Thursday, February 6, 2014

Ralph Kiner Dies

From Eye on Baseball:

Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner passed away at his home in California on Thursday. He died peacefully from natural causes with his family at his side. He was 91.

“With the passing of Ralph Kiner, the baseball world has lost one of its greatest ambassadors and the Hall of Fame has lost a wonderful friend,” said Jane Forbes Clark, Chairman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. “Ralph spent eight decades as a player, executive and broadcaster. He was a man who truly loved our National Pastime and made it better in every way. His legacy will live forever in Cooperstown.”

"Ralph Kiner was one of the most beloved people in Mets history — An original Met and extraordinary gentleman,"said Mets owner and CEO Fred Wilpon in a statement. "After a Hall of Fame playing career, Ralph became a treasured broadcasting icon for more than half a century. His knowledge of the game, wit, and charm entertained generations of Mets fans. Like his stories, he was one of a kind. We send our deepest condolences to Ralph's five children and twelve grandchildren. Our sport and society today lost one of the all-time greats."

Kiner played 10 years in the big leagues from 1946-55, suiting up for the Pirates, Cubs and Indians. He retired as a .279/.398/.548 (149 OPS+) career hitter with 369 career home runs. Kiner led the league in homers in each of his first seven seasons and led MLB in homers six times.

Kiner hit 369 home runs in 10 years - and he did it without steroids.

He was a lot of fun to listen to when he was calling baseball games and he was just an all-around nice fellow.

Ralph Kiner - rest in peace.

Via the Daily News, Tim McCarver and Ralph Kiner:

2 comments:

  1. Wonderful that you took the time to post about a New York legend. Kiner taught countless fans who tuned in about baseball history - and boy did he share some great stories. He will be missed by both Met fans as well as everyday New Yorkers and those of surrounding areas. True legend.

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    1. I loved listening to Ralph Kiner on the games, loved to hear him tell his stories, love to hear the malapropisms and Kinerisms - just a great character, a great ball player whose career was cut short by injury, and a legendary broadcaster.

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