Two dozen teams set for holiday diamond tournament Jul 3, 2008
Guest speakers have included Lefty Gomez, Brooks Robinson, Ralph Kiner, Bob Feller, Ferguson Jenkins, Don Larsen, Harmon Killebrew, Enos Slaughter and retired LSU coach Skip Bertman. Story created Jul 02, 2008 - 15:59:11 EDT.. (Columbia Daily Herald, TN)
Mientkiewicz taking on former team Jun 25, 2008
Pirates Hall of Fame slugger Ralph Kiner will be among the more than 40 Hall of Famers who will be honored on the field prior to the 2008 All-S 0000214C tar Game as a gesture to the majesty and history of Yankee Stadium during its last year. The pregame ceremony will begin at 8 p.m. ET and will air live on FOX.. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
Baseball... Then and Now: Gold Standards Jun 17, 2008
Jeff Bagwell, , Mike Piazza, Billy Williams, Duke Snider, Dale Murphy, Johnny Bench, Frank Howard, Jim Rice, Albert Belle, Orlando Cepeda, Tony Perez, Matt Williams, Rocky Colavito, Gil Hodges, Ralph Kiner, Joe DiMaggio, Johnny Mize, Dick Allen, George Foster, Boog Powell, Darryl Strawberry, Hank Greenberg, et al.. You can argue both ways over the 500 home run standard. (Philadelphia, TheInsiders.com)
Angels Use Dodger Mistakes to win 4-2 May 18, 2008
Andruw Jones passed Ralph Kiner and Vladimir Guerrero into 63rd place on the all time HR list, with his 370th in Milwaukee and Jeff Kent tied Ralph Kiner and Vladimir Guerrero for 65th place on the all time HR list, with 369. Related Stories. (Los Angeles, TheInsiders.com)
Giants pitchers battered by Pirates May 8, 2008
Nate McLouth, who became the first Pirate since Ralph Kiner in 1949 to record back-to-back multiple-homer games in Pittsburgh, began his big night with a two-run homer off Sanchez in the third inning. Yet the mound seemed fine to Pittsburgh left-hander Zach Duke (1-2), who blanked the Giants on five hits through six innings. (MLB.com -- San Francisco Giants)
Bucs support Duke's long-in-coming win May 8, 2008
Ralph Kiner, back in 1949. "I think that was a long time ago," McLouth joked afterward. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
Bucs expect great things from McLouth May 8, 2008
PITTSBURGH -- On Tuesday, Nate McLouth found himself in the company of Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner. One day later, in reference to his power-hitting ability, McLouth's name was put in the same sentence as baseball's home run king, Barry Bonds. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
America's Most Overpaid Athletes May 8, 2008
As former slugger Ralph Kiner once noted, "Home run hitters drive Cadillacs, singles hitters drive Fords." The Mariners clearly don't agree: Of Ichiro's 238 hits last season, 203 were singles. Yet they have lavished eight figures on him since 2005. (Forbes -- Business)
Shea not quaint, but memorable May 4, 2008
Ralph Kiner, the great Pirates slugger reincarnated as a Mets' color man, somehow generated the kind of postgame show that will never be matched. "Hello everybody, welcome to Kiner's Korner, this is, uh, I'm, uh ...," Ralph once began. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Jones 'humbled' to wear No. 42 for Orioles Apr 16, 2008
"Ralph Kiner, Bob Murphy, they had met Jackie and knew who he was," Thorne said. "They got to hear the stories, some of them, about how tough it was, travel-wise in particular, and all he had to put up with and all the things that were said to him from the stands -- cruel, cruel, there's no other way to put it -- and how he stood up to those and what great respect they had for him, watching him go through all he did.". (MLB.com -- Baltimore Orioles)
Returning Home Brings New Outlook Apr 8, 2008
I seldom hit anything but homeruns, remembering what the great Pirate slugger Ralph Kiner once said: Singles hitters drive Fords, homerun hitters drive Cadillacs. The pecan grove that produced such tasty fruit each fall is about the only thing from my youth that still exists. (Dublin Courier Herald, GA)
Digging deep for Pirate gold Mar 31, 2008
Those who have been interviewed so far for the book include former players Ralph Kiner, Vernon Law, Al Oliver, Richie Hebner and former General Manager Joe L. Brown. "Many people say he was just a great guy," Mrs. Hroncich said. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Mets mailbag: El Duque out of the rotation? Mar 4, 2008
Howe 00004000 ver, the Pirates continue to slight one of the game's foremost gentlemen, Ralph Kiner, by not affording him that honor. And Seaver unquestionably would be the most deserving if the Mets were to have statues of the past heroes. (MLB.com -- NY Mets Mets)
Crosby, Berenato honored Feb 24, 2008
