There were high hopes at the start of Spring Training. Paul Molitor, another St. Paul native son and University of Minnesota sports star decided to return to his Minnesota roots. He looked to be the competitive jolt the Twins needed to become winners once again, but as the end of spring training neared, superstar Kirby Puckett came up blind in one eye. Diagnosed with glaucoma, Puckett called an early end to a sterling career. It was a blow to the organization to suddenly learn they would never have the franchises favorite player on the field again. Despite the tragic news, Molitor put on a show, getting his 3,000 hit as a Twin, and teamed with Marty Cordova to boost the Twins offense. The pitching staff was in shambled with prime closer Rick Aguilera returning to the rotation, only to be felled by injury. 1,437,352 fans crossed their fingers that the Twins could return to greatness.