Ralph McPherron Kiner (October 27, 1922 - February 6, 2014) led the National League in home runs each of his first seven seasons (1946-1952) in the Major Leagues. Playing the majority of his 10-year career with the Pittsburgh Pirates (1946-1953), Kiner was the greatest home run hitter of the World War II era. Kiner averaged more than 100 RBI a season and led the league in slugging percentage three times. With the help of fellow Hall of Famer Hank Greenberg, Kiner’s early swing was transformed after many hours of instruction. After hitting a mere 23 home runs in 1946, under Greenberg’s tutelage, Kiner blasted 51 in his sophomore season and 54 in his fourth. Kiner’s career was cut short due to nagging back problems and he retired in 1955. Ralph Kiner posted a career .279 batting average while adding 1,451 hits, 971 runs, 10,15 RBI and 369 home runs. Kiner entered the broadcast booth after his playing days and currently does occasional commentary for the New York Mets. Ralph McPherron Kiner was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975.