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 with the Texas Rangers. But did you know that he is also related to a baseball legend? In this article, we will explore the surprising family link between Kiner-Falefa and Ralph Kiner, a Hall of Famer and former New York Mets announcer.
Who is Isiah Kiner-Falefa?
Isiah Kiner-Falefa was born on March 23, 1995, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He attended Mid-Pacific Institute, where he played baseball and basketball. He was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB draft and spent five seasons in their farm system. He made his major league debut on April 10, 2018, against the Los Angeles Angels.
Kiner-Falefa is a versatile player who can play multiple positions, including catcher, third base, second base, and shortstop. He won the American League Gold Glove Award at third base in 2020 and led the Rangers in several statistical batting categories in 2020 and 2021. Prior to the 2022 season, he was traded to the Minnesota Twins and then to the New York Yankees as part of a multi-player deal.
Who is Ralph Kiner?
Ralph Kiner was born on October 27, 1922, in Santa Rita, New Mexico. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and then began his professional baseball career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1946. He was a prolific power hitter who led the National League in home runs for seven consecutive seasons from 1946 to 1952. He also played for the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians before retiring due to injuries in 1955.
Kiner was a six-time All-Star and the 1949 NL RBI leader. He was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975. After his playing career, he became a broadcaster for the Chicago White Sox, the Oakland Athletics, and most notably, the New York Mets. He was known for his witty commentary and his signature sign-off: “If you had a good time today, tell your friends; if not, tell us.” He died on February 6, 2014, at the age of 91.
According to Showbiz Corner, Isiah Kiner-Falefa is related to Ralph Kiner from his mother’s side as he is the second cousin twice removed from the Hall of Famer. This means that they share a common ancestor who is Kiner-Falefa’s great-great-grandfather and Kiner’s grandfather.
Kiner-Falefa is of Samoan, Hawaiian, Japanese and Caucasian descent. He has said that he is proud of his heritage and that he wants to inspire other Pacific Islanders to pursue their dreams.
Conclusion
Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Ralph Kiner are two remarkable baseball players who have made their mark in MLB history. They are also distant relatives who share a passion for the game and a connection to New York. Whether you are a fan of the Yankees or the Mets, you can appreciate their achievements and their surprising family link.
