On April 17, 1964, the legendary Kiner's Korner featured a delightful interview with baseball icons Casey Stengel and Ralph Kiner. This audio gem, shared by Archival Television Audio's Phil Gries, offers a nostalgic peek into a bygone era of baseball history.
Navigating the Old Ballparks
Casey Stengel opened the conversation with a humorous recount of his early days, navigating to Washington Park without a clue about its location. "Well, to tell you, I didn't know how to get there," he admitted. "I knew there was a Brooklyn Bridge... When I got across, I kept asking different fellas how I could get to Washington Park." Starting from 47th Street at 8 AM, he barely made it to the park an hour and a half before game time, recalling, "It took me until game time to arrive in the park." This anecdote, peppered with Stengel's trademark wit, highlighted the challenges of reaching the ballpark and the camaraderie shared by those who experienced similar struggles.
A Memorable Debut
Ralph Kiner reminisced about Stengel's impressive debut, where only three players in baseball history had achieved four hits in their first major league game. Stengel humbly recalled, "Everybody thought I was going to be an outstanding player, going to be one of the greatest players in the world." However, he quickly added, "Next spring, I kind of went down, and the average went down, I just found out I was just possibly an ordinary outfielder that could hit in spurts." This reflection on his fleeting moment of greatness and the subsequent adjustment of expectations resonated with the audience.
The Evolution of New York's Ballparks
Stengel's journey through New York's iconic ballparks was a trip through baseball history. He spoke fondly of Ebbets Field, stating, "I thought it was the greatest park in the world... When they had the rotunda there, I said, 'Gee, what a wonderful park.'" His experiences at the Polo Grounds and Yankee Stadium were also significant, noting, "I saw it built, played in one of the World Series when it first started in the fall." Stengel's transition to managing in these storied venues added layers to his rich baseball legacy.
The Promise of Shea Stadium
The conversation shifted to the newly built Shea Stadium, which Stengel praised for its modern amenities and fan-friendly features. "Now, just think, we're going into this big, wonderful, beautiful Shea Stadium," he remarked. "It's got so many wonderful things for the ballplayer, so many great things that you might say for the fans, so many ways to get into the park." He expressed hope that the new park would bring better fortune to the team, saying, "I hope I can get the team better. I feel rather shocked, you know, coming in the first day."
Challenges and Optimism
Despite the early struggles of the season, Stengel's optimism shone through. He acknowledged the team's difficulties but highlighted the potential of players like Jackson and Hunt. "We got some men here that people will be satisfied here in New York, only if you don't have enough of them, you got to win some games," he stated. Stengel's strategic mind was evident as he discussed pitching changes and the potential impact of young talent like Jerry Hinsley and Ron Locke, noting, "Eventually, if I could win a game or two, I'd put in some young men that we have here."
A Lasting Legacy
As the interview concluded, Kiner aptly noted Stengel's profound influence on New York baseball. Stengel's candid reflections and witty anecdotes underscored his enduring legacy. "Well, as far as opening the ballpark is concerned, it's a great thing. It's a great thing for the public," Stengel expressed. The interview ended on a light-hearted note with a gift of a model Rambler car, to which Stengel responded, "I hope it don't run over me if I start dreaming tonight, you know."
Archiving History
Thanks to Phil Gries and Archival Television Audio, this interview remains a treasured piece of baseball history. The audio captures the essence of two baseball greats sharing stories, offering a timeless connection to the past for fans and historians alike.
This snapshot from Kiner's Korner serves as a reminder of the rich history and colorful personalities that have shaped America's pastime. As we listen to these voices from the past, we celebrate the enduring legacy of Casey Stengel, Ralph Kiner, and the game of baseball.
Here is the complete archive of the April 17th, 1964 interview :
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