Dome could be Twins' ace in the hole Oct 6, 2009
The stadium at 34 Kirby Puckett Place has given Minnesota one of the greatest home-field advantages in baseball -- especially when everything is on the line. It has the white roof that makes fly balls harder to track, a baggie right-field wall that creates funky caroms, artificial grass and yes, enough noise to spike a decibel meter. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
AL: Twins force playoff Oct 6, 2009
During an emotional postgame ceremony on Sunday, Kirby Puckett Jr., the son of the biggest star in Twins history, pulled down the No. 1 sign, supposedly marking the end of the team s 28-year run indoors. Not so fast, Kirby Jr. There is still at least one game left to play here. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Former Twins players in awe of new digs Oct 5, 2009
Jones was particularly impressed with the way the new stadium infused Twins legends into the park, including a mural of one of the most beloved Twins of all-time, Kirby Puckett, in the Legend's Club area of the park. "I liked it. This wouldn't be complete without something of him," Jones said. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
Metrodome remembered, remains open Oct 5, 2009
And the son of the late Kirby Puckett, the Twins legend responsible for the No. 1 moment at the Dome, took down the last number in left field to complete the countdown to outdoor baseball in Minnesota ... "On its turf played such Twins greats as Kent Hrbek, Kirby Puckett and Joe Mauer," Gordon said ... "Touch 'em all, Kirby Puckett," said Gordon Sunday, as he once again made what became his signature home run call. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
Blyleven:Stay cool under playoff pressure Oct 5, 2009
I had great teammates to learn from, guys like Willie Stargell and Kirby Puckett. Those two really stood out in particular, as they set a perfect example to follow in the playoffs. (MSNBC -- Sports)
read story » Oct 5, 2009
So, to paraphrase the late, great Jack Buck s call after Kirby Puckett s game-winning homer in Game 6 of the 1991 World Series against Atlanta. And we ll see ya Tuesday afternoon. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
Bidding adieu: For the Twins, there's no place like 'Dome Oct 4, 2009
Kirby Puckett, left, celebrating the Twins' 1991 World Series title with Chili Davis, had 1,269 hits at the Metrodome ... Most career wins, Twins pitcher: 85, Brad Radke Most wins, opposing pitcher: 11, Roger Clemens and Mike Mussina Most career home runs, Twins: 156, Kent Hrbek Most career home runs, opponent: 28, Jim Thome Most career hits, Twins: 1,269, Kirby Puckett Most career hits, opponent: 140, Cal Ripken Most team wins, opponent: 90, Kansas City Royals Most team losses, opponent: 114,... (USA Today -- Sports)
Metrodome home for plenty of memories Oct 4, 2009
There was David Ortiz's blast in 2006 that looked like it was headed directly at a banner honoring Kirby Puckett in the upper deck of right-center field before slamming off a speaker and leaving the Red Sox designated hitter with just a single ... That includes Kirby Puckett making "The Catch" in Game 6 of the '91 World Series before blasting the game-winning homer in the 11th inning of that same contest to propel the Twins into a Game 7. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
Faithful share Metrodome memories Oct 3, 2009
"Kirby Puckett in the World Series, of course," Maxwell said. "I met him about a year before he died. It's too bad he had to go out the way he did. He made this place.". (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
Twins beat Tigers 8-3 and avoid elimination Oct 3, 2009
Cabrera has hit safely and scored in 12 straight games for the longest such streak in the majors this season and the longest for the Twins since Kirby Puckett did it 14 games in a row in 1986. Detroit OF Magglio Ordonez is hitting an AL-best. (Ionia Sentinel-Standard, MI)
Formidable opponent awaits Twins Oct 3, 2009
Kirby Puckett was the last 000031F3 Twin to have such a streak, scoring in 14 straight games in 1986. Michael Cuddyer added his 91st RBI of the season in Friday's win. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
Twins need help from unlikely source Oct 2, 2009
Tidbits Thursday marked the 12th consecutive game that Orlando Cabrera has scored a run -- marking the longest streak in the Majors this season and the longest by a Twins player since Kirby Puckett scored in 14 straight games in 1986. Delmon Young finished the series against the Tigers batting. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
Bobby Cox a bad tactician? Because of Puckett? Come on Sep 26, 2009
