I was born in Fridley, Minnesota but moved when I was about 2. Although my Minnesota indoctrination was short, I was a Twins fan forever. Even when we lived in Southern California and went to Angels games, I was still a Twins fan first, Angels second.

I remember watching the Twins back then. I was 10 when they won the 87 World Series and 14 for the 91. I grew to admire and love everyone on the team but one in particular stood out.

Kirby Puckett was a short, pudgy guy who ran all over the place and could hit about anything thrown at him. Growing up watching Kirby made me realize that although I was a little fat kid I too could maybe be something.

It’s a sad day for baseball fans all over. Kirby Puckett was the epitome of a guy who made it through determination and hard work. Guys like that are hard not to admire.