Ralph Kiner

Ralph Kiner was one of the most feared sluggers of his generation, leading the National League in home runs in each of his first seven seasons and finishing his 10-year career with 369 homers. A six-time All-Star with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Kiner possessed a smooth, compact swing that made him the league’s premier power threat in the late 1940s and early ’50s. His production was all the more remarkable considering he played much of his career in the cavernous Forbes Field and on losing teams.

After his playing days, Kiner became a beloved broadcaster for the New York Mets, where his wit and storytelling brought generations of fans closer to the game. His misstatements and malapropisms endeared him to viewers of all ages. Ralph Kiner’s legacy extends beyond his powerful bat, it lives in his voice, and in his acknowledgment of baseball’s transformative journey.