RALPH KINER·1947

Ralph Kiner’s bat spoke in thunder, and Pittsburgh listened. In 1947, the rookie outfielder launched 51 homers, driving in 127 runs while hitting .313, his .639 slugging a howitzer’s echo. He scored 118 times, walked 98, and turned Forbes Field’s left-field wall into a rumor. The league took notice; the Pirates had found their cornerstone. A season of pure power, a promise of glory to come. The story, however, was just beginning to unfold, and the next chapter would be written in the stars.

51 HOME RUNS

In 1947 he hit 51 home runs.

127 RBI

In 1947 he drove in 127 runs.

177 HITS

In 1947 he had 177 hits.

Ralph Kiner, 1948. Public domain portrait via Wikimedia Commons.