I've never been into sports, but growing up in Minnesota imprints you with an almost genetic love of Kirby Puckett and the Minnesota Twins. My Homer Hankies are still in my mom's basement, along with some newspapers and maybe a Wheaties box. Minneapolis erupted with glee after the Twins won the 1987 and 1991 World Series. The proof is in this video, culled from live coverage of the 1991 mayhem and preserved on glorious VHS. A jovial interview with Kirby from KSTP's Joe Schmidt reveals a mind-boggling surprise -- Kirby Puckett was in M.C. Hammer's "Too Legit to Quit" music video?!
I found myself surprisingly upset over Kirby's death. I was thinking about it, and I really think that Kirby represents a chapter in Minnesota history. And it's more than just the chapter of the Twins winning the world series twice. I can't put my finger on exactly what is it is and maybe it has more to do with the nostalgia I have for that time in my personal history. But I don't know. I really think that Kirby was something special, and it's a shame he died so young.
Wow. Colleen Needles?! Whatever happened to her? Did you have this all on some unlabeled (or labeled) dub from your past? Won't forget Puckett's lightning speed and power jumps!
Posted by: Rena at March 8, 2006 04:34 PM
I'm sure you all know, but Kirby was loved all around baseball. As a Baltimore fan I always looked forward to seeing the Twins against the O's and in the playoffs b/c I got to see that amazing fireplug play. Thanks for the look back.
1987 and 1991 WERE GREAT and Kirby was just awsome, its great memories for a life time. Did see channel 5 news on the lifesize painting of kirby, its pretty cool to see in person, its big and great tribute to Kirby. Life Size Painting
