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Kiner, Ralph

Ralph McPherran Kiner
Born: October 27, 1922, Santa Rita, New Mexico
Bats: 
Right
Throws: 
Right
Played For: 
Pittsburgh Pirates (1946-1953), Chicago Cubs (1953-1954), Cleveland Indians (1955)
Elected to the Hall of Fame by Baseball Writers: 1975
Biography: 

In a relatively brief 10-year career, which was shortened by a back ailment, Ralph Kiner hit 369 home runs, winning or sharing the National League home-run title in each of his first seven seasons in Pittsburgh. He topped 50 twice, with 51 in 1947 and 54 in '49. His ratio of 7.1 home runs per 100 at-bats trails only Mark McGwire, Babe Ruth and Barry Bonds among retired players. Kiner averaged better than 100 RBIs a season as he led the National League in slugging percentage three times.

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HOFers who reached their 90th birthday (pdf)

Induction Speech

Did You Know: 
that Ralph Kiner was married to tennis star Nancy Chaffee, the first unseeded woman ever to reach the semifinals of the U.S. Open?
Ralph Kiner can wipe out your lead with one swing.
Warren Spahn