Ralph Kiner, 91, was Mets icon

— -- RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. -- Slugger and broadcasting icon Ralph Kiner has died at age 91, the Baseball Hall of Fame announced Thursday.

Kiner, who died with his family at his side at his home in Rancho Mirage, Calif., hit 369 home runs during his 10-year career, mostly with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

He made his debut in 1946 and his power quickly became the talk of baseball -- he won or tied for the National League lead in homers in each of his first seven seasons.

When he retired, Kiner was sixth on the career home run list. Several years later, he joined the broadcast crew of the New York Mets for their expansion season in 1962 and became a permanent fixture -- the home TV booth at Shea Stadium was named in his honor.

"Kiner's Korner" was a delight for players and fans alike, where stars would join Kiner for postgame chats. Known for malaprops -- he once even forgot his own name on air -- he took the occasional slips in stride.

"Ralph Kiner was one of the most beloved people in Mets history -- an original Met and extraordinary gentleman," New York Mets CEO Fred Wilpon said in a statement. "After a Hall of Fame playing career, Ralph became a treasured broadcasting icon for more than half a century. His knowledge of the game, wit, and charm entertained generations of Mets fans.

"Like his stories, he was one of a kind. We send our deepest condolences to Ralph's five children and 12 grandchildren. Our sport and society today lost one of the all-time greats."

Kiner had a stroke about a decade ago but remained an occasional part of the Mets' announcing crew. He worked a handful of games last season, his 52th year of calling their games.

"As one of baseball's most prolific power hitters for a decade, Ralph struck fear into the hearts of the best pitchers of baseball's Golden Era despite his easygoing nature, disarming humility and movie-star smile," Hall President Jeff Idelson said in a statement.

"His engaging personality and profound knowledge of the game turned him into a living room companion for millions of New York Mets fans who adored his game broadcasts and later `Kiner's Korner' for more than half a century," he said. "He was as comfortable hanging out in Palm Springs with his friend Bob Hope as he was hitting in front of Hank Greenberg at Forbes Field."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.