RIP: Kirby Puckett

Kirby Puckett played the game of baseball the way it should be played. He loved playing baseball, and it showed. He hustled, even when he didn't have to. He sacrificed his body and his at-bat if it helped the team. He was a team leader on the field and in the locker room.

Puckett's career was cut short when, at the age of 34, glaucoma claimed the sight in his right eye. Five years later, he was elected to baseball's hall of fame.

Kirby Puckett died yesterday (3/6/06) at the age of 45. He is the youngest hall of famer to die since the late Lou Gehrig.

Following his baseball career, stories emerged about Puckett's violent nature toward women. It was also alledged that Puckett had sexually harrassed a female employee of the Twins and that he had exposed himself in a parking lot.

I don't understand what would lead a man to abuse his wife or any other women. I also don't understand why a man would sexually harrass a woman to the point of complaint or expose himself in public. Whatever demons possessed Puckett in life, I hope that he will find peace in death.

Kirby Puckett played the game of baseball the way it should be played. Unfortunately, I can't say the same thing about his off-field life.

Rest in peace, Kirby.