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CORRECTED: Hall of Famer Puckett dies following stroke

Posted on: Tuesday, 7 March 2006, 08:39 CST

please read in second paragraph ... Puckett, 45, ... instead of ... Puckett, 44, ....

A corrected version follows.

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Former Minnesota Twins baseball ace and Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett died on Monday, a day after suffering a stroke at his Arizona home, the Twins said.

Puckett, 45, was a 10-time All-Star outfielder who helped the Twins to two World Series in 1987 and 1991 and became one of the team's most popular players. Puckett retired in 1996 due to vision problems associated with glaucoma.

"This is a sad day for the Minnesota Twins, Major League Baseball and baseball fans everywhere," Twins owner Carl Pohlad said in a statement.

"Kirby will always be remembered for his never-ending hustle, infectious personality, trademark smile and commitment to the community."

Puckett, who played his entire 12-year career with the Twins, retired as the team's all-time leader in a variety of offensive categories, including hits (2,304) and runs (1,071).

He had a career batting average of .318 but was also a standout in the field, winning six Gold Gloves. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001.

The team said he died on Monday afternoon due to complications resulting from a stroke suffered the day before at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Source: REUTERS

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