[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3559]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF KIRBY PUCKETT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM RAMSTAD

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 14, 2006

  Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, Minnesota lost a true hero and sports 
legend this past week. Like Minnesota's Paul Bunyan, he was instantly 
recognizable, from his name to his gigantic smile to his unique frame.
  But Kirby Puckett was very real, and the pain all Minnesotans feel is 
too real, as we say farewell to a Minnesota icon.
  Mr. Speaker, Minnesota is heartbroken. Kirby Puckett was known as 
much for his great spirit, enthusiasm and energy as he was for his 
remarkable baseball skills.
  He did so much to help people in need, and he was always there for 
civic and charitable causes of every kind. He never said no to 
Children's Heartlink, Big Brothers Big Sisters or numerous other 
charities.
  And his ``Puckett Scholars'' program helped enable so many minority 
students to attend college and pursue their dreams.
  To say that Kirby is known as much for his community service as his 
baseball is really saying something, Mr. Speaker.
  Because Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett in his baseball career put up 
some historic statistics and gave baseball fans many memorable thrills 
on the field.
  Remember October 27, 1991? In Minnesota, we all know where we were 
that night.
  I was at the Metrodome, and I will never forget Kirby's impossibly 
high leap at the centerfield fence and his amazing catch in the third 
inning of Game 6 of the 1991 World Series.
  And no Minnesota Twins fan will ever forget Kirby's dramatic 11th-
inning, game-ending home run to almost the same spot in the very same 
game.
  Mr. Speaker, Kirby did it all in 12 short seasons and was elected to 
Baseball's Hall of Fame on the very first ballot upon eligibility. 
Twelve short seasons, and a .318 career average, 2,304 hits, 1,085 runs 
batted in, 207 homers, 1,071 runs--all in just 1,783 games. And the 
numbers do not begin to tell the whole story.
  Kirby Puckett was the leader, the favorite teammate, the name the 
kids screamed and the name the public address announcer lingered over 
and stretched out for maximum dramatic effect.
  He ran all out at break-neck speed--in center field and around the 
bases. And his teammates got the clue. They were driven to match his 
intensity and love for the game.
  Minnesota Twins fans loved him so for that. And we always will.
  Mr. Speaker, our entire state has an extended lower lip, and our 
heads are bowed. We are so very saddened by the death of Kirby Puckett.
  Just the mention of his name has always brought smiles to the faces 
of Minnesotans of all ages--and so many great memories.
  Mr. Speaker, you will find many kids in Minnesota named Kirby and the 
reason is simple: Kirby captured all our hearts.
  In summers past, Kirby made our hearts race with his tremendous 
athletic feats. His powerful batting stroke produced so many clutch 
hits.
  Mr. Speaker, Kirby Puckett is to Minnesota baseball what Hubert 
Humphrey is to Minnesota politics.
  We have lost a real warrior, a very special person who brought so 
much energy, enthusiasm and dedication to the field.
  Kirby was one of a kind. There will never be another like him. Kirby, 
your huge smile, big heart and great play will live forever in our 
hearts.
  We will never forget you and we will always be thankful God put you 
in our midst.
  And let us always remember that wonderful, trademark Kirby Puckett 
smile that lit up a room, inspired us and gave us hope.
  Rest in peace, Kirby, in the loving arms of our Lord. And may your 
kind and gentle spirit live forever in the hearts of all of us.

                          ____________________