Greatest Ever.

I refuse to remember the out of shape, allegedly boorish, sun-glass wearing, Kirby Puckett as he was in later life.  I can't blame him for whatever he did, or was alleged to have done.  All I know is that when I was growing up, he was my favorite player.  He played with an electricity that few could match.  He signed autographs for whoever wanted one (including me).  I read his autobiography, both the adult version and the kids version (with pictures!)  And I will always remember listening on a beautiful night as John Gordon screamed "touch 'em all, Kirby Puckett, touch 'em all" as I jumped up and down and almost soiled myself after game 6.  And the joy on Kirby's face in the paper after we won game 7.  (I wish I could remember '87, but my memories from that series were tied up with memories of my grandfather who died soon after.)  I had different favorite players at different points while Kirby was on the time.  I had a brief infatuation with Chili Davis, I enjoyed Shane Mack, and Lombardozzi was also high on my list.  But no one ever, ever, compared to Puck.  No question, he was the most amazing sports figure in Minnesota history.  And for a Minnesota boy, that means he was the greatest of all time.