Those who have won the men's award twice include boxing champion Billy Conn; "Bullet" Bill Dudley, Bill Cowher and Jerome Bettis of the Steelers; Ralph Kiner, Dick Groat and Willie Stargell of the Pirates; and football coaches John Michelosen and Joe Paterno. For the 2006-07 season, Berenato coached the Pitt women to 24 wins, the most in school history. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Singer: Santana and prior clearance deals Feb 6, 2008
Ralph Kiner, Joe Garagiola, Catfish Metkovich and Howie Pollet -- all over 30 and with 34 cumulative Major League seasons under their belts -- went for Toby Atwell, Bob Schultz, Preston Ward, George Freese, Bob Addis, Gene Hermanski. By mid-1956, all of the new Pirates were ex-Pirates. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
Rice's HOF Hopes Down To Last Strike Jan 16, 2008
No player has been inducted in his final year of eligibility since Ralph Kiner in 1975. And since players were limited to 15 years on the ballot, only one player has ever made it in his 15th year: Red Ruffing in 1967. (Boston, TheInsiders.com)
Rice falls short Jan 9, 2008
" The last Red Sox player to be elected was Wade Boggs in 2005. The other eight Red Sox who are in the Hall of Fame are Joe Cronin, Bobby Doerr, Rick Ferrell, Carlton Fisk, Jimmie Foxx, Lefty Grove, Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski. Rice might still make it. Of the 20 other players who received 70-75 percent of the vote, all eventually were elected -- though some were voted in by the Veterans Committee. The highest percentage for a player who wasn't elected later was 63.4 by Gil Hodges in 1983,... (ESPN -- Baseball)
Will Rice Be Served Cooperstown Today? Jan 9, 2008
Since 1963the first year a players eligibility was capped at 15 years on the ballotthe only man to gain enshrinement in his last or next-to-last year on the ballot was Ralph Kiner in 1975. Rice needs to gain 11. (Boston, TheInsiders.com)
Proud to be among honorees by Old Timers Dec 10, 2007
There were other nights when the likes of Jackie Robinson, Frank Leahy, Yogi Berra, Joe Lapchick, Mel Allen, Billy Martin, George Steinbrenner, Tom Lasorda, Gordie Howe, Ralph Kiner and others were national honorees, and I was there. And then there was the night Victor Kiam, a Stamford resident and owner of the New England Patriots, was honored. (Stamford Advocate)
Harrelson, Farmer on Frick ballot Nov 1, 2007
Others on the ballot with a White Sox connection are Lorn Brown, Don Drysdale, Pat Flanagan, Vince Lloyd, Frank Messer, Jack Quinlan, Hal Totten, Wayne Hagin, Jim Kaat, Ralph Kiner, Claude Raymond, Ken Korach, Hector Molina, Tom Paciorek, Jim Price, Gary Thorne, John Rooney, Steve Stone and Ron Santo. is a reporter for MLB.com. (MLB.com -- Chi White Sox White Sox)
Eight eligible for Frick Award Nov 1, 2007
In 2002, Shea Stadium's television booth was named in Ralph Kiner's honor ... Cohen, Ralph Kiner, Tim McCarver, Tom Seaver, Rusty Staub, Fran Healy, Juan Alicea and the late Billy Berroa are among the 199 men eligible for consideration for the award, which annually recognizes excellence in baseball broadcasting. (MLB.com -- NY Mets Mets)
Voices of Marlins nominated for honor Nov 1, 2007
His stint in Montreal was the sixth longest in the National League, behind only legends like Vin Scully (Dodgers), Bob Murphy and Ralph Kiner (Mets), Jack Buck (Cardinals) and Joe Nuxhall (Reds). Van Horne has called nine no-hitters and two perfect games in his distinguished career. (MLB.com -- Florida Marlins)
Frattare nominated for Frick Award Nov 1, 2007
Only Cardinals radio broadcaster Mike Shannon and Mets broadcaster and Pirates Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner have been broadcasting games for their current team for more years than Frattare has called games in Pittsburgh. After having spent 10 seasons as a pitcher for the Pirates, Blass joined the organization's broadcast team in 1983. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
This Day in History Oct 27, 2007
Baseball Hall-of-Famer and sportscaster Ralph Kiner is 85. Actress Ruby Dee is 83. (Montana Standard, MT)
Expect Pirates' new executives to count beans Oct 3, 2007
To paraphrase Branch Rickey speaking about Ralph Kiner: If the Pirates can finish last with Bay and Nady, they can finish last without them -- and knock about $8 million off the payroll. This is not a condemnation of trading high-priced veterans. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Stats Geek: NL's parity doesn't include the Pirates Oct 2, 2007
Even with this miserable season, Bay has more home runs from age 25 to 28 than any Pirate since Ralph Kiner. (Kiner had 183, Bay 114, Willie Stargell 104. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Phils prove pitching isn't everything Sep 30, 2007
According to home run historian David Vincent, only three other players under the age of 25 hit their 50th HR: Jimmie Foxx for the 1932 Athletics at 24 years, 101/2 months; Ralph Kiner for the 1947 Pirates at 24 years, 11 months; and Mickey Mantle for the 1956 Yankees at 24 years, 11 months. Ow, my. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Mets notes: Anderson's suspension upheld Sep 28, 2007
The others are: Giants, Barry Bonds, 73; Cardinals, Mark McGwire, 70; Cubs, Sammy Sosa, 66; Phillies, Ryan Howard, 58; Diamondbacks, Luis Gonzalez, 57; Pirates, Ralph Kiner, 54; Re 00003BCE ds, George Foster, 52; Braves, Andruw Jones, 51; Brewers, Prince Fielder, 50; Padres, Greg Vaughn, 50; Dodgers, Shawn Green, 49; Rockies, Todd Helton and Larry Walker, 49; Astros, Jeff Bagwell, 47; Expos/Nationals, Alfonso Soriano, 46; and Marlins, Gary Sheffield, 42. Beltran's two home runs on Wednesday put... (MLB.com -- NY Mets Mets)
Single Season 50 Home Runs Sep 10, 2007
54 _ Ralph Kiner, Pittsburgh Pirates, 1949 ... 51 _ Ralph Kiner, Pittsburgh Pirates, 1947. (Lompoc Record, CA)
Comments from Pirates fans Sep 8, 2007
Aunt Minnie never did make it upstairs to raise the window for all those Ralph Kiner and Hank Greenberg home runs. A lot of the Pirate players had larceny in their hearts, but lead in their feet when they tried to steal a base or take an extra base on a hit. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Sanchez leaves Cincinnati red-faced in doubleheader sweep Aug 30, 2007
That ties the club record for most home runs in a month, set by the 1947 Pirates, who featured Ralph Kiner and Hank Greenberg. Tom Gorzelanny got the first-game win, battling his way into the seventh inning. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Pirates 6, Reds 4 Aug 29, 2007
The Pirates' 43 homers in August match the club's record for any month, set in August 1947, when Hall of Famers Ralph Kiner and Hank Greenberg were in the middle of their order. They did not homer in the second game. (WKRC.com, OH)
Two-day bash in '50 is one to celebrate Aug 26, 2007
Ted Williams, who broke his elbow making a catch off Ralph Kiner in the All-Star Game and was never, by his own admission, the same again, hit a (for him) modest. 317. (Boston Globe)
Mets notes: Castillo's injury creates logjam Aug 26, 2007
Nothing finer: Legendary Mets broadcaster Ralph Kiner is back in the booth on Saturday afternoon, joining Tim McCarver on FOX's broadcast of the second of three games between the Mets and Dodgers. McCarver and Kiner spent 16 seasons together covering the Mets, a span that included the team's 1986 World Series title. (MLB.com -- NY Mets Mets)
Padres' summer of fan discontent Aug 24, 2007
Ralph Kiner, former GM of the PCL Padres, will join Tim McCarver for the third inning of tomorrow's Dodgers-Mets game on Fox. They worked together for 16 years calling Mets games. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Howard out to repeat as Aaron winner Aug 21, 2007
He did it in his 325th game, 60 fewer than Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner. He hit the historic home run an estimated 505 feet, according to team measurements, the longest drive in the four-year history of Citizens Bank Park. (MLB.com -- Philadelphia Phillies)
Notes: What a difference a year makes Aug 19, 2007
Former Pirates slugger Ralph Kiner, who closed his career with the Tribe in 1955, was also enshrined on that day in Cooperstown. Pregame bits: Cleveland owns a. (MLB.com -- Cleveland Indians)
Andruw or Tex? Aug 13, 2007
The only players in MLB history with more are Albert Pujols, Eddie Mathews and Ralph Kiner. 3. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Hall of Fame's frequent flier totes Bonds items Aug 11, 2007
"With his 756th home run, Bonds, playing for the San Francisco Giants, passed Hank Aaron to become the all-time leader. Bonds hit No. 757 Wednesday night.Baseball history often passes through the Capital Region. Hall of Famers Babe Ruth and Ralph Kiner are among the immortals to play here. Many other greats fly into Albany International Airport on their way to the remote mecca that is Cooperstown.This also is where new Hall of Fame inductees usually arrive, nervous and elated and wildly... (Albany Times Union)
Bonds artifacts displayed at airport Aug 10, 2007
Hall of Famers Babe Ruth and Ralph Kiner are among the immortals to play here. Many other greats fly into Albany International Airport on their way to the remote mecca that is Cooperstown. (Albany Times Union)
Forbes Field memories come alive in new book Aug 1, 2007
produced "Forbes Field: Essays and Memories of the Pirates' Historic Ballpark, 1909-1971 (McFarland & Co., $35) On Friday and Saturday, authors/editors David Cicotello and Angelo J. Louisa will hold book signings on the South Side and East Liberty. The two men met through a mutual friend in the late 1990s while both were working at the University of Nebraska in Omaha. The construction of the Pirates' PNC Ballpark, with some Forbes-like features, got them thinking about a book containing fans'... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Salty for Teixeira OK'd Jul 31, 2007
The only players who hit more homers in their first four seasons were Albert Pujols, Eddie Mathews and Ralph Kiner. Teixeira's hit. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Stats Geek: Bay's crash loudest on club in a free fall Jul 31, 2007
Only Ralph Kiner (who did it five years in a row, 1947-51) had done that for the Pirates. Consider that another safe Kiner record now. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
10 Reasons Why Bonds HR "Record" Is Ho-Hum Jul 30, 2007
There's more in it for them as opposed to a Jimmy Foxx or Ralph Kiner who had to find a job in the off-season. Sixth, Gary Sheffield was right when he said or at least intimated that there were at least two Barry Bonds, first the slim, slender player thentheovermuscled one. (Los Angeles, TheInsiders.com)
Chuck Finder: The Phillies really know losing Jul 29, 2007
For every Max Carey, Arky Vaughn, Kiki Cuyler, Ralph Kiner and Barry Bonds that got away, Phillies fanatics -- and their famed mascot was indeed named after them -- can offer Grover Cleveland Alexander, Ed Delahanty, Nap Lajoie, Chuck Klein (whom the Philadelphia franchise sold away twice), Robin Roberts, Jim Bunning (whom they traded to the Pirates), Ferguson Jenkins, Steve Carlton and Scott Rolen. The Pirates' impending 15th consecutive losing season. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Cooperstown or bust Jul 28, 2007
LOREN NELSON wrote on Jul 27, 2007 3:35 PM:" It rains in upstate New York. Hard. Day 2 was spent dodging downpours and lightning bolts at a golf course (just where you want to be during a thunderstorm) as Tony Gwynn and his family spent some time with members of the San Diego media. Otherwise, Mr. Padre is trying to keep a low profile leading up to Sunday's induction ceremonies. Not us, though. We were accidentally given access to the ritzy hotel where the Hall of Famers are staying, and the... (North County Times)
Ralph Kiner Interview Jul 22, 2007
Pirates' Hall of Famers Ralph Kiner and Bill Mazeroski were on hand for the ceremony. PiratesDugout. (Pittsburgh, TheInsiders.com)
42 years after death, Pirate's jersey finally retired Jul 22, 2007
Waner joins a short list that previously included only Hall of Famers Honus Wagner, Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, Pie Traynor, Ralph Kiner and Bill Mazeroski ... Among those taking part in the onfield ceremony were several Waner family members, plus Mazeroski and Ralph Kiner. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Notes: Van Benschoten return nears Jul 22, 2007
Quotable: "This is one of the greatest hitters of all time, and he wasn't just a guy who could hit for numbers. He was a real terrific RBI man. I really didn't know Paul at all, except for the fact that I heard so many stories about what he could do and what he did. When I joined the club, he was a legend they were talking about." -- Hall of Fame outfielder Ralph Kiner, on Waner. On deck: The Pirates close out their series with the Astros on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. ET at PNC Park as L 0000328B HP... (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
Pirates Notebook: Snell calls Rockies to apologize Jul 21, 2007
The ceremony to retire Paul Waner's No. 11 will begin at 7 p.m., and participants will include two others to have their numbers retired by the Pirates: Ralph Kiner and Bill Mazeroski. It will be the first number retired since 1987, the 10th overall. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Pirates' offense fails Gorzelanny again Jul 21, 2007
Ralph Kiner and Bill Mazeroski, two others to be so honored, will be among the participants. Related articles. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Best Game I Ever Saw Jul 20, 2007
The game was called by Lindsey Nelson, Ralph Kiner and Bob Murphy. Kiner and Nelson switched back and forth between radio and TV, but Murphy worked the whole game on the radio. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- MLB)
Notes: Bay looking to bounce back Jul 19, 2007
