Former Yankees Starter Isiah Kiner-Falefa Has Heartfelt First Family Meeting
Isiah Kiner-Falefa seems to make a positive impact wherever he goes, with the former Yankee establishing a reputation as a hard worker and flexible utility player.
Currently with the Pittsburgh Pirates after a year-long tenure with the Toronto Blue Jays, IKF is experiencing a nice renaissance with a .288 batting average, .704 OPS and an 89th percentile whiff %.
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The Hawaii native also has familial connections to late Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner, who spent eight of his 11 MLB seasons with the Pirates.
IKF, always a class act, enjoyed a touching pregame ceremony prior to the Pirates' 4-3 loss to the New York Mets on Monday.
Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa records an out at second base and throws to throws to first against the Kansas City Royals at PNC Park on Sept. 13, 2024.Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
IKF met Scott Kiner, Ralph's son, in a press conference prior to Monday's game, and was presented with a charcoal painting of the baseball legend following a jersey swap.
Kiner verified through genealogy that him and the Pirates infielder are cousins, as Scott's great-great grandmother is IKF's great-great-great grandmother on his mother's side.
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The moment was especially full-circle given that IKF currently plays for the Pirates, where Ralph hit 301 home runs and has a retired #4 jersey.
The moment also took place in the underbelly of Citi Field, and Ralph worked Mets broadcasts from 1962 until 2013.
'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,' said Kiner-Falefa.
IKF also recalled attending a Mets game in 2007 which just so happened to be Kiner Night to honor the legendary broadcaster. IKF has also mentioned that he hopes to take the broadcasting route once his playing career has ended.
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Scott is in the middle of a promotion for his book 'One of a Kiner' which details his father's life.
'This is like a happy ending in the book,' Kiner said. 'This is pretty cool.'
Related: Paul Skenes Makes Huge WBC Announcement After Latest Loss
Related: Yankees Announcer Rips Pirates for Failing Paul Skenes
Related: Pirates Sign Former First-Round Pick After Paul Skenes Comments
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