Isiah Kiner-Falefa Reunites with Legendary Cousin

Isiah Kiner-Falefa has long been aware that he shares a special family connection with the Hall of Fame slugger Ralph Kinner. On Monday, this Pittsburgh Pirates infielder finally met this side of his family.

In the press room at Citi Field, Kiner-Falefa embraced Scott Kinner, one of Ralph Kinner’s sons, before the Pirates faced off against the Mets, ultimately winning 4-3.

Scott mentioned last year that he confirmed through family genealogy that his great-grandmother, Mary McFerrin Kinner, hails from Western Pennsylvania, making her the great-great-grandmother to Kiner-Falefa on his mother’s side.

During the meeting, Kiner-Falefa received a charcoal painting that depicted Ralph Kinner, who was a Mets broadcaster from 1962 to 2013, following a decade-long career in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Pirates.

“It’s like a dream come true to finally meet [Scott Kinner],” Kiner-Falefa expressed, noting how special it is to play for the Pirates after having played with the Yankees in 2022-23. “I’m just trying to uphold the family name with pride.”

Growing up in Hawaii, he never had the chance to meet Ralph Kinner. He did recall attending a Mets game when he was younger, on July 14th, 2007, when the team honored Kinner at Shea Stadium.

“My granddad always shared stories about our family,” he said. “I couldn’t quite believe it. Going to that Mets game, and it being Kinner’s night, was surreal.”

Scott Kinner is currently promoting his new book titled *One Kinner* and seemed to agree that this moment felt like “a happy ending in a book.”

Kiner-Falefa shared that he has been keeping an eye on “Tidbits,” a series focused on Kinner’s broadcast work, and mentioned that he has aspirations of pursuing a career in broadcasting once his playing days come to an end.

“When I was eight, I was hooked on baseball,” he admitted. “I’ve always looked up to Ralph Kinner.”

In other news, right-hander Paul Blackburn is set to begin rehabilitation at Triple-A Syracuse after his recent stomach virus reset his rehabilitation clock. Blackburn had previously started the season on the injured list due to inflammation in his right knee.

Meanwhile, Sean Manaea is also recovering from a twisted ligament in his arm. The Mets have partnered with New York Presbyterian Hospital to provide free prostate cancer screenings for fans and employees at Citi Field during an upcoming game. Those who participate will receive a voucher for two free tickets to a subsequent home game.