Isiah Kiner-Falefa is a talented baseball player who currently plays as a shortstop for the New York Yankees. He has been in the Major League Baseball (MLB) since 2018, when he debuted for the Texas Rangers. He is known for his versatility, speed, and defensive skills. He won the Gold Glove Award in 2020 as a third baseman and led the MLB in singles in 2021.
But did you know that Kiner-Falefa is also related to one of the greatest hitters of all time? Ralph Kiner was a Hall of Fame outfielder who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, and Cleveland Indians from 1946 to 1955. He led the National League in home runs for seven consecutive seasons and was a six-time All-Star. He later became a broadcaster for the New York Mets for over 50 years.
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How are these two baseball stars connected? Let’s find out!
The Family Link Tree Explained
According to Showbiz Corner¹, Isiah Kiner-Falefa is related to Ralph Kiner from his mother’s side. He is the second cousin twice removed of the baseball legend. This means that Kiner-Falefa’s great-great-grandfather was Kiner’s first cousin.
Kiner-Falefa’s mother, Julie Kiner, is of Samoan, Hawaiian, Japanese, and Caucasian descent. She was born and raised in Hawaii, where she met Kiner-Falefa’s father, Tim Falefa, who is also of Samoan ancestry. They have three children: Isiah, Micah, and Noah.
Ralph Kiner’s mother, Beatrice Grayson, was also born in Hawaii. She was of Hawaiian and Caucasian descent. She married Ralph Mackenzie Kiner, who was of Scottish and Irish ancestry. They had two children: Ralph Jr. and Kathryn.
The Ethnicity and Background of Isiah Kiner-Falefa
Isiah Kiner-Falefa was born on March 23, 1995, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He grew up playing baseball with his brothers and cousins. He attended Mid-Pacific Institute, where he excelled as a shortstop and catcher. He was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB draft.
Kiner-Falefa spent five seasons in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut in April 2018. He played various positions for the Rangers, including catcher, third base, second base, and shortstop. He became the first player in MLB history to catch and win a Gold Glove at another position.
In December 2021, Kiner-Falefa was traded to the Minnesota Twins along with pitcher Dane Dunning in exchange for outfielder Byron Buxton. However, he never played a game for the Twins, as he was flipped to the Yankees the next day as part of a three-team deal that also involved the Philadelphia Phillies.
Kiner-Falefa is now the starting shortstop for the Yankees, replacing Gleyber Torres who moved to second base. He wears number 12 on his jersey.
The Legacy and Impact of Ralph Kiner
Ralph Kiner was born on October 27, 1922, in Santa Rita, New Mexico. He grew up playing baseball and football in Alhambra, California. He served in the Navy during World War II before signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1946.
Kiner quickly established himself as one of the most feared sluggers in baseball history. He hit 51 home runs in 1947 and 54 home runs in 1949, setting franchise records that still stand today. He also led the NL in RBI in 1949 with 127.
Kiner was traded to the Cubs in 1953 and then to the Indians in 1955. He retired after that season due to a back injury. He finished his career with 369 home runs and a .279 batting average.
Kiner was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975 by a narrow margin. He became a broadcaster for the Mets in 1962 and remained with them until his death in 2014. He was known for his witty and insightful commentary and his signature sign-off: “And if you’re scoring at home or even if you’re alone…”
The Conclusion: A Remarkable Family Bond
Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Ralph Kiner are two remarkable baseball players who share a family bond that spans generations and cultures. They both have Hawaiian roots and impressive achievements on the field.
Kiner-Falefa has admitted that he did not know much about his distant cousin until he became a professional player himself. He said that he respects Kiner’s legacy and hopes to honor it with his own performance. He also said that he and Kiner are nothing alike, as Kiner was a power hitter and he is a contact hitter.
However, they both have something in common: a passion for baseball and a desire to excel. They are both examples of how talent and hard work can overcome any obstacle and create a lasting impact on the game and the fans. They are both part of the same family tree, but they are also part of the same baseball family..
