After the 1995 season, when he hit .314, belted 24 homers and drove in 99 runs, Puckett began to see spots in his right eye. During the spring of '96 he was diagnosed with an advanced case of glaucoma, and had to put an end to a compelling 12-year career, in which the center-fielder hit .318 lifetime, lined 207 homers, 1085 RBIs, won six Gold Gloves and was selected for 10 consecutive All-Star games.

Phil Rogers' "On Baseball" column on Dec 3, 2000 in the 'Chicago Tribune Newspaper' certainly states the way many of our nation's baseball fans remember the ever-popular - Kirby Puckett.

Rogers wrote... "The holidays are a time for unselfish pleasures, but this year there's one I've been looking forward for months. That's to cast a Hall of Fame ballot for Kirby Puckett, the kid from the Robert Taylor Homes who remains one of the greatest triumphs of spirit in sports."

"Because his career ended prematurely, Puckett isn't sure if he will receive enough support to join childhood heroes Ernie Banks, Billy Williams and Willie Mays in making it to Cooperstown, at least not on the first ballot. 'If I get in, I'll be elated,' Puckett said by telephone from his Minneapolis office.' It will be a victory for all short little kids who have been told all their lives, "You can't do this. You can't do that." To persevere and ultimately become a winner and a champion."

Puckett's name will be heard a lot during the next month until the Hall of Fame balloting takes place on Jan. 12. He in the running for first time qualifiers which includes Dave Winfield, Don Mattingly, Dave Stewart and Kirk Gibson.

As a youth, Puckett's had the heart of a young lion and broke the poverty cycle and rose to stardom for the Minnesota Twins, leading them to two World Championships. Beating all odds, he well remembers being the last to be picked for playground basketball games because of his height. Puckett is 5' 8".

He was also a National spokesman for the Glaucoma Foundation - baseballhistorian.com

Jim Gantner, 2nd baseman, Milwaukee Brewers, 1977-1991. An outstanding, give-it-your-all baseball player. Always played to win, capable bunter, excellent at hit-and-run, made diving catches in the field, and helped the Brewers in the fight for the pennant, year after year. Gantner amassed over 1400 hits, scored over 600 runs, stole over 120 bases as he played in over 1500 games. Jim Gantner was an important spoke-in-the-wheel as the Brewers won the American league pennant. We honor this native of Eden, Wisconsin, Gantner was truly a Fans' Favorite.

Brett Butler, Centerfielder, Braves, Indians, Giants, Dodgers 1982-96. Outstanding bunter, centerfielder, base-runner, and lead-off hitter. Butler's pleasing personality, big smile; all masked his aggressive base running and ball playing. Twice, Brett Butler led the league in runs. Butler stole over 30 bases in 11 different years. He scored over 100 runs in six different years. Brett Butler was a popular player for whatever team he played for and we are proud to list him as a Fans' Favorite.

Hal Jeffcoat, Centerfielder & Pitcher RH; Chicago Cubs & Cinc. Reds 1948-59. Jeffcoat was one of the most exciting centerfielders in the early 1950s. He made diving-running catches, crashed into the walls and was a delight in Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. He appeared to be flying after the balls with his never-ending hustling. Jeffcoat batted near .250 in his career and won many games with his bat. Hal Jeffcoat served in the U. S. Military during the war and after he was injured playing baseball in 1950 he stated, "I was in combat 2 1/2 years as a paratrooper. I made 13 jumps out of an airplane and never got a scratch. Now I get busted up for two months chasing a little white ball!" On May 2, 1948, he tied a major league record by hitting two doubles in one inning. In 1954, he converted to pitcher, and was better than the average reliever in this decade. His son, James, was a major league pitcher in the 1980s and his older brother, Mike, pitched in the NL. Hal Jeffcoat; baseballhistorian.com sends our cheers; for you were a Fans' Favorite.

'Mookie' Wilson, Centerfielder, Switch-hitter, N. Y. Mets 1980-89; Tor. Blue Jays 1990. Popular player, 'Mookie' Wilson was the Fans' Favorite during the 1980s. Whenever he came to bat or was on 1st Base, Mets' fans would chant, "Mooookie, Mooookie". He was a top base stealer, a ball-hawk in centerfield, a speed-demon on the basepaths and a winning ballplayer. In 1982, 'Mookie' batted .279, stole 58 bases, scored 90 runs. In 1983, he hit 25 doubles, 7 HRs, stole 54 bases and scored 91 runs. 'Mookie's' spped led the way for the New York Mets thru the 1980s in their quest for the NL pennant. In his career, Mookie Wilson batted .274, stole 327 bases and played in 1403 games. 'Mookie' gave it his best shot every game and we are happy to name you a Fans' Favorite.

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Born July 31 1947 in Sacramento CA, Died March 8 2007

A utility infielder John Vukovich played 10 seasons in MLB despite batting just .161 lifetime. A likeable man he was a first round Phillies draft choice in 1966. Noted for his outstanding fielding and team playing, John Vukovich played third base and batted .166 in 217 at bats spanning 74 games in 1971.

Vuc earned 2 World Series rings, the first one as a utility Infielder, batting .211 in 31 games for the 1975 Reds and then played 49 games with the 1980 WS Champion Phillies.

John Vukovich retired in 1981 and then coached forh the Cubs, and was their interim manager in 1986. Well respected and honored by management and players John Vuckovich was the longest serving coach in Philadelphia Phillies history, 19 seasons. Was Phil’s interim manager in 1988.

John Vuckovich career stats: .161 BA in 559 at bats, 90 hits, 21 extra base hits, including 6 homers.

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen recalled, I learned to coach from John Vucovich. Guillen said, ‘I don’t ask too many questions from too many guys, and this man taught me how to coach third base. He helped me do a good job while I was with the Marlins.’

‘When I was a player with the Marlins and watched him coach third base, I said if one day I coached third, I would be like him. I had the opportunity to talk to him every time we played Philadelphia. He might be the best third base coach I ever saw. He was a great baseball man.’

Slugger Jim Thome, an ex-Phillies first baseman said, ‘Vuc was like family. Not only was he a great baseball man, he was also a very good person.’ Presented by Baseball Historian

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