R.I.P., Ralph Kiner. Thank you for the early days, when we were living in the rolling hills of Morris County, N.J., and grew up Metsz fansz. Thank you for showing us that professional athletes were, long ago, normal and courteous human beingsz.<\/p>\n
http:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2012\/04\/13\/sports\/baseball\/ralph-kiner-reflects-on-50-years-as-a-mets-voice.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0<\/a><\/p>\n Excerpt: <\/p>\n Kiner is best known for hosting ‘Kiner’s Korner’ after home games. Players loved appearing on the show, and not just because they were paid $50 or $100. In the days before ESPN, it was the first place they could see replays. And Kiner spoke the same language as his guests. <\/p>\n ‘The thing about Ralph is he made you feel so comfortable — no pretense, just be yourself,’ said Seaver, Kiner’s favorite guest. ‘It wasn’t a high-end show. But the best thing is he understood; he knew just what you meant’.<\/em> <\/p>\n Free<\/a> ones<\/strong>: Rundown…<\/p>\n Gulf<\/strong> 6<\/em>, 7<\/em>, 8, 9, 10 Pay-side<\/strong>: Today…<\/p>\n Fair Grounds<\/strong> 3, 9 Today’s Stakes Pageantry<\/strong>: None today, but there’ll be a whole bunch tomorrow, certainly.<\/p>\n Yesterday’s Activity<\/strong>: Only one winner, but at least it counted. <\/p>\n Over at Tampa 7, Berni de Mint came through by ¾-lengths at $49-even. <\/p>\n Berni de Mint was fourth-top on the conventional V6 Betting Line, Fair Odds of 6-1; he also scored a good-enough 86 in the LifeLiner Speed Column. At 10-1 on the morning line, Berni de Mint was left for dead on the toteboard, at 23½-1. <\/p>\n Sometimes it happens.<\/p>\n WMF Report<\/strong>: Sunland Park, N.M. — go to the lead and improve your position, brother.<\/p>\n Early<\/em> Nocturnal Submission<\/strong>: Sifting through the wreckage…<\/p>\n Thank you. Best wishes. Goodbye. Later!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" R.I.P., Ralph Kiner. Thank you for the early days, when we were living in the rolling hills of Morris County, N.J., and grew up Metsz fansz. Thank you for showing us that professional athletes were, long ago, normal and courteous … Continue reading
\nSanta Anita<\/strong> 6<\/p>\n
\nGolden Gate<\/strong> 2
\nSam Houston<\/strong> 3, 7
\nTampa<\/strong> 5<\/em>, 6, 8<\/em>, 9
\nTurfway<\/strong> 5<\/em>
\nTurf Paradise<\/strong> 6<\/em><\/p>\n
\nAqueduct<\/strong> 6f
\nGulf<\/strong> 6f
\nSam Houston<\/strong> 6f (WMF 950) (!)
\nSunland<\/strong> 5½f, 6f, 1m
\nTampa<\/strong> 6f
\nTurf Paradise<\/strong> 6½f<\/p>\n