Puckett's career can't be measured bv stats alone.

Navigation: Main page

Author: Unknown

A friend of mine, a colleague I greatly respect, insists that we â€" the Baseball Writers' Association of America-blew it by electing Kirby Puckett to the Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 2001.

Over the years, I've grown to understand my friend's uneasiness about the projections of what might have been for Puckett if glaucoma hadn't prevented him from playing past age 35. But in the aftermath of Puckett's death, I feel once more â€" with conviction â€" that the BBWAA made the right call.

I was on the phone recently with a former Twin, and he explained to me that Puckett wasn't simply a great teammate but the best teammate. Always positive. Great with veterans. Great with youngsters. A true leader.

That's the Puckett who will be remembered, the Puckett who should be remembered, at least for those of us who knew him only as a baseball player. After he retired, it became evident that the man did not necessarily match the image of the player, as is so often the case with celebrities. But as a ballplayer, my goodness, Puckett was something to behold.

Puckett made 10 straight All-Star teams. Won six Gold Gloves in center field. Led the Twins to two improbable World Series titles.

If his career numbers were short, well, some players transcend cold, statistical analysis. Kirby Puckett was one.

'Thank you, MLB, for giving me one more reason to love March.'

Not feeling as favorably inclined toward baseball as Kathy Sheldon? Let her know at sportingnews.com.

PHOTO (COLOR)