Ralph Kiner passes away at 91. Any special memories?

Funny how guys like Ralph Kiner could broadcast an entire game without drowning you in stats. Other than the count and the score and maybe the occasional batting average guys like Kiner didn't need to read computer printout at you. They knew baseball and that's what they talked about. That is when they talked. They also had the sense to know when to shut up and let the game speak for itself. Ralph couldn't get hired today. He doesn't fit the mold. And that's a shame because the highest compliment I can give Kiner and one of his old broadcast partners, Bob Murphy, is they made this died in the wool Yankee fan actually enjoy listening to Mets games.

As far as his playing career you usually only hear his name when people are complaining about him being in the hall of fame. I'm not a big hall argument guy but this is one of the few things that riles me up. Give me the short but meteoric career like Kiner's over a long unspectacular one for the hall any day. To play 10 years and lead the league in homers for 7 is hall worthy by my standards.

I remember 3 things about Ralph Kiner, the first 2 from my dad and the third is a Kiner quote. My dad would say "Kiner was the best power hitter I ever saw, but he couldn't catch a ball if you put bubble gum in his glove" and "The ball made a louder sound coming off Ralph Kiner's bat!"

Kiner himself said "Home run hitters drive Cadillacs. Singles hitters drive Fords."

RIP

I never saw him perform as a player, but watched this guy for 62 seasons as a Mets announcer first on TV and radio, and since 1982 on TV only. I can't imagine the 1969 and 1986 seasons without him in the broadcast booth.

In the 80s he teamed with Tim McCarver and Steve Zabriskie, which, IMO was the best baseball broadcasting team ever.

I'll miss him.

The Amazing Mets Kiner Corner nothing was better a little kid life needs were so simple. I remember when dad said that Kiner was a hell of a great ball player, I said "Dad he too old to play but he is very nice just like you".

As I was born in 1995, I remember the carrer of Ralph Kiner not one bit, but needless to say, a Hall member passing away is always resulting in a somehow sad day in baseball. Thankfully, while old legends die physically, new ones get born.

Kiners corner was a must watch baseball show when i was a kid. pre- internet and cable tv, you saw players from other teams and got to know them. he always asked good questions

You said it very well Chipmaker.

My comment! I wonder if people will still be visiting his grave 66 years from now and leaving gifts of hot dogs and whole hot, still steaming pizzas as they do at Ruth's grave.

I remember watching him on Mets' TV for 51 years.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1UcZARZicg

He was a class act and will be remembered and missed. May he rest in peace.