There will never be another Puck

I was one of the lucky kids -- to grow up in MN during the reign of Kirby Puckett. How could I forget proudly wearing my Homer Hanky to school the day after the Twins won the 1991 World Series? I was young and didnt care much about sports, but even I knew that Kirby's 11th-inning home run really, really meant something. It was that one amazing and pure moment in the game of baseball where you know it's more than just a game.
Kirby Puckett was the player that my generation had looked up to. For many of us, he was our hero. Kirby allowed us to see what the game was really about and how it was always meant to be played.

There will never be another Puck.

I came across some quotes of Kirby's in the Star Tribune this evening, and decided to post them because his own words mean so much more than any words I could say.

In Kirby's words:

"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."
-- Oct. 26, 1991, Puckett addressed his teammates before Game 6 of the World Series against Atlanta. He backed up his words with a spectacular catch in the third inning and a game-winning home run in the 11th inning.

"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. "

-August 5, 2001, Puckett during his Hall of Fame induction speech.