It's not entirely accurate to say Yogi occasionally played the outfield. Late in his career, with Elston Howard firmly in place behind the plate, he played the outfield rather often, albeit as a platoon player. That he was able to make the adjustment to a different position when so many catchers couldn't is a tribute to his skills.
2
I grew up in Brooklyn and at an early age learned to despise the Yankees. When I became a catcher I still rooted for the Brooklyn Dodgers but became a fan of Yogi Berra.
1
I grew up in Cohoes, NY and was always a Yankee fan. Listened to every game I could on a radio in my bed room and remember Yogi the most. As luck would have it, my Dad took me to my first Major League game at age 9, September 1951 when Allie Reynolds threw the no hitter to clinch the American League pennant and Yogi missed the pop up behind the plate that Ted Williams hit for the 3rd out in the top of the 9th. Yogi buried his face in the dirt. Allie Reynolds, they called him the Chief came off the mound, picked Yogi up, handed him his mask and gave him a pat on the ass. Strolled back to the mound and on the next pitch Williams popped it up again behind the plate and Yogi caught it - NO HITTER. What a thrill for a 9 year old from Cohoes. RIP Yogi and God Bless You
1
My final comment. Promise.
I would like to point out that the most physically demanding and dangerous position in the sport of baseball is catcher. Squatting beneath the arc of a wooden club that can literally turn splinter your skull and turn your brain to mush, thinking only about catching a 100+mph projectile thrown directly at you, is a Zen moment of life. Pitch after pitch after pitch.
Yogi made it look fun, and easy. Pitch after pitch after pitch. Year after year after year.
I idolized Micky Mantle and Roger Maris. I loved Yogi.
I would like to point out that the most physically demanding and dangerous position in the sport of baseball is catcher. Squatting beneath the arc of a wooden club that can literally turn splinter your skull and turn your brain to mush, thinking only about catching a 100+mph projectile thrown directly at you, is a Zen moment of life. Pitch after pitch after pitch.
Yogi made it look fun, and easy. Pitch after pitch after pitch. Year after year after year.
I idolized Micky Mantle and Roger Maris. I loved Yogi.
2
A class act and role model. Catchers are the unsung heroes of championship teams.
1
If we judge a man by the content of his character, it's Yogi, hands down. Decency, toughness, humility. Loving husband and father. RIP Yogi.
1
R.I.P. Mr. Berra.
Yogi wrote an amazing Op-Ed in the New York Times on November 7, 2001 summarizing the NYY loss to Arizona in the 2001 World Series.
"Losing isn't a Loss" by Yogi Berra.
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/07/opinion/losing-isn-t-a-loss.html
The last line in this Op-Ed is Yogi at his best: "All the final result did was prove something I said a long time ago: In Baseball, you don't know nothing."
Knowing is easy; it is the doing that is difficult. You made the difficult look so easy - thanks for the memories Mr. Berra. Thank you for your service to our country, and being a big part of the Greatest Generation.
Yogi wrote an amazing Op-Ed in the New York Times on November 7, 2001 summarizing the NYY loss to Arizona in the 2001 World Series.
"Losing isn't a Loss" by Yogi Berra.
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/07/opinion/losing-isn-t-a-loss.html
The last line in this Op-Ed is Yogi at his best: "All the final result did was prove something I said a long time ago: In Baseball, you don't know nothing."
Knowing is easy; it is the doing that is difficult. You made the difficult look so easy - thanks for the memories Mr. Berra. Thank you for your service to our country, and being a big part of the Greatest Generation.
4
The ONLY major league player with 300 home runs and a better home run to strikeout ratio than Berra is ... Joe DiMaggio. Must have been frustrating for pitchers to face those two back to back - and Berra was a notoriously free swinger.
1
I am grateful to the NYT for keeping this comment thread open. I'm still reading and still the text is still a teary blur. Not a single unkind word in over 600 comments. I doubt one would turn up in 6,000.
Yogi was the rare pearl found in the rugged shell of an oyster. A gem of a man.
Yogi was the rare pearl found in the rugged shell of an oyster. A gem of a man.
5
Yanks made New Yorkers so proud season after season back then.
