If you're a New York Mets fan, then you're no doubt familiar with Ralph Kiner. For more than 50 years, Kiner called games as a broadcaster for the Mets. He joined the franchise back in 1962—one year after serving as a broadcaster for the Chicago White Sox—and continued to call games for the team right up through last season. And prior to launching his broadcasting career, he spent more than a decade playing Major League Baseball, making six All-Star teams and leading the league in home runs during seven seasons. Earlier today, the Baseball Hall of Fame announced that Kiner passed away at the age of 91.
The Mets paid tribute to Kiner with this statement that they released through Twitter:
Statement from #Mets Chairman and CEO Fred Wilpon on the passing of Ralph Kiner. pic.twitter.com/7l1LC8Y0aR
And tons of Kiner fans and admirers are paying their respects to him at the moment:
RIP Ralph Kiner. Watching Kiner’s Korner as a kid made me love the #Mets. Even in his later years he was always great on broadcasts
RIP, Ralph Kiner. Listened to him since I was 5 years old call @Mets games. A classy legend who made baseball and people better.
RIP Ralph Kiner. You'll be missed. @mets
R.I.P. to a true legend of the game.
[via ESPN]
