Baseball hall of famer Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra, who is believed to have inspired the famous cartoon character 'Yogi bear', breathed his last on Tuesday evening at his home in New Jersey. He was 90.

Berra was one of the most well-known sportspersons in the US, and he received a legendary status after plying his trade with baseball giants the New York Yankees between 1946 and 1963.

The jersey no 8, sported by Berra, back in those days, was retired by the Yankees, after the 10-time World Series Champion and three-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the American League, hung up his gloves in 1972.

He also entered the Baseball Hall of Fame that year.

The announcement of his death was made by the Yogi Berra museum in New Jersey, which was built in 1988 to honour the baseball legend's career.

"While we mourn the loss of our father, grandfather and great-grandfather, we know he is at peace with Mom," Berra's family said in a statement released by the museum. "We celebrate his remarkable life, and are thankful he meant so much to so many. He will truly be missed."

Berra hit 358 home runs in his career, but he has been known for being one of the best catchers in the history of baseball.

He is also known for his one-liners and 'Yogi-isms' such as "It's like deja-vu all over again", "Always go to other people's funerals, otherwise they won't go to yours" and "The future ain't what it used to be".