Kirby Puckett buys the farm

Two-time World Series champ and all around great guy Kirby Puckett succumbed to a stroke last night at the age of 45.

I went to see Puckett play in the Metrodome back in '89 as I convinced my dad to take a return trip through the US with the family on our way back from the Rockies. It just so happened that the Jays were in town. What a treat. I remember two things about that game: first, how huge Kent Hrbek was on first, and second, the fans going wild every time Kirby came up to bat, thanks to the PA guy.

Puckett was totally out of shape when he passed away. I'm sure a lot of fellas like me are going to look at his death as an example of what happens when you let yourself go to pot.

RIP.

(Personal pat on the back: Note how I didn't use the obvious phrase "kicks the bucket" in my title? You gotta give me some points for creativity.)