Ralph McPherran Kiner (October 27, 1922 – February 6, 2014)
(FoxNews/AP) – The baseball Hall of Fame says slugger Ralph Kiner
has died at 91. The Hall says Kiner died Thursday at his home in
Rancho Mirage.
Kiner hit 369 home runs during his 10-year career, mostly with the
Pittsburgh Pirates. He won or tied for the National League lead in
homers in each of his first seven seasons.
After finishing up as a player, Kiner became a popular broadcaster
with the New York Mets for more than a half-century. He worked a
handful of games last year.
"Ralph Kiner was one of the most beloved people in Mets history —
an original Met and extraordinary gentleman," Mets chairman and
CEO Fred Wilpon said 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."