NEW YORK — Bobby Thomson, who hit the famed "Shot Heard 'Round the World" that won the 1951 National League pennant for the New York Giants, died. He was 86.

Thomson's death was confirmed today by the funeral home in Savannah, Ga., that is handling the arrangements.

He had been in failing health for several years and died at home nearby Monday night, funeral director Joe Wall said.

Thomson connected off Brooklyn ace Ralph Branca for a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning at Polo Grounds in the decisive game of a best-of-three playoff.

The homer and broadcaster Russ Hodges' ecstatic call of "The Giants win the pennant!" remain one of the signature moments in major league history.

A three-time All-Star as an infielder and outfielder, Thomson hit .270 with 264 career home runs and 1,026 RBIs from 1946-60 with several teams.

By The Associated Press