[dougscats]

I've been a Mets fan since '62, and Ralph was great to listen to: Not many knew more about hitting, and he had so many great stories, all of which he retold countless times, and some of which got better with the retelling.
He was a generous, good-natured man, and a colorful character--there was a robustness to him--you got the sense that he enjoyed life, and he certainly led a full one.

He and McCarver once autographed cards for my son and his friend from the TV booth at Shea--You can guess who was the most thrilled of the three of us!--My wife said I was smiling like a kid from ear to ear.

He was legendary at mangling a player's name, and fans suffered with him as went through his bout with Bell's palsy towards the end of his career --I mean, what other announcer could slur through game after game and keep his job for years?--It was painful to hear, but Mets fans loved him. I cherished his guest appearances over the last ten years, hearing him retell his wonderful old stories one more time.

Thank you Ralph Kiner.