Ralph Kiner

Date of Birth: October 27, 1922

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: February 6, 2014

Biography

Ralph Kiner was an American professional baseball player and broadcaster. Born in Santa Rita, New Mexico, Kiner’s family moved to Alhambra, California, shortly after his birth. Kiner’s talent in baseball was evident from a young age, and he was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1941. His career was interrupted by World War II, during which he served as a Navy pilot. Kiner made his Major League debut with the Pirates in 1946 and quickly became one of the most feared power hitters in the game. He led the National League in home runs for seven consecutive seasons from 1946 to 1952, a feat that has yet to be matched. After retiring as a player, Kiner moved into broadcasting, where he became an iconic voice for the New York Mets. His show, “Kiner’s Korner,” became a staple for Mets fans. Kiner’s contributions to the game were recognized with his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975. He continued to be involved in baseball until his passing in 2014.

5 Interesting Facts about Ralph Kiner

1. Ralph Kiner hit 51 home runs in 1947, tying for the National League lead.

2. Despite his prolific home run hitting, Kiner never played in a postseason game.

3. He was traded to the Chicago Cubs in 1953 and later played for the Cleveland Indians.

4. Kiner was a six-time All-Star during his career.

5. As a broadcaster, he was known for his malapropisms and unique sense of humor.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ralph Kiner

1. “Home run hitters drive Cadillacs and singles hitters drive Fords.”

2. “Singles hitters drive Fords. I drive a Cadillac.”

3. “All of his saves have come in relief appearances.”

4. “If Casey Stengel were alive today, he’d be spinning in his grave.”

5. “You know what they say about Chicago. It’s a great place to be from.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Ralph Kiner’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million. Adjusted for inflation, this would be several million dollars today.