After spending 12 memorable years roaming the outfield for the Twins, Kirby Puckett was named the team's Executive Vice President of Baseball on Nov. 16, 1996. As a senior member of Twins' management, Kirby is involved both on and off the field. His on-field baseball responsibilities include team strategy, player evaluation and recruiting, individual player instruction, and working as an instructor throughout the Twins' minor-league system. Off the field, Kirby works closely with all issues facing the Twins and Major League Baseball. He also is a member of the Twins' Board of Directors.
Kirby was born Mar. 14, 1961 in Chicago. He was selected in the first round of the 1982 free agent draft out of Triton Junior College, River Grove, Illinois. Kirby spent his entire career in a Twins' uniform, leading the team to World Championships in 1987 and 1991. His career was tragically cut short in 1996 due to irreversible retina damage in his right eye.
Kirby, who holds numerous Twins' records, was awarded the 1996 Roberto Clemente Man of the Year Award by Major League Baseball in recognition of his outstanding community service.
Kirby
and his wife, Tonya, along with their daughter, Catherine, and son, Kirby,
Jr., make their home in Edina, Minn.
LISTEN TO SHORT CLIPS OF MY INTERVIEW WITH KIRBY
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