1948 Bowman Ralph Kiner (Rookie)
Ralph Mc Kiner
Born: October 27, 1922, Santa Rita, NM
Bats: R Throws: R Played for: Pittsburgh Pirates
(1946-1953), Chicago Cubs (1953-1954), Cleveland Indians (1955)
Elected to 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 Babe Ruth and Mark McGwire among
retired players. Kiner averaged better than 100 RBI a season as he led the
National League in slugging percentage three times.
