Since childhood, Isiah Kiner-Falefa has heard stories about his cousin, a prominent Hall of Fame baseball player who shined with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Now, he has finally connected with Ralph Kiner’s family.
In an emotional meeting at Citi Field, the 30-year-old shortstop met with Scott Kiner, son of the former Pirates outfielder, prior to the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Mets. Both second cousins, they shared hugs and gifts in the Shannon Forde Press Conference Room.
Esto es algo con lo que siempre he soñado.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa
Scott Kiner, who traveled from Ohio for the occasion promoting a book about his famous family, was key in this meeting, facilitated by staff from both teams.
I felt it was a connection that needed to be made.
Scott Kiner
After his playing career, Ralph Kiner served for 51 years as a Mets broadcaster, being much loved by the fans. Kiner-Falefa, who attended an event at Shea Stadium in 2007, remembered the legacy of his relative.
The moment was even more special when Kiner-Falefa, newly reinstated from the injured list after recovering from a hamstring strain, was announced with the “Kiner’s Korner” melody as he came to the plate in the second inning. Kiner-Falefa, surprised, hit a home run to left-center field in his first at-bat.
After all we did today, hitting a home run right there, was a great moment for me. It was surreal. It was really special for me. Something I’ll remember for the rest of my life, for sure.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa
This was his first home run since August 17 of last season. Kiner-Falefa, with a smile, joked that the Mets surely wouldn’t use that tune for him again. Despite a subsequent defensive error, the day was unforgettable.
Before the game, Kiner-Falefa presented Scott Kiner with an autographed Pirates jersey. Scott, in turn, gave him a Ralph Kiner jersey and a charcoal painting of the six-time All-Star. He also showed him a portrait of Mary McPherran Kiner, Kiner-Falefa’s great-great-grandmother.
So there’s some Pennsylvania Dutch in this guy.
Scott Kiner
Kiner-Falefa’s maternal grandfather, who stayed in Hawaii after studying there, passed on stories about Ralph Kiner, who led the National League in home runs during his first seven seasons with the Pirates.
Kiner-Falefa, proud of his family connection, knew of Ralph Kiner’s achievements before debuting in the Major Leagues with the Texas Rangers in 2018. The player of Hawaiian origin often had difficulty convincing others about his kinship.
Everyone thought I was lying. I was telling everyone and nobody believed me.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa
This encounter with his cousin Scott was a very emotional moment for Kiner-Falefa.
For me, not knowing anyone from my grandfather’s family, I felt that something was missing. Finally meeting Scott is like a full circle. I’m a little emotional right now. This is an incredible moment that I never thought would happen.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa
Now, playing for the Pirates, Kiner-Falefa often visits the Ralph Kiner statue at PNC Park.
