Who Am I?

[ls7plus]

I'm the only slugger to win 7 straight, yes 7 straight HR titles (Poor Babe--best streak he had was 6!). Twice, I hit more than 50 HR's in a single season, each time accompanied by 127 RBI's and a .300+ batting average. I was named to six all-star teams, and had a lifetime on-base-percentage of just a hair under .400. On 3 occasions, I created 200+% of the runs created per 27 outs of that of an average player.
I averaged 37 homeruns and over 100 walks per year over my career. Six times I drove in over 100 runs and 6 times I scored more than 100 runs, though I certainly wasn't fast. Sure, I know a lot of you know who I am, but here's the real question: AM I THE MOST, OR AT LEAST ONE OF THE MOST UNDERRATED, UNDERAPPRECIATED PLAYERS ELECTED TO COOPERSTOWN???

I know a lot of you guys, if not all, know who this player is, but what about the last question?

Best,

Larry

[Brian Van Horn]

If Ralph played in New York, you would hear constant comparisons to Mantle in hitting, but not fielding. Good to know the Pirates had two power hitters (Stargell the other) that weren't snapped up by the big markets.

[ls7plus]

If Ralph played in New York, you would hear constant comparisons to Mantle in hitting, but not fielding. Good to know the Pirates had two power hitters(Stargell the other) that weren't snapped up by the big markets.

I'm with you there, Brian--one big thing he lacked was good teams to play on. In his prime, there were very few teams he wouldn't have hit 3rd or 4th on!

Larry

[howard38]

.

[frohme]

I'm the only slugger to win 7 straight, yes 7 straight HR titles (Poor Babe--best streak he had was 6!). Twice, I hit more than 50 HR's in a single season, each time accompanied by 127 RBI's and a .300+ batting average. I was named to six all-star teams, and had a lifetime on-base-percentage of just a hair under .400. On 3 occasions, I created 200+% of the runs created per 27 outs of that of an average player.
I averaged 37 homeruns and over 100 walks per year over my career. Six times I drove in over 100 runs and 6 times I scored more than 100 runs, though I certainly wasn't fast. Sure, I know a lot of you know who I am, but here's the real question: AM I THE MOST, OR AT LEAST ONE OF THE MOST UNDERRATED, UNDERAPPRECIATED PLAYERS ELECTED TO COOPERSTOWN???

I know a lot of you guys, if not all, know who this player is, but what about the last question?

Best,

Larry

Let's not forget that the Bucs were cellar dwellers during that time, including the abysmal 42-112 1952 team - the last year of his streak. Some help might have improved his recognition, better team performance may have gotten him even more BB's. Who knows?

--
Mike

[Jcfowler6]

One of my favorites. We should show our RK items.

[HRBAKER]

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s172/hrbaker/BST/TipTops.jpg

[Jcfowler6]

I have this.

[Jcfowler6]

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s172/hrbaker/BST/TipTops.jpg

Nice Tip Tops.

[71buc]

Here's my Kiner contribution being a Pirate fan I agree that he is terribly underated.

[shaunsteig]

not sure which is more remarkable -- Kiner's stats or how quickly a correct answer was posted at that hour of the morning!

I hadn't really appreciated his hitting prowess or stats -- I'd known him more for being the Mets announcer while growing up. so thanks for bringing to attention.

--S

[BlueDevil89]

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd47/BlueDevilSportscards/Ralph%20Kiner/RalphKiner1948Bowman3.jpghttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd47/BlueDevilSportscards/Ralph%20Kiner/RalphKiner1952Bowman11.jpg

[chris6net]

"Home Run hitters drive Caddilacs and Singles Hitters drive Fords"

[doug.goodman]

Here's my contribution...

[redmansam]

I seem to recall the story that he went in to negotiate a new year's contract and mgt. suggested he might be getting a pay cut. He supposedly objected and reminded the exec. that he had led the league in homers again. The exec. reminded him that with all those homers, the club had still finished last and they would have finished the same even without all his home runs.
Len

[Brian Van Horn]

Len,

That exec was none other than Branch Rickey.

[ls7plus]

Len,

That exec was none other than Branch Rickey.

And Branch couldn't wait to trade him after he came over from Brooklyn, much to the dismay of the majority of the Pirates fans! It's too bad back problems brought a premature end to what was, regardless, a great slugger's career.

Thanks for posting the magazine cover, Mike--I'd never seen that.

Best,

Larry

[smtjoy]

Great ballplayer for sure-

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n182/smtjoy/Vintage%20Cards/48bondbreadkiner40.jpg

[Exhibitman]

He was also the Derek Jeter of his day, dating the hottest Hollywood stars. He reportedly had flings with Janet Leigh, Liz Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Ava Gardner, etc...Clearly a Hall of Famer : )

Schwinngg!

http://photos.imageevent.com/exhibitman/interestingexhibitcards/websize/Monroe.jpg http://photos.imageevent.com/exhibitman/miscellaneouscards/websize/Exhibit%20Gardner_%20Ava.JPG