Ralph Kiner - Great Athlete, Announcer and Navy Pilot WW II dies at 91


Selene

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A truly accomplished individual -

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Ralph Kiner was one of the most beloved people in Mets history -- an original Met and extraordinary gentleman. 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.

Complete Coverage

http://www.ralphkiner.com/ This is his official website...

As a fan, one cannot help but wonder what this great slugger would have been able to accomplish if a back injury had not forced him to retire at age 32.

In each of his first seven years in Major League Baseball, the Pittsburgh Pirate outfielder led the National League in homeruns. Kiner's name is synonymous with the Pirates all-time offensive records along with Willie Stargell. As Willie was the greatest offensive threat from the left side of the plate, Kiner was their greatest threat from the right of the plate. His 10 year career statistics speak for themselves: twice he hit over 50 homeruns, drove in 100 or more runs six times, ranked first in slugging percentage three times, and averaged over 100 walks. In 1949 his 127 RBI was tops in the league. Kiner's shortened career was complete in 1975 with his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Here is his wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Kiner

"At the time of his death, baseball historian Marty Noble named Kiner "one of baseball's genuine and most charming gentlemen".[1] "

He was a complete man...

His was a rounded, accomplished life. He served as a U.S. Navy pilot in World War II, dated movie stars (Liz Taylor, Janet Leigh), married a tennis champion (Nancy Chaffee), was a successful baseball executive and played an excellent game of golf. Gary Cohen, a youthful fan who grew up to become a broadcasting successor and colleague, said when the Mets honored Kiner in 2007, 'He's as comfortable in his own skin as anyone you'll ever meet.'

A true hero in every sense of the word.

A...

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He was a great baseball player. I had no idea he was still alive until recently. 92 years old. An excellent run. R.I.P Ralph Kiner

Ba'al Chatzaf

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