This evening a public memorial service will take place at the Metrodome. Gates open at 6 pm with the service to start at 7 pm. Parking, entrance to the service, water and soda are free.
For those out of the area and not able to see local TV coverage TwinsBaseball.com will have streaming video.
There are a lot of things Kirby said over the years that were funny or thought provoking and what follows are a few of the ones I remember most.
"KIRRRR-BEEEEEE PUCK-IT!''
Bob Casey, long time Twins PA announcer, when announcing Kirby Puckett.
“Sure, it's a day I'll never forget, but there's nothing more I can do about it now. It's all over and there's another game Tuesday. I just hope I don't lose this swing over the off day.”
August 30, 1987. Kirby Puckett goes 6-for-6 with 2 HR’s in Twins 10-6 win over Milwaukee
“Boys, I have an announcement to make. You all seem quiet. Are you nervous about something? Well, don't worry. All you have to do tonight is jump on my back. I'll carry you.”
October 6, 1991. Kirby Puckett addressing his team prior to Game 6.
"And we'll see you tomorrow night!"
October 6, 1991. Jack Buck, CBS Sports Commentator, after Puckett hits the game ending home run in Game 6 of the 1991 World Series.
"I was told I would never make it because I'm too short. Well, I'm still too short, but I've got 10 All-Star games, two World Series championships, and I'm a very happy and contented guy. It doesn't matter what your height is, it's what's in your heart."
“I want my young teammates to know right now -- when you put the uniform on, you put it on and you play with pride and integrity. The way that Kent Hrbek plays with it -- played with it. And Paul Molitor and Knobby and all you guys play with it. Just don't take it for granted because you never know. Tomorrow's not promised to any of us. Anything can happen to any of us. ... Anything can happen. So enjoy yourself. I love you all. Thank you very much.”
July 12, 1996. Puckett officially retired because of glaucoma in his right eye.
"Top Ten Ways to Mispronounce Kirby Puckett"
10. Kooby Pickett.
9. Creepy Pockets.
8. Bernie Crumpet.
7. Turkey Bucket.
6. Buddy Hackett.
5. The Puckett Formerly Known as Kirby.
4. Punky Brewster.
3. Kent Hrbek.
2. There once was a man from Nantucket who Kirbied his very own Puckett.
1. Englepuck Kirbydink.
May 9, 1997. Kirby Puckett appears on the Late Show with David Letterman.
“I did what you're supposed to do in life, and that's what I tell my kids every day: Pick one or two things in your life, and put your heart into it. I gave my all to the game of baseball, and I think baseball definitely has given me something special today.”
Jan. 16, 2001, Puckett on being elected to the Hall of Fame.
"I never felt sorry for myself," Puckett said. "I've said it before and I'll say it again: It might be cloudy in my right eye, but the sun is shining very brightly in my left eye.”
"And just think how the sun has shined, right up to the doors of this great Hall, the shrine for the greatest game in the world and the greatest players in the world.”
"My only regret is that my mother and father and my two brothers who recently passed away aren't here to see this," Puckett said. "My mom is probably looking down and thinking about all those spankings she gave me, for hitting balls through neighbors' windows and breaking lamps and breaking everything in the house.”
"I want to tell her: `Well, Ma, I hope you can see now that it was worth it. Your baby is going into the Hall of Fame.' "
August 6, 2001. Excerpts form Puckett’s Hall of Fame Speech.
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