Ralph Kiner...RIP

[slipk1068]

Originally Posted by FrankWakefield

Years ago I wrote him, asking for an autograph. He signed an index card I'd sent, and mailed it back. I know that a time came when he'd ask for $ to sign, but I don't doubt folks like us wore him out asking for autographs. He sent a not along when he returned my index card. The man could put wood on a ball hard, and he played for a few teams that made it possible for pitchers to pitch around him. I wish his family well.

When Ralph was a teenager, Babe Ruth was in California for some reason. Might have been barnstorming, I can't remember. Well Babe being Babe was signing autographs for EVERYONE. Ralph waited his turn to get the Babe's autograph and right when Ralph was about to get his turn, Babe left. That stayed with him throughout his life. Ralph always felt like he had to be sure to sign for everyone so that no kid ever felt the way he did. What a great human being.

Ralph was a student of the game's history. He could talk about guys like Pud Galvin or Timothy Keefe just as easily as he could talk about his contemporaries. Most broadcasters today know about the guys they played with and the current modern players only (see Keith Hernandez).

Lost some of what could have been his most productive years to WWII. I never met the man but being a Met fan in NY, he was in my home on television and radio every summer. I feel like I lost a friend RIP Ralph.

[t206blogcom]

[HRBAKER]

[leaflover]

R.i.p

[almostdone]

Ralph Kiner was the only famous person I met outside of where they would normally be seen (ie, ballpark). I had gone to a day game at Shae stadium with a friend and his family. After the game we went to out to eat at some steakhouse in New York and Kiner was sitting at the table next to us. With some encouragement from my friends father I asked for an autograph on my Mets magazine I still had in hand. He was more than willing. I still have it to this day.
Last year I got into TTMs and sent Mr. Kiner a ball. I received it back with a Hall Of Fame inscription on it. Signature was a bit shaky but still a great addition to my collection.
He will be missed in all of baseball.
Drew

[margoaepi]

A great loss to Mets fans and baseball fans alike. True class act. I'm sure he is hosting Kiner's Korner now with some of the greats.