Kirby Puckett dead at 45

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett died Monday, a day after suffering a stroke at his Arizona home, a spokeswoman for St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Scottsdale, Ariz., said.
The 45-year-old Puckett, who led the Twins to two World Series titles before his career was cut short by glaucoma, was stricken Sunday morning at his Arizona home.
Puckett had been in intensive care at the hospital, where he was moved after having surgery at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn. His family, friends and former teammates had gathered at the hospital throughout the day Monday.
``The entire Minnesota Twins organization is saddened by the loss of Twins great Kirby Puckett,'' the team said in a statement.
Team owner Carl Pohlad said, ``This is a sad day for the Minnesota Twins, Major League Baseball and baseball fans everywhere.''
The hospital said Puckett was given last rites and died Monday afternoon.
Earlier in the day, the atmosphere was somber at the teams training camp in Fort Myers, Fla. ``Tough day,'' former Twins manager Tom Kelly said.
Former outfielder Tony Oliva said, ``Our mind isn't on the ballfield. It's on Kirby.''