Like Garry and Billy, I was a ball player when younger. I followed the Milwaukee Braves when I was small and later played little league. When I was playing my best, I played outfield. Even after I stopped playing baseball, I still played softball. (I know, it's not the same, but it was better than nothing.)

I stopped regularly following the pro game long ago, but -- like you -- I did notice Kirby Puckett. He was a great player and seemed to exude a different sort of charisma than most other players of his era.

Although I don't follow baseball at all anymore (or even play softball now), the game and world may seem a little less bright knowing he's gone. However, like many other people -- both athletes and not -- it is a better place for him having been here.