I was on the road last week covering some Grapefruit League action for the site. In my travels, I got word that Kirby Puckett had suffered a stroke and was in critical condition.

As a kid in Chicago, I used to watch Puckett whenever the Twins visited Comiskey Park. In fact, one of my early near-death experiences, as I guess I had many being a bit reckless as a kid, was nearly being defeated by a pitch fouled straight back by Puckett.

He was one of the faces of my youth and when I began to love the game. His 1984 Fleer Update trading card still ranks among my favorites, because I think back to how he played the game, and genuinely seemed to love it, every day out. That's how I'll think of the man known by one name.

During my travels last week, I watched players engage fans, shake hands and sign autographs, and I heard more than one fan try to offer fielding and positioning advice to outfielders. All the while, the players had big, bright smiles on their faces. The relaxed atmosphere of spring training allows players to show, at some level, that joy and enthusiasm for which Puckett is remembered.

I heard several talk show hosts come out against the public tribute to Puckett by speaking of the allegations of abuse that plagued the final years of his life. I don't know when the right time to talk about the whole of one's life is, but it seemed tacky to make it the focal point on the day of his death.

How about a day for fans to speak fondly about his World Series heroics?

How about a day to celebrate his All-Star appearances?

How about a day to beam with pride that he brought two World Series titles to Minnesota?

Puckett was not your textbook Major Leaguer. He stood only 5-foot-8 and didn't display any of the classic markings of a player that would indicate that he'd be in the league for 12 seasons, or that he'd retire with the best batting average for a right-handed hitter since Joe DiMaggio.

Puckett's life in between the white lines stands as a shining example that dedication, drive, and love of a game can get you quite far.

After all, scouts in any sport or business endeavor would be quick to advise that you can't measure heart.