As a fan, one cannot help but wonder what this great slugger would have been able to accomplish if a back injury had not forced him to retire at age 32.

In each of his first seven years in Major League Baseball, the Pittsburgh Pirate outfielder led the National League in homeruns. Kiner's name is synonymous with the Pirates all-time offensive records along with Willie Stargell. As Willie was the greatest offensive threat from the left side of the plate, Kiner was their greatest threat from the right of the plate. His 10 year career statistics speak for themselves: twice he hit over 50 homeruns, drove in 100 or more runs six times, ranked first in slugging percentage three times, and averaged over 100 walks. In 1949 his 127 RBI was tops in the league. Kiner's shortened career was complete in 1975 with his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.