Constructing the Pittsburgh Pirates All-Time Lineup

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MANHATTAN, NY: Outfielder Ralph Kiner of the Pittsburgh Pirates poses for a portrait prior to a game circa the early 1950’s against the New York Giants at the Polo Grounds in Manhattan, New York. Ralph McPherran Kiner played for the Pirates from 1946-53. (Photo by Kidwiler Collection/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /

Left Field – Ralph Kiner

Ralph Kiner was an obvious choice. Kiner was a legend in this city for many years and was Pittsburgh’s first real home run king. In fact, while he is often times overlooked, Kiner is one of the most prolific home run hitters in MLB history.

In nearly eight years with the Pirates, he hit 329 home runs and led the National League in home runs for seven straight seasons. He was the first NL player to achieve two 50 home run seasons (1947, 1949.) From 1948-1953 he made the All-Star Game each year, and, during that five year stretch, he never dipped below 100 RBIs except in 1952 when he still had an impressive 87.

The legend of Ralph Kiner continued with countless tales of fans showing up to Pirates games at hallowed Forbes Field just to see Kiner play. Often times, fans would wait around for Kiner’s final at bat before filing out of the ballpark.

Kiner, unfortunately, was on some very bad Pirate teams during his career in Pittsburgh. During his tenure in the Burgh the Bucs endured two 100 loss seasons and Kiner never felt what it was like to be on the winning side very often. This is a testament to how great Kiner was for the sheer fact people would go to see a losing team for just one player.

After his playing career ended, Kiner was an announcer for the New York Mets for 52 seasons. In 1975, he was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

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