nds76
03-06-2006, 7:13pm
PHOENIX Kirby Puckett was on life support, in critical condition Monday afternoon after undergoing surgery after suffering a stroke.
The 44-year-old Puckett, who led the Twins to two World Series championships before his career was cut short by glaucoma, was stricken Sunday at his Arizona home.
He remained in intensive care at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, hospital spokeswoman Kimberly Lodge said. Puckett was moved to the hospital after surgery at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn.
The Minnesota Twins asked fans to pray for the Hall of Fame outfielder, asking fans to keep Puckett and his family in their thoughts and prayers.
"Tough day," former Twins manager Tom Kelly said Monday at the Twins' training camp.
Puckett's ex-wife, Tonya, and their two children, Catherine and Kirby Jr. traveled to Arizona to be at Puckett's bedside. Puckett's sisters are also traveling to Arizona. Puckett's fiancée is also with Puckett.
Ron Shapiro, who was Puckett's agent, said a day earlier he had been in contact with Puckett's family.
"Our hearts and our prayers are all with Puck," said Ron Gardenhire, Twins manager. "We know it is a tough situation out there."
Puckett, who broke in with Minnesota in 1984, had a career average of .318 and carried the Twins to World Series titles in 1987 and 1991. Glaucoma forced the Gold Glove center fielder and 10-time All-Star to retire in 1996 after 12 seasons with the Twins when he went blind in one eye.
Three years ago, he was cleared of assault charges after being accused of groping a woman at an Eden Prairie, Minn. restaurant.
Puckett has maintained relationships with many people in the Twins' organization. The team tried unsuccessfully to get him to come to spring training as a special instructor this year, something he hasn't done since 2002.
Another former Twins great, Tony Oliva, a special instructor during spring training, said he has been worried about Puckett's weight.
"The last few times I saw him, he kept getting bigger and bigger and bigger," Oliva said. "And we worried about him. I saw him about five months ago. He always tries to invite me. He says, 'Come to Arizona, and we'll play some golf.'"
Twins' center fielder Torii Hunter took himself out of Sunday's line up in a spring training game against the Boston Red Sox. On Monday, Hunter said he did not want to comment on camera, but was back at the Twins' training complex in Fort Myers, Fla. Hunter and Puckett remain close friends.
"He took it hard," Twins outfielder Shannon Stewart said. "I can understand that. Kirby took him under his wing and helped him out. I wish Kirby the best. I hope he gets better."
http://wfrv.com/topstories/local_story_065161723.html
The 44-year-old Puckett, who led the Twins to two World Series championships before his career was cut short by glaucoma, was stricken Sunday at his Arizona home.
He remained in intensive care at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, hospital spokeswoman Kimberly Lodge said. Puckett was moved to the hospital after surgery at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn.
The Minnesota Twins asked fans to pray for the Hall of Fame outfielder, asking fans to keep Puckett and his family in their thoughts and prayers.
"Tough day," former Twins manager Tom Kelly said Monday at the Twins' training camp.
Puckett's ex-wife, Tonya, and their two children, Catherine and Kirby Jr. traveled to Arizona to be at Puckett's bedside. Puckett's sisters are also traveling to Arizona. Puckett's fiancée is also with Puckett.
Ron Shapiro, who was Puckett's agent, said a day earlier he had been in contact with Puckett's family.
"Our hearts and our prayers are all with Puck," said Ron Gardenhire, Twins manager. "We know it is a tough situation out there."
Puckett, who broke in with Minnesota in 1984, had a career average of .318 and carried the Twins to World Series titles in 1987 and 1991. Glaucoma forced the Gold Glove center fielder and 10-time All-Star to retire in 1996 after 12 seasons with the Twins when he went blind in one eye.
Three years ago, he was cleared of assault charges after being accused of groping a woman at an Eden Prairie, Minn. restaurant.
Puckett has maintained relationships with many people in the Twins' organization. The team tried unsuccessfully to get him to come to spring training as a special instructor this year, something he hasn't done since 2002.
Another former Twins great, Tony Oliva, a special instructor during spring training, said he has been worried about Puckett's weight.
"The last few times I saw him, he kept getting bigger and bigger and bigger," Oliva said. "And we worried about him. I saw him about five months ago. He always tries to invite me. He says, 'Come to Arizona, and we'll play some golf.'"
Twins' center fielder Torii Hunter took himself out of Sunday's line up in a spring training game against the Boston Red Sox. On Monday, Hunter said he did not want to comment on camera, but was back at the Twins' training complex in Fort Myers, Fla. Hunter and Puckett remain close friends.
"He took it hard," Twins outfielder Shannon Stewart said. "I can understand that. Kirby took him under his wing and helped him out. I wish Kirby the best. I hope he gets better."
http://wfrv.com/topstories/local_story_065161723.html