Bobby Cox brought Charlie Leibrandt, a left-handed pitcher who d been a starter all his career, in to face the righthander Kirby Puckett with the Braves and Twins tied in the bottom of the 11th inning of Game 6 of the World Series. Puckett hit a home run. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Who needs Rubio? Wolves happy with Flynn Sep 26, 2009
Thats saying something, considering the Twin Cities have been home to such beloved stars as Kirby Puckett, Kevin Garnett, Harmon Killebrew and Fran Tarkenton, while Joe Mauer and Adrian Peterson currently hold down the fort. I truly believe hes that special in terms of his charisma and his leadership capabilities, Kahn said. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Related: Killings, limited information put typically calm community on edge Sep 23, 2009
Beason's claim to fame is pro baseball scout and Beason native Ellsworth "Brownie" Brown, who signed Hall-of-Famer Kirby Puckett. Brown died in January. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Twins ready to leave dome Sep 20, 2009
Late Hall of Fame outfielder Kirby Puckett, whose career regular-season batting average was. 344 at the Metrodome and. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Twins Move Within 3 Games of Tigers With 3-0 Win Sep 19, 2009
Leyland on the challenge of playing at the Metrodome for visiting teams: "I think it has something to do with the caliber of the Twins players. Kirby Puckett and Kent Hrbek and Gary Gaetti and those guys, they were good players. They could play in a phone booth." Written By DAVE CAMPBELL. read more stories in. (ABC 7 News, DC)
A's say goodbye to Metrodome Sep 12, 2009
A's manager Bob Geren played a handful of games in the Dome while with the Yankees, recalling memories of Kirby Puckett and Kent Hrbek. He also experienced the playoffs in the Dome as Oakland's bench coach in 2006, when the A's swept the Twins and took both games in Minnesota. (MLB.com -- Oakland Athletics)
Angels' Hunter wins Branch Rickey Award Sep 11, 2009
Previous winners are Dave Winfield, Kirby Puckett, Ozzie Smith, Tony Gwynn, Brett Butler, Craig Biggio, Paul Molitor, Al Leiter, Todd Stottlemyre, Curt Schilling, Bobby Valentine, Roland Hemond, Jamie Moyer, Tommy Lasorda, John Smoltz, and Trevor Hoffman. Hunter will receive a 24-inch bronze sculpture, "The Player," created by internationally prominent sculptor George Lundeen. (MLB.com -- Anaheim Angels)
White Sox won't miss Metrodome Aug 31, 2009
The Official Site of the Chicago White Sox. Chicago (64-67) at Minnesota (65-65), 7:10 p.m. CT. (MLB.com -- Chi White Sox White Sox)
Twins unveil plans for Dome's finale Aug 29, 2009
It's believed to be the first time the club has done so for a regular-season game since they held a Kirby Puckett Tribute on Sept. 7, 1996. To celebrate the 28 seasons they spent in the Metrodome, the Twins will host a special postgame ceremony to commemorate the great players and moments from their time in the Dome. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
Byrd still ailing after passing kidney stone Aug 29, 2009
Kirby Puckett singled out Washington during his Hall of Fame induction speech. "It's very special to be able to go out there and throw out the ceremonial first pitch," Washington said. (MLB.com -- Texas Rangers)
Angels' Hunter the definition of leader Aug 25, 2009
As a young player in the Twins' system, Hunter was influenced by such veterans as the late Kirby Puckett, Paul Molitor, Dave Winfield. He learned through observation and evaluating their words, incorporating what fit into his life and game plans. (MLB.com -- Anaheim Angels)
Cuddyer homers twice in same frame Aug 24, 2009
Neither did Kirby Puckett or Kent Hrbek. But now Michael Cuddyer has. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
Morneau may return for Twins' homestand Aug 24, 2009
The last time the Twins had four players with at least 20 homers was 1987 when Kirby Puckett, Kent Hrbek, Gary Gaetti and Tom Brunansky all hit 20 homers. Ft. Myers right-hander Steven Hirschfeld was the Twins' Minor League Player of the Week. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
Royals rally, but allow eight in seventh Aug 24, 2009
Nor did Kent Hrbek or Kirby Puckett or any of the Twins' biggest home run hitters. But, on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium, Michael Cuddyer became the first Twins hitter to bang two homers in the same inning. (MLB.com -- Kansas City Royals)
Guerrier closes out Duensing's first win Aug 23, 2009
The '87 quartet that accomplished the feat included Tom Brunansky, Gary Gaetti, Kirby Puckett and Kent Hrbek. A two-run double by Kubel in the third staked Duensing to a 3-0 lead, and after the Royals drew within 3-2 in the fifth, Minnesota went back to work offensively. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
