Another Hall-of-Famer Passes

Ralph Kiner passed away the yesterday.  He was 91.

Kiner was a longtime broadcaster for the New York Mets – for over 50 years, actually.  He was noted for his baseball malaprops, and for “Kiner’s Corner” – an area near the leftfield corner of Shea Stadium where Kiner held his post-game show.

But Kiner should be remembered for more.  He was a legitimate Hall of Famer based on his performance on the diamond.  His career was cut short – 10 seasons, the bare minimum for HOF consideration – due to chronic back issues.  Yet at the time he retired, he was 6th on the all-time home run list with 369 – and had hit 329 in his first 8 seasons, leading his league 7 times and both leagues 6 times.

Kiner’s career slugging percentage was nearly .550 (.548), and his career on-base percentage was nearly .400 (.398).  He had over 1450 hits, over 1000 RBIs, and over 1000 walks during his career.  Though his election took until his last year of eligibility, Kiner was a legitimate HOFer.  Had his career not been cut short by injury we might be talking about him in the same breath as other legendary baseball power hitters like Mantle, Ruth, Mays, Williams, and Aaron.

Kiner played mostly for the Pittsburgh Pirates.  They weren’t good enough during his playing days to make the World Series.  Had they done so, or had Kiner played mostly in NY or Chicago – we’d likely remember more about his career.

Why post this here?  Because Kiner’s MLB career spanned the immediate post-World War II years:  1946-1955.  It began a bit late for that era, at age 22.

It began late because prior to 1946 he was otherwise occupied.  Kiner was a US Navy pilot during World War II.  He flew ASW missions in the Pacific theater.

Baseball historian Marty Noble has called Kiner “one of baseball’s genuine and most charming gentlemen”.  That’s a fine tribute to a truly fine man – and for 10 years, a truly great player.

Rest in peace, Mr. Kiner.

Category: Baseball, Blue Skies