Longtime Mets announcer Ralph Kiner has passed away yesterday at the age of 91.

Kiner started announcing Mets games since the franchise inaugural season in 1962 on WOR-TV, along with Lindsey Nelson and Bob Murphy.

Kiner announced Mets games every season in the franchise history including last year, making special appearances on SNY.

He also was the host of iconic "Kiner's Korner" after Mets home games, speaking to players and coaches.

Prior to announcing Mets games in 1962, Kiner debuted as a Chicago White Sox broadcaster in 1961.

Kiner's announcing career following his legendary 10-year playing career with the Pirates, Cubs and Indians. He played his last MLB game on September 25, 1955 as a member of the Cleveland Indians.

He hit 369 home runs along with driving in 1,105 RBI in his MLB career, including an amazing 54 home run season with Pittsburgh in 1949. In addition, he led MLB in home runs from 1947 through 1952. His career batting average was .279.

Kiner was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975 in Cooperstown, NY.

In addition, he was selected into the Mets Hall of Fame in 1984.

Furthermore His jersey number, 4, was retired by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1987.

Here some Kiner's memorable quotes:

"On Father's Day, we again wish you all happy birthday."

"Solo homers usually come with no one on base."

"(Don) Sutton lost thirteen games in a row without winning a ballgame."

"The Hall of Fame ceremonies are on the thirty-first and thirty-second of July."

"The Mets have gotten their leadoff batter on only once this inning."

"There's a lot of heredity in that family."

SNY issued the following statement yesterday:

"Ralph Kiner was a giant in every sense of the word.   His impact on Mets fans over 52 years in the booth is immeasurable.   We will not only miss his insights and knowledge of the game, but more importantly, his engaging personality and huge heart.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Kiner family."

New York Mets CEO and Chairman FRED WILPON released the following statement yesterday:

"Ralph Kiner was one of the most beloved people in Mets history - An original Met and extraordinary gentleman.

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 twelve grandchildren.

Our sport and society today lost one of the all-time greats."

Kevin Burkhardt is a terrific broadcaster for both SNY and Fox Sports, he discussed in a recent Fox Sports article about getting the opportunity to sit next his idol and broadcasting a spring training game.

"That was me six years ago, and man was I nervous."

All the accolades above, the fact that he was a Navy pilot in World War II, a former GM, an iconic star, and here was the best part of Ralph Kiner: He was a true gentleman. He shook my hand, made me feel like I had been doing games with him forever, and we talked baseball for the next few hours.

A privilege I will never forget," said Burkhardt in a Fox Sports article.