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Twins History: Kirby Puckett puts team on back in iconic World Series Game 6 vs. Braves

Puckett arguably had the most clutch performance in baseball history in 1991.
ByJackson Kruse
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1995, Boston, MA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Minnesota Twins right fielder Kirby Puckett in action at the plate against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park during the 1995 season. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
1995, Boston, MA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Minnesota Twins right fielder Kirby Puckett in action at the plate against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park during the 1995 season. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

With the 2026 World Series in full swing, let's revisit one of the most iconic Fall Classic performances of all time. In 1991, the Atlanta Braves led the Minnesota Twins 3-2 in the World Series. Therefore, the Twins needed to win Game 6 at the Metrodome to keep their season alive. Kirby Puckett wasn't ready for the season to end.

Puckett hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 11th inning to give the Twins a 4-3 win in Game 6 of the 1991 World Series. Puckett went 3-for-4 with his home run, a triple, three RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base.

Puckett also made a spectacular, likely run-saving leaping catch in the third inning. If Puckett hadn't made the catch, the Braves likely would've scored another run and won the game in regulation.

Puckett's walk-off home run and leaping catch were part of what many consider the best World Series performance of all time. He played a part in all four of Minnesota's runs, driving in three and scoring two.

Kirby Puckett's heroic performance helped Twins win 1991 World Series

Puckett's walk-off home run set up Game 7, which turned into another extra-inning showdown between Minnesota and Atlanta. Entering the game, Puckett had just delivered the best World Series game performance of any position player. Then Minnesota native Jack Morris arguably had the best single-game pitching performance.

Morris hurled 10 scoreless innings as the Twins won 1-0 in World Series Game 7. You read that right: 10 innings! You would never see that happen nowadays. Morris struck out eight batters and allowed seven hits and two walks in the outing.

For Atlanta, Hall of Famer John Smoltz hurled 7 1/3 scoreless innings. It was arguably the best pitching duel in World Series history.

Gene Larkin drove in Dan Gladden on a single in the bottom of the 10th inning to secure the World Series victory. It marked Minnesota's second World Series title, following its 1987 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.

Puckett had many great moments throughout his career. He is a Hall of Famer, after all. But most fans remember him for his performance in Game 6 of the 1991 Fall Classic. Puckett, a 10-time All-Star, won six Silver Slugger Awards, six Gold Glove Awards, a batting title, ALCS MVP and All-Star Game MVP. He also played on the Twins' 1987 World Series team.

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