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Puckett in critical condition
Associated Press
3/6/2006 11:26:51 AM
PHOENIX (AP) - Kirby Puckett was in critical condition Monday after surgery for a stroke, and the Minnesota Twins asked fans to pray for the Hall of Fame outfielder.
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.
"Tough day," former Twins manager Tom Kelly said Monday at the Twins' training camp.
"The Minnesota Twins and major league baseball ask fans to keep Kirby and his family in their thoughts and prayers," the team said in a statement.
Ron Shapiro, who was Puckett's agent, said a day earlier he had been in contact with Puckett's family.
Twins centre fielder Torii Hunter sat out Minnesota's exhibition game against the Red Sox after learning of the stroke.
Said manager Ron Gardenhire: "Our hearts and our prayers are all with Puck. We know it's 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 centre 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 a Twin Cities 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."'
Puckett is divorced and has two children.
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DLR 2006
June 28th, Chicago
June 30th, Muskegon
July 1st, Milwaukee
July 3rd, Niles
July 5th, Baltimore
July 7th, Washington
July 8th. TBA
July 13th, NYC
July 15th, Atlantic City
July 20th, Cabazon
July 21st, San Diego
July 22nd, Las Vegas
July 25th, 26th, Anaheim
July 27th, L.A
August 3rd, Orlando
August 4th, St. Pete’s
August 5th, Mobile
August 12th, TBA
August 16th St. Charles
August 17th, Oshkosh
August 18th, TBA
August 19th, Detroit
August 20th, Cleveland
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