Time for World Series day games Aug 18, 2009
The Twins' Kirby Puckett, left, and Jeff Reardon celebrate after Minnesota won the 1987 World Series. Game 6 of that Fall Classic between the Twins and St. Louis Cardinals was the last time a World Series had a day game. (USA Today -- Sports)
Q&A: Hale Aug 7, 2009
"My favorite moment in baseball was winning a national championship at Arizona in '86. Professionally, my first hit in the Metrodome against Seattle was exciting. Another is just being able to play with Hall of Famers like Paul Molitor, Kirby Puckett and Dave Winfield.". With the team headed to Washington, D.C., is there anything you like to do when you go there. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Guardado makes 900th appearance Aug 5, 2009
"I'll tell you when it hit me. I'm on the mound, I grab the resin bag, throw it down and look at in center field. There's Kirby Puckett. Then I turn around and they're announcing, 'Now batting, No. 24, Rickey Henderson.' "First pitch, ball. Second pitch, groundout to shortstop. (MLB.com -- Texas Rangers)
After regaining his health, man begins to create art again Aug 1, 2009
Sports figures are popular subjects for Fakler pictures of Kirby Puckett, Danica Patrick and Brett Favre adorn his room. He is a self-taught artist, learning through books and trial and error. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Inbox: Twins eyeing deadline deals Jul 31, 2009
The only other time I could find was back in 1986 -- Tom Brunansky (23), Gary Gaetti (34), Kent Hrbek (29), Kirby Puckett (31), and Roy Smalley (20). Going back in club history, the Twins had six players tally 20 or more homers in 1964 -- Bob Allison (32), Jimmie Hall (25), Harmon Killebrew (49), Don Mincher (23), Tony Oliva (32), and Zoilo Versalles (20). (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
POP CULTURE: Grid: 4 athletes' picks Jul 30, 2009
The Pop Culture Grid - Extra Mustard - SI.com. Pop Culture Meets Sports Culture on Extra Mustard. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
All-Star trio on All-Metrodome team Jul 29, 2009
Headlining the list is late outfielder Kirby Puckett, first baseman Kent Hrbek, designated hitter Paul Molitor and manager Tom Kelly. Nine members of Minnesota's 1987 World Series title team and seven from the 1991 club that won it all made the list. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
Buehrles record night spoiled by Twins rally Jul 29, 2009
The roster includes manager Tom Kelly; starters Bert Blyleven, Brad Radke, Johan Santana and Frank Viola; relievers Rick Aguilera and Joe Nathan; C Joe Mauer; 1Bs Kent Hrbek and Justin Morneau; 2B Chuck Knoblauch; SS Greg Gagne; 3B Gary Gaetti; OFs Tom Brunansky, Dan Gladden, Torii Hunter and Kirby Puckett; DH Paul Molitor. Also on NBCSports. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Dome hard to let go (19) Jul 19, 2009
It's where I've seen greats like Kirby Puckett, Paul Molitor, Ken Griffey Jr. and Frank Thomas and nobodies like Chip Hale, Scott Stahoviak and Mark Johnson. The poor sightlines, the uncomfortable seats, the Plexiglas that used to line the top of the left-field wall, the cheesy Hefty bag wall in right field and the unnaturally green Astroturf surface. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Radke inducted into Twins HOF Jul 12, 2009
"In my rookie year in '95, there were a few guys I watched on and off the field -- Kirby Puckett, Rick Aguilera and Paul Molitor," Radke told the crowd. "If it wasn't for those three guys, there is no way I would be standing here right now. Those three guys played with their heart and nothing but their heart. That's what this game is all about. You can have all of the ability in the world, but if you don't have heart, you don't have anything. I learned that from them.". (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
City OKs beer garden for Kiger baseball game Jul 9, 2009
Kirby Puckett wrote on Jul 8, 2009 1:09 PM:" What's the fundraiser for? I guess I missed that article. I would like to see an upset. Go Bluejackets!!!!!!!!!!!! ". Steve wrote on Jul 8, 2009 12:55 PM:" I'm with Larry. I won't be able to even take my daughter to a baseball game now because of alcohol. C'mon Klamath, we don't need alcohol at every single drop-of-a-hat celebration or event for Heaven's sake- it's just teaching kids that it's ok, then were going to have another generation of people... (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Jones Hits 3 Homers, Rangers Beat Angels Jul 9, 2009
