The Strib is running a series of pieces on Kirby after his retirement from baseball. It is truly sad, both for what it reveals and what it elides.

Meanwhile, rest in peace Joe Niekro. Niekro died of an aneurysm at 61 last week. His stint with the Twins was brief, but memorable--who can forget his insouciant "who me?" attempt to flip the emory board out of his back pocket. That there, thought a young Batgirl, is some serious balls. Rest in peace, Joe Niekro.