Isiah Kiner-Falefa meets Ralph Kiner’s son for…
Isiah Kiner-Falefa has taken delight since his youth in understanding he was a cousin to a Hall of Fame slugger/Mets broadcasting legend.
And for the first time on Monday, the Pirates infielder acquired the chance to meet that half of the household.
Kiner-Falefa and Scott Kiner, the late Ralph Kiner’s son, embraced in the press convention room at Citi Field before the Mets’ sequence opener win, 4-3, against the Pirates.
Scott Kiner mentioned he verified final yr through family tree that his great-great-grandmother (Mary McPherrin Kiner, from Western Pennsylvania) was Kiner-Falefa’s great-great-great-grandmother on his mom’s facet.
Kiner-Falefa was introduced with a charcoal portray of Ralph Kiner, who labored Mets broadcasts from 1962-2013 following a 10-year main league profession — largely with the Pirates — during which he hit 369 home runs.
Nice second before Pirates-Mets: Isiah Kiner-Falefa of the Pirates met Ralph Kiner’s son, Scott, for the first time. They are cousins! Cool that it occurred at Mets, where Ralph was a beloved broadcaster and when IKF was enjoying for Pittsburgh, where Ralph was an wonderful slugger pic.twitter.com/EbPd5uFfH4— Anthony McCarron (@AnthonyMcCarron) May 12, 2025
“I just try to wear the name with a lot of pride, and now having the opportunity to play for the Pirates, it’s very special to me,” mentioned Kiner-Falefa, who performed for the Yankees in 2022-23. “To finally meet [Scott Kiner], it’s like a dream come true.”
Kiner-Falefa, who was raised in Hawaii, never obtained to meet his well-known cousin.
But he recalled attending one Mets sport growing up. It just occurred to be July 14, 2007, when the Mets honored Kiner at Shea Stadium.
Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa (7) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the New York Mets during the second inning at Citi Field. Brad Penner-Imagn Images
“My grandpa had always told me stories,” Kiner-Falefa mentioned. “So for me to go to one Mets game and it be Kiner Night, I couldn’t believe it. I had no idea what I was walking into.”
Scott Kiner is selling his new guide, “One of a Kiner,” which particulars his father’s life.
“This is like a happy ending in the book,” Scott Kiner mentioned. “This is pretty cool.”
Kiner-Falefa mentioned he’s seen “tidbits” online of Kiner’s broadcasting work and would really like to take that route once his enjoying profession is completed.
Baseball Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner speaks at the rostrum during pregame festivities against the Atlanta Braves during their Opening Day Game at Citi Field on April 5, 2012 in New York City. Getty Images
“When I was 8 years old, I became obsessed with baseball,” Kiner-Falefa mentioned. “Obsessed with Ralph Kiner.”
Paul Blackburn is scheduled for a rehab begin Friday with Triple-A Syracuse.
The right-hander has pitched twice in the minor leagues since his rehab clock was reset two weeks in the past following a abdomen virus. Blackburn opened the season on the injured checklist with irritation in his proper knee.
Sean Manaea has begun throwing from the mound in his rehab from an indirect pressure. … The Mets, in conjunction with New York-Presbyterian Hospital, will offer free prostate cancer screening before Tuesday’s sport for ticketed followers, gameday workers, NYPD working at Citi Field and media members.
The blood checks will happen in the Heineken Diamond Lounge on the fifth stage.
All who are examined will obtain a voucher good for two complimentary tickets to a chosen home sport.
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