R.I.P. Ralph Kiner

[OldRightHander]

http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireSto...es-91-22397731

[cumberlandreds]

He seemed like a very good man. I read his autobiography a couple of years. It was very good. He told some funny stories and wasn't afraid of poking fun of himself. He had a kinda short career but was very dominant in the years he played. He just played on some terrible Pirate teams of the 50's and never had much of chance for post season. RIP Ralph Kiner.

[redsmetz]

This is so ironic. I was just looking up Kiner today when we were talking about Jay Bruce and had read about Bruce's hitting his first 100 HR's. They mentioned Mantle & Bonds and it got me thinking about Kiner's meteoric rise as a home run hitter in the 40's & 50's. What a slugger.

[westofyou]

"We finished last with you, we can finish last without you."

Branch Rickey to Ralph Kiner

[Rojo]

Forgive me Ralph for sometimes confusing you with Al Kaline.

[westofyou]

Forgive me Ralph for sometimes confusing you with Al Kaline.

Blasphemy!!

Ralph was like the better version of Adam Dunn


Kiner on Top

Dunn on Bottom

		AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	HR%	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	SLG	OBA	OPS
TOTALS		4327	827	1214	167	34	329	7.6	888	870	613	20	2	0.281	0.563	0.404	0.967
LG	AVERAGE	4188	567	1125	186	39	99	2.36	528	452	428	43	13	0.269	0.402	0.343	0.745
POS	AVERAGE	4250	633	1179	199	42	141	3.32	641	516	449	33	14	0.277	0.443	0.359	0.802
																	
		AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	HR%	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	SLG	OBA	OPS
TOTALS		4975	865	1246	266	10	354	7.12	880	990	1632	59	21	0.25	0.521	0.381	0.902
LG	AVERAGE	4961	684	1330	271	30	156	3.15	652	504	939	85	35	0.268	0.429	0.339	0.769
POS	AVERAGE	5019	746	1368	288	28	209	4.17	762	631	1045	77	29	0.273	0.466	0.357	0.824

[BCubb2003]

"Two-thirds of the Earth is covered by water. The other third is covered by Garry Maddox."

[fearofpopvol1]

I'm not sure how well known he is or perceived by those outside of NYC, but the guy is a legend here. Think Nuxy, but probably bigger, if that's possible. Maybe the most beloved Met ever. RIP RK.

[redsmetz]

Here's a good and quite extensive NY Times obituary on Kiner

http://nyti.ms/1eCA6KB

I remember the first time I realized just how good he was, I was amazed. I'll have to look around and see if there's any footage of him.

[redsmetz]

Here's his bio from the HOF with a couple of clips. Nice swing. It really is remarkable what he did in his first years. Makes you wonder what he might have done had he not injured his back.

http://youtu.be/0z1XjmQa4I4

[cumberlandreds]

Here's a Kiners Korner with Tom Seaver from 1983.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElNwYTepz1E

[bob jones]

asked choo choo coleman

what is your wifes name and what does she like

He said

Mrs. Coleman and she likes me

[bagz]

I really enjoyed listening to his commentary and watching Kiners Korner. He had a very casual, regular guy way about him that endeared him to many fans. Thanks for the memories and Rest In Peace Ralph.