April 19, 1962 - 1995
A tribute to former Brooklyn Dodgers and current New York Mets, Duke Snider at the Polo Grounds with Ralph Kiner, Bob Murphy, Lindsey Nelson, Abe Stark, Dick Young, Miss Rheingold of 1963, Gil Hodges, and M. Donald Grant.
Prior to the on the field tribute ceremonies honoring Duke Snider Ralph Kiner (Kiner's Korner) has Snider reminisce with anecdotes each of his memorable years as a Brooklyn Dodger from 1947 to 1956. Former Dodger roommate, Gil Hodges later joins in and comments about those early Brooklyn Dodger years.
Lindsey Nelson at the mike introduces former Brooklyn Dodger teammates of the Duke including, Roy Campanella, Don Newcombe, Jackie Robinson, Carl Erskine, Carl Furillo and Cal Abrams.
Former New York Giant Eddie Brannick throws out the first ball.
A remembrance salute to the New York Giants who played in the Polo Grounds as the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets join in.
Duke Snider speaks to all his fans at the microphone. Following is a fitting tribute to the N.Y. Giants who used to play at the Polo Grounds. Miss Martha Wright sings "Auld Lang Syne" and the "National Anthem" and asks the fans to join in... "for the Duke!"
Bob Murphy calls the play by play of Duke Sniders first at bat facing San Francisco pitching wonder Juan Marichal who walks Snider.
NOTE:
Last game played at the Polo Grounds by the Giants (New York / San Francisco).
KINER'S KORNER Premiered with the first televised New York Mets home game (April 19, 1962) broadcast on WOR TV Channel 9 in New York. This 15 minute program aired prior to and after each NEW YORK METS home baseball game.
The show usually consisted of an interview with the star of the game from the winning team, along with game highlights and scores of other games from that day. Sometimes two or more players were featured.
The show's theme music was Flag of Victory Polka, written by Alvino Rey under the name Ira Ironstrings. The show's name came from the close-in left field seats in Forbes Field where Kiner deposited many home runs during his Hall of Fame career as a Pirate home-run hitter.
Most extant KINER KORNER archived broadcasts are circa 1980's and 1990's and only a few dozen of those broadcasts are known to exist. Sadly, many hundreds of other shows were never recorded or if recorded on video tape erased over (wiped) using the 2" Quad to record a next broadcast, saving money or not viewing the saving of these programs of any value once aired. (1962-1980).
