Believing is seeing

Kirby Puckett's vision is impaired, but his worldview is clear | Margie Haack

The major league baseball playoffs began this week, but one player who animated previous post-seasons was gone and would not return. His name is so well-known that when a four-year-old boy saw a large Minnesota Twins logo on a glass case in a Minneapolis memorabilia shop, he wiggled out of his father's grasp so he could touch the sign and announce with authority to all who could hear: "Kirby Puckett."

In his 13-year career with the Twins, Kirby won the hearts of children and adults alike. He hit .318 for his career, made the All-Star lineup 10 years in a row, and won six Gold Gloves for defensive play in center field. He twice led his team to World Series championships.

But what really made Kirby stand out was the character he displayed.