The National Baseball Hall of Fame has announced that former Pirate slugger and Hall of Famer, Ralph Kiner has passed away at the age of 91. The Hall said Kiner died at his home in Rancho Mirage, CA with his family at his side.
Pirates President Frank Coonelly has released a statement on Kiner’s passing.
“All of us at the Pittsburgh Pirates have heavy hearts upon learning of Ralph Kiner’s passing. Ralph was one of the greatest players to ever wear a Pirates uniform and was a tireless ambassador for the game of baseball. He was a treasured member of the Pittsburgh community during his seven years with the Pirates. Our heartfelt sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to his children, grandchildren, other family members and many friends. He will be missed by all of us at the Pirates organization.”
Kiner won or shared the National League home run title in each of his seven full seasons with the Pirates from 1946-52, including a club-record 54 homers in 1949. He ranks second on the Pirates all-time home run list with 301.
Kiner was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975 and had his No. 4 jersey retired by the Pirates in 1987.