You just knew that with Yankee sluggers line-up and back-to-back Mantle and Berra that the win was on its way.
R.I.P.
You just knew that with Yankee sluggers line-up and back-to-back Mantle and Berra that the win was on its way.
R.I.P.
1
Show some respect, NYT. The latter half of your headline is not only tongue-in-cheek, it's in poor taste for one of the most-loved Yankees of all time. It also misses the gist of his immortal quote: "Baseball is 90% mental and the other half is physical."
"They say you can't take it with you, but I think that they're wrong
'Cause all I know is I woke up this morning, and something big was gone" - B Springsteen
Yes something big was gone RIP Yogi, Carmen is waiting for you.
'Cause all I know is I woke up this morning, and something big was gone" - B Springsteen
Yes something big was gone RIP Yogi, Carmen is waiting for you.
Somedays I get fed up with the NYT unrelenting bias in favor of the Democratic party but to this day nobody and I mean nobody can do obits like the Times. Thank you. This was a particularly excellent one.
4
Even though headline writing is by its nature an anyomous art, the artistry should not go unremarked. How perfectly this one captures in a phrase the dual essence of Yogi Berra!
Yogi hits a home, one last time. One of the old Yankess passes around the bases. Author of book. Raise The Flag: Lean Thy Arms writes stories about learning in and after school, and how a baseball game at school figures into his life forty years late when he writes storeis and publishes this book for your to buy and read.
I think the author is wrong.
By all accounts, Yogi Berra had more than a First Act and Second Act. He had four it would seem by my accounting.
1. D-Day Navy service in 1944 supporting the landings at Utah Beach; and then as part of Operation DRAGOON landing in Southern France.
2. Husband and father.
3. Baseball Player.
4. Baseball Coaching.
Rest in peace, Yogi, you did more than your share in life.
By all accounts, Yogi Berra had more than a First Act and Second Act. He had four it would seem by my accounting.
1. D-Day Navy service in 1944 supporting the landings at Utah Beach; and then as part of Operation DRAGOON landing in Southern France.
2. Husband and father.
3. Baseball Player.
4. Baseball Coaching.
Rest in peace, Yogi, you did more than your share in life.
2
As a future clown and girl who loved to play baseball growing up, Yogi Berra and Yogi Bear were my heroes. There was always a subtle bit of wisdom in his wit and a lightness in the simple joy and humility of finding a job you loved and sticking with it. You were a great human Yogi, peace to your soul.
1
Yogi was given the well-deserved honor of not just an obituary but an editorial in the UK Times. Ones of the comments appended to it reads as follows: I was in the RAF in Gibraltar in the 70's and our 3 aircraft were next to the single Gibraltar Airlines aircraft. This flew between the Rock and Tangiers daily. The name on that aircraft was Gib Air. One night someone altered it to read YOGIB AIR. It flew for a couple of days before being repainted. But forever after it was called Yogi or Yogi Bear. Posted by William Giles
2
Good bye Yogi and thanks for you!
1
It took me about three times to notice the perfect wit of the superb headline. Congratulations to the headline writer (Mr. Weber?).
2
Love, love, love the headline. Hope the Times gives the writer a raise.
1
Great headline. Bravo.
1
Yogi was an inspiration to the little guy. The average height of players with 350+ career HRs is 6'2". Only two were under 5'10": Mel Ott, at 5'9", and Yogi, at only 5'7".
One year when Johnny LIndell was playing for the Yankees, he had his son live with friends in Buchanan, NY where Johnny Jr. went to school with us. The family owned the local ice cream parlor, The Circle Shop, which was a favorite hangout in the community. One summer day when we were attending the recreation program run at the local school, the word circulated that Johnny Lindell was coming to town to pick up his son at the Circle Shop. We all ran the short distance to the shop and were delighted to see Johnny LIndell pick up his son while his teammates waited for him in the back seat of the car. His teammates were Yogi Berra and Hank Bauer and gawking at them is still one of the highlights of that summer!!
