Ralph Kiner...RIP

[westsidecubs]

Another one gone from the golden years of baseball. Played lots more for the Pirates but I think of him as a Cub most R.I.P Ralph.

[Brian Van Horn]

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[slipk1068]

Just learned this through this thread. It's like I lost part of my childhood. Great man he will be missed.

[gregr2]

One of the greats, RIP.
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[MattyC]

I always tell anyone who will listen (not many), that Kiner is one of the most underappreciated HOFers, whose cards seem tragically undervalued. If any kid came up today and led his league that many years consecutively in HRs, they'd be worshipped as a god. I grew up watching Kiner's Korner. Great player.

[z28jd]

Originally Posted by MattyC

I always tell anyone who will listen (not many), that Kiner is one of the most underappreciated HOFers, whose cards seem tragically undervalued. If any kid came up today and led his league that many years consecutively in HRs, they'd be worshipped as a god. I grew up watching Kiner's Korner. Great player.

His cards aren't undervalued for the next few days at least. Never understood why people have to have cards of players the day they pass away and they're willing to pay high prices for them, but it happens for any player that was even semi-famous.

I almost got his autograph at the Philly show a few years back, but the line was too long and they were telling people well in front of me that he probably wouldn't get to them. Would have been nice to meet him.

[EvilKing00]

as a huge met fan I can say he will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.

[DerekMichael]

He had a killer sense of humor. Does anyone remember a couple of seasons ago he was in the booth during a Mets game and was telling the story of when he was negotiating a contract with Branch Rickey after Kiner had put up just absurdly great power numbers, and Branch Rickey told him: "If we can finish in last place with you, we can finish in last place without you"?

The memory is vague but still there. He was just so humble about it. It was a rare treat when he would pop in the booth. It would just be once in a while during a weekend home game.

He always smiled and looked happy the entire time. What an awesome 91 years this guy had!

Derek

[tedzan]

A great BB player and a fine gentleman.

GOD BLESS his soul and comfort his family and friends.





TED Z

[Phil Arem]

I met Ralph about ten years ago in the Shea Stadium parking lot with my kids. He signed autographs for both and answered all their questions politely and patiently. He was a real mensch! He will be missed.

[ls7plus]

Great posts, Doug, Bill, Bob and all of the rest of you guys contributing to this thread (what a beautiful card that would have been, Bob--'55 Topps were always my favorites). I never had the chance to tune in to any of his Mets broadcasts (I heard that he once said that he fit in perfectly with the Mets at the beginning, as he had so much experience with losing), but I'm sure he must have been a real treat. I'll miss him, but at least have a couple of his '47 Tip-Top rookies and a nice '53 Bowman, as well as the autographed ball to remember him by. What a credit to the game his life was!

Thanks to all,

Larry

[chris6net]

Listening to the radio and reading the papers in New York this week I was amazed at the life Kiner lived. He dated Hollywood Starlets and got to broadcast a team in the biggest market for 51 years. Oh don't forget he was one of the greatest home run hitters ever.
You will be missed Ralph!

[Bob Lemke]

. . . and here's my '54T-style.

54T Kiner front.jpg

54T Kiner back.jpg

[geor952]

Fantastic work Bob! It has been awhile since I have seen any of your new creations. The write ups are outstanding. Great tribute to Kiner!

[Bob Lemke]

Thanks, George. These days I generally only present my new customs on my blog. It's linked below.