"I saw Kirby Puckett do some great stuff. I saw Dave Engle do some great stuff. Matter fact, I saw Mickey Hatcher get nine hits in a row - nine straight in three straight days," Washington said. "This ranks as one of the highest because he got us a win for it." The Rangers got to Angels starter Ervin Santana early, with Jones hitting home runs off him in the first and third, the latter sailing over the left field pole to give Texas a 4-0 lead. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Rangers Andruw Jones hits 3 HRs vs. Angels Jul 9, 2009
I saw Kirby Puckett do some great stuff. I saw Dave Engle do some great stuff. (MSNBC -- Sports)
One guy's All-Metrodome Team Jul 3, 2009
Kirby Puckett 1984-1995 ... Outfield (3): Kirby Puckett, Torii Hunter, Dan Gladden. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
Hawkins ready to bid farewell to Dome Jun 21, 2009
The Official Site of the Houston Astros. Houston (31-35) at Minnesota (35-35), 1:10 p.m. CT. (MLB.com -- Houston Astros)
Simmons: The wonder years Jun 20, 2009
The 1991 World Series ranks among the best ever, Kirby Puckett and Jack Morris willing the Twins to a crown. And the '92 playoffs feature one of my favorite rewatchable baseball moments: Atlanta's Francisco Cabrera slapping a do-or-die single into left field in the climactic NLCS game, Sid Bream chugging around third like an 18-wheeler, Pirate whipping a slightly off-the-mark throw home, pudgy Mike LaValliere blocking the plate and almost making the tag and CBS' Sean McDonough yelping,... (ESPN -- Baseball)
Blackburn's complete game leads Twins Jun 19, 2009
The last time the Twins had five players hit 20 or more homers was 1986: Gary Gaetti, Kent Hrbek, Kirby Puckett, Tom Brunansky and Roy Smalley. User Comments - No comments posted. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
Pirates, Maholm have Metrodome misadventure Jun 17, 2009
560 off Paul Maholm -- 14 for 25, a rate that would bring a blush out of Rod Carew or Kirby Puckett -- in bouncing the Pirates, 8-2, last night at the Metrodome. Some were bloops, some bleeders, some flat-out belted. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Cuddyer may be back soon Jun 6, 2009
Only three other Twins have reached that mark in as few team contests: Kirby Puckett in '94 (49 games), Larry Hisle in '77 (54) and Harmon Killebrew in '69 (55). Brendan Harris extended his hitting streak to 10 games on Friday, tying a career-high. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
Former announcer a link to Lodi's baseball past May 30, 2009
Kirby Puckett played here, but on our club the best one was Fernando Valenzuela. In 1979 we kept hearing about this phenom from Mexico and he was finally called up that season. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Dodgers drop Freeway finale May 25, 2009
"Growing up, I watched two guys -- Kirby Puckett and Hunter. It was really cool to get to meet him. He's a great outfielder and fun to watch. He's a legend in Minnesota; everybody loves him.". is a reporter for MLB.com. (MLB.com -- Los Angeles Dodgers)
Cuddyer hits for cycle vs. Brewers May 23, 2009
Kirby Puckett hit for the cycle at the Metrodome on Aug. 1, 1986, against Oakland. Cuddyer began his cycle with a bang, belting a three-run homer to left-center field in the first inning off Brewers starter Manny Parra. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
New Minnesota ballpark to include rooftop seats May 16, 2009
On the other side of the stadium, a statue of Kirby Puckett will greet fans in a plaza area as they approach the gates. Twins ownership has earmarked an extra $55 million toward Target Field, which now has a total price tag of $545 million. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- MLB)
Grand slam caps Kubel's cycle Apr 18, 2009
Kubel became only the ninth player in Twins history to hit for the cycle and the first to do so at the Metrodome since Kirby Puckett did it on Aug. 1, 1986, vs. Oakland. "That's not going to happen too many times," Kubel said with a laugh. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
It’s too early for despair, gloom and doom, over Braves Apr 18, 2009
Alejandro Pena is pitching great, and genius decides to bring in Charlie Creampuff Leibrandt to face Kirby Puckett. I was sitting with a bunch of friends who weren t big baseball fans and I told them, We just lost this game. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Bullpen struggles for crucial outs in loss Apr 18, 2009
Bulger dropped one curveball over for a strike but left a second one in a location Kubel liked, and he put it in the upper reaches of the dome, up in the vicinity of the Kirby Puckett poster and the championship banners. "They just put together some good at-bats at the end there and ended up getting the big hit," Angels catalyst Chone Figgins said. (MLB.com -- Anaheim Angels)