The complimentary phrase “they don’t make ‘em like that anymore,” aptly applies to the late, great Yogi Berra. In my book "The Cybernetic Indian" I write of Yogi’s seemingly absurd statements as that of a quantum prophet:
“Increasingly, the role of God in the creation of the Universe looms ever more tangible when projected into the inscrutable fuzziness of quantum mechanics, where Yogi Berra’s advice, ‘When you come to the fork in the road, take it,’ no longer sounds bizarre. His statement encapsulates a basic quantum principle in a way all scientific principles will be presented, with an elegance of clarity that everyday people will understand. When Yogi’s road is regarded as a beam of light, being both particle and wave, either prong of the fork is the right way. I call this the ‘BERRA BIFURCATION PRINCIPLE,’ akin to Feynman’s SUM-OVER-PATHS, in which particles are envisioned to travel from one point to another along all possible paths between them.”
See: stanleystomeontherange.com
“Increasingly, the role of God in the creation of the Universe looms ever more tangible when projected into the inscrutable fuzziness of quantum mechanics, where Yogi Berra’s advice, ‘When you come to the fork in the road, take it,’ no longer sounds bizarre. His statement encapsulates a basic quantum principle in a way all scientific principles will be presented, with an elegance of clarity that everyday people will understand. When Yogi’s road is regarded as a beam of light, being both particle and wave, either prong of the fork is the right way. I call this the ‘BERRA BIFURCATION PRINCIPLE,’ akin to Feynman’s SUM-OVER-PATHS, in which particles are envisioned to travel from one point to another along all possible paths between them.”
See: stanleystomeontherange.com
1
I remember, as a 14 year old, being taken to front row box seats at Griffith Field in D.C. for the Yankee-Senators game. We arrived early and our host asked if we wanted to be introduced to any of the players. Of course I said I wanted to meet Micky Mantle, but the Mick was busy or something. Our host said Yogi could come over. I said, well, ok. Wearing his catcher's gear Yogi came jogging over quickly with a huge grin on his face and acted as if meeting us was an honor for him. He stayed to chat and answer questions and then excused himself saying he had to go to work. I never looked at Mickey and Yogi the same way again. One was still my idol but the other was my new friend.
Rest in peace Yogi.
It's over but it isn't over.
Rest in peace Yogi.
It's over but it isn't over.
4
Yogi lived under the shadow of Mantle and Maris. In any other time, he would have been the star of the Yankees. He was one of the best, most complete catchers, in baseball.
4
In the photo titled "Dear Mr. President, he was out," of a Dodger player sliding into home with Yogi tagging him, it appears clear the player is out, and also that the umpire is calling him out. I then found a video of the play, and it appears that the photo used in the Times is not the same play. I was always marveled by Yogi.
1
Great headline! Resi in Peace, Mr. Berra.
2
RIP, Really Indescribable Person. Yogi was a mensch.
4
Catcher's gear is called
'the tools of ignorance". Yogi dispelled that rumor.
'the tools of ignorance". Yogi dispelled that rumor.
1
Last night I watched the Royals / Mariners game. The Royals had a guy interview an old friend of Berra's. He was in the stands doing some scouting. He was a former Yankee player.
After Larson's perfect game Berra talked to him about the final out. The last pitch, according to this guy, was a good 6 inches outside. The ump called it a strike anyway, and the game was over.
A nice baseball nugget.
After Larson's perfect game Berra talked to him about the final out. The last pitch, according to this guy, was a good 6 inches outside. The ump called it a strike anyway, and the game was over.
A nice baseball nugget.
What an unforgettable and totally lovable human being. RIP, Yogi. I grew up simultaneously hating and admiring the Yankees (I'm a Pittsburgh Pirates die hard) but no matter what, I idolized Yogi. That he has been around for virtually all of my life from childhood through adulthood and now late middle age is a hallmark not so much to his longevity as it is to his unique talents and everlasting popularity.
You will be missed, Yogi. But never forgotten.
You will be missed, Yogi. But never forgotten.
1
Thank you, NYT for wonderful coverage. You got it just right, from this wonderful obit, to the follow=up stories.
1
Dear Sir or Madam,
The title of this article is not clear. What does "Yogi Berra Built His Stardom 90 Percent on Skill and Half on Wit" mean?
Does it mean half percent or half of the 90 percent? To wit, what was the other 10% or whatever is left after the 90% of skill and half of wit?
