's a lot easier to hit now than it was then. People talk about Manny Ram rez. If Jimmy played in this era, his numbers would be through the roof. The reason I say it's easier to hit is because the hitter is protected so much. A pitcher can't scare a hitter anymore or he'll get thrown out of the game. The strike... (Boston Globe)
Mattingly's place on ballot deserved Dec 28, 2007
While voters may not feel that Mattingly's career matches up against those who have been inducted into the Hall, Donnie Baseball's supporters raise the comparison to Twins legend Kirby Puckett, who was a first-ballot inductee in 2001. Mattingly's career totals are eerily similar to those of Puckett, whose career was cut short after the 1995 season due to irreversible retina damage in his right eye. (MLB.com -- NY Yankees Yankees)
Honoring our celebrities - you name it Dec 14, 2007
(no word on whether it is paved); Kirby Puckett Place in Minneapolis (your tires don't hug the road, it hugs you); Vince Lombardi Avenue in Green Bay, Wis. and Muhammad Ali Boulevard in Louisville. (Buffalo Reflex, MO)
Players, coaches react to report Dec 14, 2007
Mr Wolfe grew up in Brentwood idolizing the play of Tony Gwynn and Kirby Puckett. He has seen a lot of the luster fade from the game he loves. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Rating the 2008 Hall Candidates by Win Shares Nov 30, 2007
St. Louis Cardinals MLB Baseball. News and commentary on the St. Louis Cardinals and their entire minor league system. (St. Louis, TheInsiders.com)
QUICK SLANTS: Bill v. Tommy Callahan Nov 8, 2007
Since there's never really been a historically notorious "Kirby" at which to jeer, you are forever trapped in the shadows of Kirby Puckett, one of the best outfielders of all time, and the Kirby from the Nintendo series, one of the greatest video game characters ever conceived. It's a no-win situation. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Santana, Hunter win Gold Gloves Nov 7, 2007
Hunter's seventh Gold Glove gives him one more than the late Kirby Puckett, the Twins' Hall of Famer, who also was one of Hunter's personal heroes. Hunter committed two errors last season, finishing with a. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
Diamond Award winners announced Nov 6, 2007
The Third Annual Diamond Awards dinner, which will be held on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008, beginning at 5:30 p.m. CT at The Depot in downtown Minneapolis, will honor the 2007 BBWAA award recipients as well as the winners of the Sherry Robertson Award (Brian Buscher, Twins' Minor League Player of the Year), the Jim Rantz Award (Slowey, Twins' Minor League Pitcher of the Year), the Carl R. Pohlad Community Service Award (Santana) and the Kirby Puckett Award (Tony Oliva). For more information on the... (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
From George Brett to David Ortiz, the top 15 Mr. Octobers since '69. Oct 31, 2007
Kirby Puckett, Twins. A hero in two World Series, Puckett hit. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- MLB)
Miller: Nomadic Lofton comfortable back in Cleveland Oct 20, 2007
Now it's Lofton answering questions and dispensing bits of wisdom to young players eager to learn -- just as, years ago, it was a wide-eyed Lofton quizzing veterans such as Eddie Murray, Paul Molitor, Ozzie Smith and Kirby Puckett. "When you pick the brains of guys of that caliber, it's amazing what you can learn," Lofton says. (CBS News)
Which Mr. Octobers To Call On In A Pinch? Oct 18, 2007
Minnesota Twins centerfielder Kirby Puckett nearly makes this list on the strengths of two plays in the 1991 World Series, both in Game 6 at the Metrodome. He robbed Ron Gant of an extra base hit in the third inning, saving a run for the Twins, and sent the series to a Game 7 with an 11th-inning shot off Braves reliever Charlie Liebrandt. (Click2Houston, TX)
Local man finalist for Sexiest Fan Alive Oct 14, 2007
His first Twins game in person came in June of 1992 and he still remembers yelling for Kirby Puckett while sitting in center field with a group of friends. Guerra is currently sitting in seventh place with more than 1,000 votes as of Saturday afternoon. (Albert Lea Tribune, MN)
Leach practicing what he preaches Oct 9, 2007
Kirby Puckett packed a lot of drama into his short life from jovial World Series hero and Minnesota Twins Hall of Famer to ex-ballplayer disgraced by allegations of domestic violence. That drama fuels Kirby, a new play that examines Puckett's spectacular rise and fall and what happens to larger-than-life characters when they are thrown off a pedestal. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Indians GM drawing rave reviews Oct 8, 2007
Shapiro's dad is Ron Shapiro, the highly respected attorney/agent who's represented premier players such as Cal Ripken and Kirby Puckett. Dad Shapiro, who wrote the best-seller The Power of Nice, has always preached an approach to negotiations that keeps them from becoming acrimonious, with no real winners or losers at the end of the day. (USA Today -- Sports)
