About Ralph Kiner
Ralph McPherran Kiner (October 27, 1922 – February 6, 2014) was an American professional baseball left fielder in Major League Baseball (MLB) and later a broadcaster. Kiner played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, and Cleveland Indians from 1946 through 1955. Following his retirement, Kiner served from 1956 through 1960 as general manager of the Pacific Coast League San Diego Padres. He also served as an announcer for the New York Mets from the team's inception until his death. Though injuries forced his retirement from active play after 10 seasons, Kiner led all of his National League contemporaries in home runs in seven straight seasons between 1946 and 1952, a feat never previously accomplished in Major League Baseball and not matched since. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975 on his 13th ballot. After Kiner's death, baseball writer Marty Noble called him "one of baseball's genuine and most charming gentlemen." In 1949, Kiner topped his 1947 total with 54 home runs, falling just two short of Hack Wilson's then-National League record. It made Kiner the first National League player with two 50 plus home run seasons. This also was the last of a record six consecutive seasons in which he led Major League Baseball in home runs, all under the guidance of manager Billy Meyer and Pirate great Honus Wagner. He won a local Emmy Award for his broadcasting work.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.