PAOLI, Pennsylvania (Ticker) -- Max Patkin, the "Clown Prince of Baseball" who entertained fans for more than half a century, died today. He was 79.

Patkin was admitted to Paoli Hospital on October 23 for treatment of an aneurysm and died today at 1 p.m. EDT, according to his son-in-law, Roger Tietsworth.

Patkin began performing at major and minor league games in the 1940s, employing a self-deprecating, slapstick style that played off his gangly stature and has been often duplicated by today's team mascots.

He retired in 1995 due to a series of health problems and his trademark uniform and cap have been displayed at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

Patkin, who resided in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, was featured in the 1988 motion picture "Bull Durham."