In 1991, the Twins first faced the favored Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Championship Series and Minnesota prevailed in five games. Puckett hit .429 with two home runs and six RBI to win MVP honors. But while America was answering Michael Jackson’s musical question “Black or White”, the Twins were singing the praises of Kirby in arguably one of the greatest World Series of all time.

The Atlanta Braves had also climbed from last place the previous year to reach the Series versus the Twins and held a three-games-to-two lead entering Game 6. In the third inning, Puckett made one of the Series' great defensive plays, making a leaping catching against the plexiglass wall of the Metrodome to rob Ron Gant of extra bases. Fast forward to the bottom of the 11th and Puckett leading off for the Twins facing Charlie Liebrandt, "And we'll see you... TOMORROW NIGHT!" was the call made by Jack Buck in describing the greatest walk-off homer in Twins history.

The next night in Game 7, Minnesota's Jack Morris and Atlanta's John Smoltz engaged in a spectacular pitching duel with Black Jack winning 1-0 in 10 innings to give the Twins the championship.

Puckett played on, and played brilliantly, even winning the RBI title in 1994. But, almost exactly 10 years ago, on March 28, 1996, Kirby Puckett woke up that spring training morning unable to see in his right eye. Diagnosed with glaucoma, this bright star’s career was over.

At the press conference announcing his retirement, Puckett said, "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."

Slide show   Week in Sports Pictures Football frenzy, surfing sensation, misery for Cubs fans, and more. more photos

We look at this round little ballplayer and we remember that he was the last player to hit for the cycle for the Twins. We recall that he had six hits in a game … twice.

He was the last player to win three consecutive hits titles, and one of only three AL players ever to have done it. He was on the 1986 All-Star team with fellow Hall-of-Famer Dave Winfield; and in 1987 with Cal Ripken; 1988 he again played with Rickey Henderson; 1989 with Bo Jackson; 1990 with Mark McGwire; 1991 with Ken Griffey, Jr.; 1992 with Robbie Alomar; 1993 against Barry B*nds; 1994 with Pudge Rodriguez; and 1995, against Tony Gwynn, just to name a few of the stars who were hardly his peer.

But whomever Puckett played with or against, Kirby held more than his own, he held your attention, he brought a smile to your face, he gave you hope and faith in the game he loved.

Puckett said, "Baseball doesn't owe me a thing. I owe my whole life to baseball." Today, baseball, and all of us who were touched by his luminosity should remember how much we owe Kirby for all the pleasure he brought to the game, and nothing more than that.

MORE FROM BASEBALL

Baseball Section Front

Francona's Dice roll just might pay off Live updates: Dodgers vs. Phillies in Game 2 Celizic: Youthful Rays wise beyond their years Rays ready for ALCS, and rivalry with Red Sox Red Sox vs. Rays: You pick ALCS winner Manuel managing Phils despite mom's death Phillies power past Dodgers, win Game 1 Opinion: Phillies fans pump up the volume Ramirez can’t carry Dodgers in Game 1 Phillies vs. Dodgers: You pick NLCS winner Baseball Section Front   Add Baseball headlines to your news reader: