R.I.P.: MLB HOFer, Broadcaster Ralph Kiner

Ralph Kiner

Baseball Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner, who was one of the game's most beloved broadcasters, died yesterday at his California home.

He was 91.

Kiner's 10-year playing career began in 1946 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and for his first seven seasons, he won or tied for the National League lead in home runs each year, ending with a career total of 369. His playing career including stints with the Pirates, Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians, and after it was over, Kiner became a New York Mets announcer in their first season in 1962.

He stayed with the team to call games for a total of 52 years, even doing a handful of them last season, and famously had his "Kiner's Korner," where he'd talk to players after the game. Kiner was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1975, in his final year or eligibility, with just one vote to spare.

Baseball Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner in one of his last in depth interviews talks about his career on the field, particularly, and making the transition to the broadcast booth with the expansion Mets.