SR0678 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Senate of the State of Illinois learned with regret of the death of Kirby Puckett of Scottsdale, Arizona, formerly of Chicago, on Monday, March 6, 2006; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Puckett was born on March 14, 1960, and grew up in the Robert Taylor Homes, a housing project on Chicago's South Side; he received no scholarship offers, so he went to work after high school on an assembly line for Ford Motor Co.; and

WHEREAS, The Minnesota Twins drafted him in 1982, and he reached the big leagues on May 8, 1984; he celebrated his arrival by getting four hits against the California Angels; he led the Twins to the World Series in 1987 and 1991, leaping into walls as their center fielder and swinging the bat with power; in the 11th inning of game six of the 1991 World Series against the Atlanta Braves, Mr. Puckett became the ninth player in major league history to win a World Series game with a home run, hitting a change up from Charlie Leibrandt over the outfield wall and pumping his arms in celebration as he rounded the bases; and

WHEREAS, He was known for his energetic style and the smile he always wore; he often said that he played every game as if it were his last; he is remembered for his ability to make the players around him better and for his winning personality; for several years after his retirement, he continued to work with the Minnesota Twins organization as executive vice president in an ambassadorial role; and

WHEREAS, On January 17, 2001, he became a first-ballot inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame; he was a 10-time All-Star with a .318 career average and played his entire 12-year career with Minnesota, winning the 1989 American League batting title with a .339 average and claiming six Gold Gloves for his fielding; his 2,040 hits in his first 10 seasons are the most in major league history; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Kirby Puckett has been deeply felt by many, especially his daughter, Catherine Puckett; his son, Kirby Puckett, Jr.; his fiancée, Jodi Olson, and her son, Cameron; his brothers, Charles Puckett, William L. Puckett, and Ronnie (Melva) Puckett; his sisters, June (Tommy) Sinkfield, Frances Hunter, and Jacqueline (George) Moore; his aunt, Salitha Smith; his lifelong friend, Darryl Hughes; and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; he was preceded in death by his father, William A. Puckett; his mother, Catherine M. Puckett; and his brothers, Donnie and Spencer Puckett; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of baseball great Kirby Puckett, and we extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, fans, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to his family as an expression of our deepest sympathy.