On this date: In 1951, Ralph Kiner hit three home runs -- including a grand slam -- and drove in seven to lead the Pirates to a 13-12 win over the Dodgers. Kiner's third homer, a solo shot in the eighth, was the winning run. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
Pirates Q&A with Dejan Kovacevic Jul 17, 2007
I get the same kind of mail he does, much of it opening with fond memories of Ralph Kiner or wondering why Jim Tracy cannot be more like Danny Murtaugh. And that is swell, but only if the baton gets passed. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Kiner one of the finest gentlemen in the game Jul 16, 2007
A moving tribute was given to Ralph Kiner prior to the Mets game on Saturday night ... And when a distinctive and familiar voice spoke behind us, we could hear it and readily recognize it as Ralph Kiner's ... Ralph Kiner was in place, about to limber up his larynx for another season. (MLB.com -- NY Mets Mets)
More > Jul 15, 2007
What began as Ralph Kiner Night, filled with applause, emotion and celebration, ended similarly but as Tom Glavine Night, with a lowercase N and, in the box score, an uppercase W.. The game, in the eyes of most, will go down as a 2-1 win, the Mets' 50th of the season. (MLB.com -- NY Mets Mets)
Mets notes: Sosa back; Pelfrey to 'pen Jul 15, 2007
Ralph Kiner press conference ... Kiner's Day: From the minds at Elias Sports Bureau comes this: July 14, 2007, was nice to Ralph Kiner, as the Hall-of-Famer and longtime broadcaster was honored by the Mets and their fans at Shea. (MLB.com -- NY Mets Mets)
Notes: Hopper's bunts help the cause Jul 15, 2007
Seaver was in town to take part in Ralph Kiner Night festivities. Seeing the Hall of Famer reminded Mackanin of the first time he faced Seaver as a member of the 1975 Expos and struck out. (MLB.com -- Cincinnati Reds)
Notes: HoJo officially the hitting coach Jul 14, 2007
Coming up: The Mets and Reds meet for the third of four games on Saturday on Ralph Kiner Night, a celebration of the Hall of Famer and legendary Mets broadcaster. First pitch is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, with Cincinnati's Matt Belisle attempting to deny Tom Glavine his 298th win. (MLB.com -- NY Mets Mets)
Kiner's expertise stands test of time Jul 13, 2007
Ralph Kiner has the second-longest broadcasting tenure among active announcers in the game ... His sense of history and prowess with the bat came together in the summer of 1994, when manager Dallas Green asked Ralph Kiner to share his expertise and tutor the young, talented and not particularly realistic outfielder ... He will be hailed and celebrated on Ralph Kiner Night. (MLB.com -- NY Mets Mets)
Achievements, awards aplenty for Kiner Jul 13, 2007
Ralph Kiner's uniform No. 4 was retired by the Pirates in the summer of 1987 ... Ralph Kiner, Roy Campanella and Jackie Robinson are the only Hall of Fame inductees who played 10 seasons, the minimum number of seasons to be included on the Hall of Fame ballot. (MLB.com -- NY Mets Mets)
Pirates set to retire Paul Waner's No. 11 Jul 13, 2007
Waner will become only the ninth person in Pirates history -- and the first since Ralph Kiner and Bill Mazeroski in 1997 -- to have his number retired, and that honor should help present-day fans become better acquainted with this legendary ballplayer. Waner played for the Pirates for 15 seasons, from 1926 to 1940, and five more seasons with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Boston Braves and New York Yankees. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
Pirates Notebook: Burnett avoids surgery Jul 13, 2007
Bill Mazeroski and Ralph Kiner will be part of the ensemble on hand for the Pirates' retirement of Paul Waner's No. 11 July 21 at PNC Park. Mazeroski and Kiner are among the eight players already honored that way. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Mets to honor legendary announcer Jul 12, 2007
The Mets will honor legendary broadcaster and Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner on Saturday ... NEW YORK -- Tom Seaver's brain is packed with memories of Ralph Kiner, whose legendary broadcasting career took flight alongside Seaver's early days as a Met ... "And there was Ralph Kiner and Ted Williams talking and not paying one bit of attention to what I was saying. And what do you think they were talking about? Hitting.". (MLB.com -- NY Mets Mets)
505-foot blast makes Howard fastest to hit 100 homers Jun 28, 2007
Ralph Kiner had been the fastest player to reach 100 homers, doing it in 385 games for Pittsburgh in the late 1940s. He has all the power in the world, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. (MSNBC -- Sports)
