Willie Charles " Boom Boom" Kirkland

[Bear]

Boom Boom was one of my favorite player from the 1958 Giants. He was the RF for that team and I believe he started in 112 games for the Giants in 58. He was the starter in the home opener (first game in SF) at Seals Stadium his rookie year. He played very well for three years for the Giants and then went to Cleveland Indians where he had another three great years. I always liked Kirkland and was sad when he left. He was traded to the Indians with Johnny Antonelli for Harvey Kuenn in 1960. Harvey Kuenn now there is another great player. Kirkland averaged 19 HRs a year for the Giants and had a good arm, but his average was only so, so. :beerbang:

[SF Kid]

Great call Bear.

Willie Kirkland was a great Giant. I remember him hitting those shots into the right field bleachers at Seals stadium disappearing into the black sky at night games back in 1958. He had some pop.

Of course San Francisco's own Willie McCovey came along in 1959 and stole our hearts. Now were talking 'pop'.

And I remember when Harvey Kuenn came to bat in the 1962 playoff game with the Dodgers when Russ Hodges said... ``and here comes blue eyed Harvey Kuenn. He doubled. :D

[Bear]

Yes it was the arrival of Willie Mc. and Orlando that paved the way to Cleveland for Kirkland, but he was great while he was here.:beerbang: