Stephen C. Kraly, 86, of Johnson City was called home by the Lord to be with his loving wife Irene, in the care of his family at his daughter's home, after battling cancer for the past year, Monday morning, March 7, 2016.
He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Rich Palmer; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Steve and Lori Kraly, Tom Kraly, and Bob and Terri Kraly. Steve was blessed with six wonderful grandchildren who were a daily part of Steve's life, Ryan Palmer, Philip Palmer, Kyle Kraly and wife Kaitlin, Kevin Kraly and wife Rachel, and Tyler and "the most beautiful" granddaughter, Kelsey; two sisters-in-law Diane Horton and Joann Horn; foster sister-in-law Yolanda Dumphy; also many relatives and incredible friends that made Steve's life full of love, laughter and joy. Steve was a member of Saint James Church, Johnson City. He was a graduate of Whiting High School in Indiana. Steve served as a corporal in the United States Army during the Korean War. Steve worked for I.B.M. Owego for 29 years.
Steve played professional baseball, having a record-setting season with the Binghamton Triplets in 1953, finishing the year with the World Champion New York Yankees. Steve was the Binghamton Mets' official scorer since the first season baseball returned to Binghamton in 1992. Steve had many athletic achievements and enjoyed speaking to groups and schools and never turned down a request for an autograph only wanting in return to see a smile on a fan's face. Steve always said, "If it wasn't for the fans, players would have nothing." Steve enjoyed bowling, golfing and softball. He was a coach and a fan of his children and grandchildren throughout their participation in athletics. Steve enjoyed being with the guys at the bowling alley and occasionally watching the horse races. Steve found plenty of joy with his children and grandchildren while playing cards and dice games, along with family picnics and vacations.
While Steve had many loves in his life, none was bigger than the love he had for his wife Irene. Though Irene passed nearly ten years ago, Steve's love for Irene never diminished. He is now reunited in eternity with the love of his life, Irene. Memorial donations can be made to the Children's Home of Wyoming Conference, 1182 Chenango St., Binghamton, NY 13901, in Steve C. Kraly's memory, or to the Steve and Irene Kraly Memorial scholarship (Johnson City Schools), 1115 Rhodes Road, Johnson City, 13790
(From his Wikipedia page- Before playing with the Binghamton Triplets, Kraly was a starter with the Joplin Miners in the Western Association, where he compiled an 18–6 season with 2.79 ERA. During his time there, he was a roommate with Mickey Mantle, Lou Skizas and Bob Wiesler. After that experience he quoted: "We enjoyed it and we had a lot of fun. We became like brothers, not just teammates.")
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