I received this e-mail from Joe Reis in response to Sunday's column marking the 10th anniversary of Kirby Puckett's death:
I ALSO CHOOSE TO REMEMBER all the good things about Kirby Puckett, his accomplishments and his can do attitude. October 26, 1991 was a day I'll never forget. What a great game for the Twins and for Kirby and the Game 7 win, the next day, made it all that more meaningful.
My connection to Game 6 is as a fan, a very fortunate fan. I was the lucky guy in the right place at the right time that night.
I was at the game with my wife Kathy and two of my three young daughters, Jessica and Michelle. Gina, 2 at the time, was home with a sitter. Our seats were in left center field, fifth row behind the Plexiglas, not too far from Kirby's great catch of Ron Gant's drive.
In the bottom of the 11th inning, score tied 3-3, on a 2-1 count, Kirby got his powerful legs into a Leibrandt pitch and sent it our way.
I caught the home run ball and celebrated with my family and 55,000 other fanatics. Wow!
After calling over a security guard, we were escorted to the area outside the locker room and had the opportunity to meet Kirby, congratulate him, give him the ball and take some photos. He was great with my girls.
That began a relationship with Kirby for me and my family that lasted throughout the remainder of his life.
I golfed with him twice at my company sponsored charity event. I traveled to Cooperstown for his induction. He gave me a bear hug and did the same for my brother, who could not believe what was happening.
Even though it was Kirby's big weekend, he made sure that we were having a great time. He was so good with fans.
Doesn't seem like 10 years since we said goodbye at the services at the Metrodome. I once again sat in my seat that night, section 101, row 5, seat 27. So sad.
