Kirby Puckett – Minnesota Twins
Puckett’s entire 12-year MLB career as a center fielder was with the Minnesota Twins (1984 to 1995). His career batting average, when he retired, was a whopping .318, a career high by any right-handed American League batter since the great Joe DiMaggio. Then in 1995, he was in the in the middle of another pristine season until he sustained a broken jaw from a fastball thrown by Dennis Martínez. Not long after and Puckett couldn’t see out of his right eye. He was diagnosed with glaucoma, attempted three surgeries but his vision just couldn’t be restored. At just 36, he officially retired.
Kirby Puckett Minnesota Twins
Doc Powers – Philadelphia Athletics
Before he went pro, Doc played ball for Norte Dame where he also became a licensed physician. Hence the nickname “Doc” as he was both a licensed physician and a ballplayer. Sadly though in 1909, Powers became the first Major League player to have suffered an on-field injury that eventually led to his death. He was injured in Philadelphia’s Shibe Park during the first game played that season, he had crashed into a wall while chasing a foul pop-up. The collision caused massive an d severe internal injuries, he died just two weeks later from post-surgery infections.
Doc Powers, Philadelphia Athletics