MLB: Kubels cycle helps Twins beat Angels Apr 18, 2009
The others: Kirby Puckett in 1986, Paul Molitor in 1991 for the Milwaukee Brewers, and Travis Hafner in 2003 for the Cleveland Indians. Also on NBCSports. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Blue Jays reflect on Metrodome Apr 17, 2009
That was a fitting summation of the overall feeling within the visitor's clubhouse at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, the teflon-covered ballpark that sits at the corner of Fourth Street and Kirby Puckett Place. On Thursday night, the Blue Jays headed to the stadium for the last time, closing out a four-game series with the Twins. (MLB.com -- Toronto Blue Jays)
Angels' Kendrick following Hunter's lead Apr 8, 2009
"He's a young guy who really wants to learn and get better. I know what that's like. I went through that when I was a young kid with the Twins, learning everything I could from a guy like Kirby Puckett. "They put me right next to Kirby when I was a Minor Leaguer, in camp, and it was the best thing they could have done for me. You pick up so many things that way, about how to prepare yourself, what to eat, what to avoid, what type of exercises you need to do. (MLB.com -- Anaheim Angels)
Pohlad honored before opener Apr 7, 2009
Fans who drove down Kirby Puckett Place in front of the Metrodome between 6 and 9 a.m. received free hot dogs, chips, coffee, and scones. Cars began lining up for the event at 5:30 and more than 4,000 Dome Dogs were given away over the three-hour event. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
Twins embark on final Dome season Apr 6, 2009
There was David Ortiz's blast in 2006 that looked like it was headed directly at a banner honoring Kirby Puckett in the upper deck of right-center field before slamming off a speaker and leaving the Red Sox designated hitter with just a single. And for all of its zaniness, the Metrodome has also been the site of many memorable moments in baseball history. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
Twins' Liriano back with start in opener Apr 4, 2009
That includes Breakfast on the Plaza where fans who drive through Kirby Puckett Plaza from 6-9 a.m. CT and receive free hot dogs, chips and coffee. The club will also host an Opening Day rally at the IDS Crystal Court in downtown Minneapolis. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
Second Generation Gaetti Mar 28, 2009
R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens. Saturday March 28, 2009. (R News)
Beyond The Sports Huddle by Dave Mo... Mar 6, 2009
Lest anyone think this book is of local interest only, however, how about this list for a cast of characters: Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, Harmon Killebrew, Billy Martin, Bud Grant, Molly Ivins, the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, Hubert Humphrey, Kirby Puckett, Mark McGwire, Harvey MacKay, Tony Oliva, John Wooden, Oscar Robertson, and Garrison Keillor to name just some of those Mona covers personally in his book. Dave Mona is the author of two other books: Twenty-Five Seasons: The First Quarter... (Suite101.com)
Willis a natural Feb 22, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009. Search stories on N&O.com. (News & Observer -- Sports)
New faces join Ichiro in Seattle outfield Feb 8, 2009
He tied American League Most Valuable Player Dustin Pedroia in hits (213) last season, the third consecutive season Ichiro has either led or tied the AL in hits -- the first time that's happened since the late Kirby Puckett did it in 1987-89 with the Twins. To put it mildly, right field is in good hands. (MLB.com -- Seattle Mariners)
Span finding new respect uplifting Feb 8, 2009
For Hunter, it was a chance to carry on the torch of legendary Twins center fielder Kirby Puckett, who had taken Hunter under his wing. The only thing that Span had to promise Hunter was that in a few years, he had to repay the favor to a young player coming up behind him. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
Radke, Brophy earn Twins Hall nods Feb 8, 2009
The other members include: Harmon Killebrew, Rod Carew, Tony Oliva, Kent Hrbek, Kirby Puckett and Calvin Griffith (inducted in 2000), Jim Kaat (2001), broadcaster Herb Carneal (2001), pitcher Bert Blyleven (2002), former manager Tom Kelly (2002), long-time public address announcer Bob Casey (2003), outfielder Bob Allison (2003), catcher Earl Battey (2004), pitcher Frank Viola (2005), owner Carl Pohlad (2005), shortstop Zoilo Versalles (2006), third baseman Gary Gaetti (2007), farm director Jim... (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
