Sep 23, 2024
"Kiner's
Korner" was a beloved postgame interview show that
became a staple of New York Mets broadcasts from
the team's inception in 1962 through the 1990s. Hosted by
Hall of Fame player and broadcaster Ralph
Kiner, the show aired on WOR-TV (now WWOR-TV) after
Mets games and occasionally before them. Known for its relaxed and
casual style, "Kiner’s Korner" gave fans a
behind-the-scenes look at their favorite players, with Kiner
interviewing the star of the game, reviewing key highlights, and
updating scores from other games. The show was both informative and
lighthearted, often showcasing Kiner’s warmth, humor, and legendary
on-air in-game malapropisms.
The name "Kiner's Korner" was a nod to the left-field seats at Forbes Field, where Kiner hit many of his home runs during his Hall of Fame career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. These seats, once known as "Greenberg's Gardens" for Kiner's predecessor Hank Greenberg, were renamed "Kiner's Korner" after Kiner's meteoric rise in baseball. The show maintained a simple, intimate format, with players reflecting on their performances, sharing stories, and connecting with fans on a personal level, which helped strengthen Kiner’s bond with baseball enthusiasts across generations.
Despite its
low-key production, the show became a cherished part of Mets
culture, especially as it captured memorable moments from New York
baseball history.