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Showing posts from February, 2014

Former Bronx Born- Italian/ American Player: Dom Zanni (1958-1966)

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Dominick Thomas Zanni was born on March 1, 1932 in the Bronx, New York. The right handed pitcher was signed by the New York Giants in 1951, but never got to pitch for New York in the Polo Grounds. He spent seven years in the minors before getting to the big leagues. His first season was rough, as the big league club got to the World Series, Zanni went 1-12 in the low level of the Giants farm system. In 1952 he rebounded to a 20-8 record getting pushed up to Muskogee in the C level. In 1954 he pitched a no hitter, getting future Baltimore Orioles manager Earl Weaver as the last out. In a 1994 interview Zanni said "I'll never forget Weaver saying, 'just throw a strike, buddy, and that's the end of your no-hitter.' But he just popped it up to second. "That's Weaver for you. He would bother you for everything...." Zanni posted two 15 win seasons along the way &; in 1958 after going 14-11 at AAA Phoenix he made it to the Giants staff, who were...

2014 Mets To Honor Ralph Kiner

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The 2014 Mets will honor former broadcaster; Ralph Kiner all season, by wearing a commemorative uniform patch on their right sleeve. They will start donning the patch during Spring Training & continue during the regular season. In addition; there will be a pre game Opening Day ceremony at Citi Field when the logo will be displayed on the left field wall. The Mets Museum at Citi Field, will also have a special "Kiners Korner" display added to it's memorabilia section. The new Kiner logo will be painted onto the grass at Port St. Lucie's Tradition Field during Spring Training as well.

"Going Going Gone Good Bye" The Passing of Ralph Kiner ( A true Mets & Basbeall Legend)

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Today centerfieldmaz remembers Ralph Kiner on his passing. Kiner was a Mets broadcaster from the teams very first season in 1962.  For those of us growing up in the "golden age "of Mets baseball, it was Ralph Kiner, along with Bob Murphy who brought us all the great Mets memories. Kiner was there at start for the Mets 120 game losing season. He was there when the Amazing Mets won the 1969 World Series. Kiner with Casey Stengel He was there for Tom Seavers three Cy Young Award seasons. He was there for the 1973 You Gotta Believe NL pennant winners. He was there for the bad years & the rebirth in the 1980's. He was there for Dr. K as he struck out everyone on his way to an electrifying year. He was there for Mex, Daryl & the Kid.  Kiner & Willie Mays He was there when the '86 Mets, clinched the pennant after a 16 inning NLCS thriller. He was there when the ball went under Bill Buckner's legs &  the Mets won it all once again. He ...