Ralph Kiner was a Major League Baseball (MLB) Hall of Fame outfielder and broadcaster who played for 10 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, and Cleveland Indians. He was a seven-time All-Star and six-time National League (NL) home run champion. Kiner retired early from MLB at the age of 32 due to a back injury, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the greatest sluggers of all time. In this article, we will explore why Kiner retired so early and how his legacy lives on in the MLB today.
Early Life and Career
Ralph Kiner was born in Santa Rita, New Mexico on October 27, 1922. His parents, Ray and Mary Kiner, were both teachers, and his brother Ray Jr. was a pitcher in the minor leagues. Kiner attended Santa Rita High School and then moved on to attend the University of Southern California. He played for the Trojans for two seasons, during which he led the Pacific Coast Conference in home runs.
Kiner was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1941 and was called up to the MLB in 1946. He immediately made an impact, leading the NL in home runs in each of his first seven seasons. Kiner also earned seven All-Star selections during this period and was named to the NL All-Star team six times. He was a feared slugger, smashing 369 career home runs, 1,015 RBIs, and a .279 batting average.
Back Injury and Retirement
Kiner’s career was cut short due to a serious back injury. He missed the entire 1952 season after being diagnosed with a slipped disk in his back. The injury was so severe that he was unable to play baseball the following season. Kiner was advised by the Pirates to retire in 1954 at the age of 32.
Kiner’s retirement was a crushing blow to the Pirates, who were already a struggling team. The Pirates were so desperate to keep Kiner that they offered him a position as their general manager, but Kiner turned down the offer. Many believe that Kiner was forced to retire prematurely due to the Pirates’ poor financial situation.
Legacy as a Broadcaster
Despite his early retirement, Kiner’s legacy lives on in the MLB. After retiring, Kiner became a broadcaster for the New York Mets, a position he held for over 50 years. Kiner was beloved by Mets fans for his witty, enthusiastic, and informative commentary. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975, and his number 4 is retired by the Mets.
Kiner was also known for his charitable work, which included setting up the Ralph Kiner League in Brooklyn. The league provided opportunities for underprivileged children to play baseball, and Kiner personally funded the league for many years.
Conclusion
Ralph Kiner was one of the most iconic players of his generation, and his premature retirement left a lasting impact on the MLB. His legacy lives on in the form of his charitable work, his broadcasting career, and the Baseball Hall of Fame. Despite his early retirement, Kiner’s legacy will live on for many years to come.