Recalling Ralph Kiner, Phil Rizzuto, John Beasley And Such

My mind wandered as I thought about the 1942 World Series, especially game 2 when the Yankees’ great shortstop and eventual broadcaster Phil Rizzuto led off at St. Louis vs the Cards’ 21 game winner, John Beasley.

I long for the days when the likes of Rizzuto and Ralph Kiner were New York broadcasters.

Kiner came to mind as I recalled a day, late in his life I was fortunate to sit at a table with him at a Mets (I believe to add to the story Cards game) game.

Someone at the table asked Kiner against whom he got his first hit. He knew it was the Cardinals but could not recall the pitcher’s name.

I named John Beasley among others and Ralph said that is who it was.

It is a nice memory helping a great player recall his first major league hit.

Ernie “Tiny” Bonham also a 21 game winner, was the Yankees starter in game 2/1942 World Series vs Beasley that now, long ago day.