A look back at Ralph Kiner's appearances on Mets broadcasts from 2011-2013.
Over the last three seasons, This Week In SNY recapped in pictures and words Ralph Kiner's appearances during Mets broadcasts. To celebrate the dearly departed Kiner, and for posterity, This Week In SNY presents those appearances here. Farewell to a legend who meant a lot to Mets fans, myself included.
Friday, April 8th, 2011
Ralph showed up to Opening Day at Citi Field looking sharp:
He threw out the ceremonial first pitch and wouldn't you know it, he threw a strike:
The day wouldn't be complete without some clowning from Ralph. Here is after the first pitch, channeling Rodney Dangerfield in Caddyshack -- "oh my arm, it's broken!"
Sunday, May 8th, 2011
Ralph made a Sunday visit to the booth:
The man is 88 years old and still sharp as a razor. Some Kiner gems:
- Ralph: You've gotta change the script, I don't like the script.
Gary: What's wrong with the script?
Ralph: Well the script should be the Mets win every day. - Ralph: When I played, when [managers] talked to you, it was ‘you're going back to the minors son'.
- Ralph: [Loney] had some terrible swings in the first two games of this series. Makes you say ‘this guy is a major league hitter?' Maybe he has the answer of how to get a base hit off a knuckleballer -- have a terrible swing.
- Ralph: Ike was #5 in slugging percentage in baseball when this game started. Slugging is compiled by total bases. A single is one, a double is two, a triple is three and a home run is four. And then divided by official at-bats.
Gary: What's the new one now?
Ralph: It's on base percentage and slugging -- OPS.
Keith: Is that a little overkill?
Ralph: And that's a really good stat because it tells the truth about a batter's real proficiency.
Ralph Kiner: True SABR?
Thursday, July 21st, 2011
From Lindsey Nelson, Bob Murphy, and Ralph Kiner to Gary, Keith, and Ron, Mets fans have been treated to some of the best broadcasters around. SNY displayed this colorful photo of the three original voices of the Mets:
Wednesday, September 28th, 2011
Here's a shot of a very cool-looking Ralph to cap the season off:
Sunday, May 6th, 2012
Ralph made his regular season debut looking dapper in a three-piece suit:
He was his usual charismatic self and dropped a memorable one-liner:
Ralph: Paul Revere was the first sign stealer.
If you have not already done so, please read (and share) "An Open Letter to the New York Mets Regarding Ralph Kiner on his 50th Anniversary with the Organization." The man is a national treasure.
Sunday, June 17th, 2012
Ralph joined Tom Seaver in the booth and the two enjoyed themselves:
Some fun exchanges:
- Ralph: Your dad said to me that he had a kid at home who was gonna be a major league pitcher. Now I've heard that five million times and nobody ever got there, but you did!
Tom: I didn't want to disappoint father! It was my impetus to get to the big leagues, to meet you Ralph.
Ralph: I was your inspiration. - Tom: My dad told me that he loaned you $20, and he said if I ever saw you to tell you to pay it back.
Ralph: It was in the mail.
Tom: And it still is, Ralphie!
Sunday, April 7th, 2013
Ralph made his 2013 season debut:
Ralph turned 90 years young last October. It's nice to see him feeling good and looking great. He offered praise for Giancarlo Stanton and suggested that if Stanton wants to be an elite power hitter he'll have to notch 50 home runs in a season. None of this weak 30 home run stuff. Ralph hit at least 40 home runs in a season five times and twice topped 50. It was a long time between visits to the booth for Ralph, and we hope he drops by several more times this season.
Thursday, July 4th, 2013
Ralph dropped by the booth:
He hinted at some recent health issues -- he is 90 years old, after all -- but was generally in good spirits. He said that Bob Feller was the best pitcher he ever saw, and that Matt Harvey reminds him of Feller. It's always a pleasure when Ralph stops by.
Thursday, July 25th, 2013
Watch Ralph's appearance below:
One final gem for the road, Ralph's answer to a question from Ron Darling:
- Ron: Justin Upton got off to such a quick start, he hit 12 home runs in April. It's all dried up. What happens to a home run hitter when it dries up a little?
Ralph: Thank God it never dried up for me.