Kirby, We Hardly Knew Yee

Let's all raise a toast to Kirby. In an era of pudgy, toolsy outfielders who could rake singles in their sleep, Kirby stood out for the genuine hustle and joy with which he approached the game. Gwynn might have won more batting titles and Raines stole more bases and had more longevity, but, as Patrick Roy might say, he can't hear you with his two World Series rings plugging his ears. He brought more hope to chubby kids with goofy names than Rusty Staub or Cecil Fielder could have ever imagined. He gave Don Mattingly the nickname "Donnie Baseball." And, most tellingly, as Dave Winfield said, he is the only player in the history of the game to be truly and universally liked by his peers. Good night, sweet fat prince.