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Kirby Puckett

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Inducted: 2000
Induction Class: Mary Lou Retton (Gymnastics), Nate Archibald (Basketball), Kirby Puckett (Baseball)
Sport: Baseball
Years Active: 1984-1995
Born: Mar. 14, 1960
(Died: Mar. 6, 2006)
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois
Community Focus: Children & Youth
Foundation: Puckett Scholars Program, Because We Care

Kirby Puckett, who led the Minnesota Twins to two World Series titles was a passionate advocate of helping young people in the Minneapolis community before his life was cut-short by a stroke in 2006.  Puckett was inducted into the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame as a part of the Class of 2000, which included star gymnast Mary Lou Retton and basketball great Nate Archibald.

Puckett played 12 seasons in center field for the Minnesota Twins, before glaucoma forced him to retire in 1995. During his 12 season professional career, Puckett led the Twins to their only two Championships since their 1961 move to Minnesota.  He lead the team in career hits, runs, doubles, and total bases, winning six Gold Gloves, and making it to the All-Star game in each of his final ten seasons. Puckett was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001.

Puckett supported many charities throughout the state of Minnesota  including a group focused on providing life-saving heart surgery for children. His Kirby Puckett Celebrity 8-Ball Invitational raised over $3 million for this charity. He also created the Puckett Scholars Program, which offered scholarships to a number of minority students. Puckett’s Because We Care program has provided thousands of Twins tickets for Minnesota youth. Puckett died of a stroke in March of 2006.