Click here to view Dedication Ceremony photos

TRIBUTE TO RALPH KINER
Presented by Former Mayor Mark R. Paulson 

Today it is a privilege to join you in celebrating Ralph Kiner Day in Alhambra as we honor one of Alhambra’s most memorable residents. Today it is a privilege to join you in celebrating Ralph Kiner Day in Alhambra as we honor one of Alhambra’s most memorable residents.

[mention of dignitaries at the ceremony]

Ralph Kiner’s influence and contributions to the sphere of professional baseball are important. He started his professional baseball career in 1946 with the Pittsburgh Pirates and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975 and the New York Mets Hall of Fame in 1984 based on an astonishing record, which included:

... twice hitting over 50 home runs
... driving in 100 or more runs in six seasons
... ranking first in slugging percentage three times
... averaging over 100 walks per season
... leading Major League baseball in home runs for six consecutive seasons

He is also recognized for having seven of the most productive home run years in baseball history. And he is the only person to hit home runs in three consecutive All-Star games. It is said that Ralph Kiner was the Pirates’ greatest threat from the right of the plate, and that he thought about hitting the ball out of the park every time he stepped up to the plate.

Despite a successful 10-year stint with the Pittsburgh Pirates, an unfortunate injury cut short the career path of this powerhouse of strength at the age of 32.

Ralph Kiner’s love for baseball began as a young boy in Alhambra, where he attended Fremont Elementary School before going to Alhambra High School, graduating in 1940. As a student, he played on the Alhambra Pacific League varsity team under Coach Bob Purcell, and alongside teammates Max West and Maynard Horst (the latter two of whom are here today).

As one might expect from an all-star player of this magnitude, Ralph Kiner’s dedication to the sport didn't stop after his playing days were over. He went on to learn a whole new career that once again centered around baseball—this time as a television sports broadcaster. And once again, he set a record… as the only Mets broadcaster to work with the team throughout each of its 46 years. The Mets honored him by dedicating their TV broadcast booth in his name.

When asked what he liked about the job as a broadcaster, he replied that he liked the fact that he wasn’t replacing anyone, and therefore had a chance to make his own mark.
In another question, Ralph Kiner was asked if he finds as much enjoyment today in his work as when he first started. To this he replied, “Absolutely, I love the game. As long as I'm able to be around baseball, I'm going to hope to stay in baseball.  I enjoy being there and being with the players. And you can't have a better life that that."

Ralph Kiner is a great inspiration to all of us. He has proven that success is attainable with perseverance and hard work. In being honored by the National Baseball Hall of Fame, one of our own now ranks alongside the likes of Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Joe DiMaggio, Hank Aaron, Lou Gehrig, Hank Greenberg, Ted Williams, Roger Hornsby Mickey Mantle and others.

It has been said that “Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” The City of Alhambra is extremely proud to recognize that Ralph Kiner found the keys to happiness and success in the world of baseball and through his love of the game has risen to the pinnacle of greatness. Through our own admiration, we are pleased to honor Ralph Kiner today in the hope that the youth of Alhambra will forever be inspired to pursue their greatest potential through the activities they love most.

In addition to having a great career, Ralph Kiner has been blessed with wonderful family and friends, some of whom are here today, and will add a few words about their association...