The title of this article is not clear. What does "Yogi Berra Built His Stardom 90 Percent on Skill and Half on Wit" mean?
Does it mean half percent or half of the 90 percent? To wit, what was the other 10% or whatever is left after the 90% of skill and half of wit?
1
It's a takeoff on a Yogi-ism:
"Baseball is 90% mental and the other half is physical."
"Baseball is 90% mental and the other half is physical."
4
Hi Bobby,
The headline is a play on a quote attributed to Berra: "Ninety percent of the game is half mental." You can read more about this and other famous Yogi-isms.
Cheers,
JJL
The headline is a play on a quote attributed to Berra: "Ninety percent of the game is half mental." You can read more about this and other famous Yogi-isms.
Cheers,
JJL
1
While living in New Jersey, my wife and I had season tickets for the Jersey Jackals. Tucked away on ground near Montclair State University Yogi Berra stadium is the home for the NJ Jackals professional baseball team and the expanding Yogi Berra Museum. We frequently found Yogi there talking with fans of all ages; some of us having had the opportunity to see him play and coach. He was a gracious celebrity, always willing to sign autographs, and have his picture taken with the very young who knew he was someone special by all the attention he received from adults. He was a living baseball legend and best of all, a kind and gentle human being. Miss you Yogi.
2
I haven't read all the comments so perhaps someone has already pointed out that Yogi, in that great 1950 season, struck out only 12 times.
3
An absolute God to my generation. The Perfect Game photo hangs in our family room. I'm from Philadelphia!
1
Great headline! Pulitzer?
2
So, did you intend the headline to be a play on words? Not the place for it if it was. Otherwise, a great tribute.
Watch carefully - you will not be able to kill the joy New York feels in celebrating one of our favorite characters, no matter how much you try.
R.I.P. Yogi. Thanks for many great memories. You were the one Yankee that a Yankee-hater couldn't do anything but love. We miss you already.
1
As if the passing of Yogi were not enough, you have to stick the knife in and twist it, NYTimes. Picture 22 on your slide show of Gary Carter, with his arm around Yogi is almost unbearably sad...for me at least. Guess we'll have to soldier on without these two catchers that contributed so much joy to the lives of current and former New Yorkers. Where's the tissue...
Just heard of Yogi's passing on the local news. It hit me harder than I would have guessed. Little league, Mantle, Maris, Yogi- that's when baseball was important. And Yogi's quotes (whether he said them or not) will be around a long time.
All these people commenting on here loved Yogi. Me too.
All these people commenting on here loved Yogi. Me too.
1
In our current era of rotten this and rotten that, you never heard anything rotten about this man during his time both on and off the playing field. RIP Mr. Yogi Berra.
2
It's rare that a man comes along in the world of sports who is universally loved. Able to transcend the petty bickerings over why one bunch of guys in one kind of shirt are better than the guys in the other shirts. Yogi didn't just transcend team loyalty, he didn't just transcend his sport, he became legend. For being a good, kind man, generous with his time, attention, and wisdom. The world may be a lesser place for his passing, but it's an infinitely richer place for his having stopped by in the first place.
4
There’ll never be another one like him ‘till there will.
1
It's over.
2
In 1956 Yogi was 11th in PPA (https://baseballproduction.wordpress.com/1956-offensive-production-per-p..., he called Don Larsen's perfect game and had one of the best all around seasons from game one until the final game of the WS. He was truly a gifted ballplayer and a great man.
He used to say, "It ain't over until it's over." Well it was over today Yogi, and you missed it. We'll miss you. RIP.
He used to say, "It ain't over until it's over." Well it was over today Yogi, and you missed it. We'll miss you. RIP.
That's a very clever headline, but Mr. Berra said it better.
"90% of this game is half-mental."
"90% of this game is half-mental."
1
I am fortunate to to have used his wisdom and wit. How classic is his oratory.
As an English teacher, many winter days were warmed by his statements.
The Chief
As an English teacher, many winter days were warmed by his statements.
The Chief
1
In an era of ever-escalating sports puffery and preening, he was an individual truly worthy to be called an athlete - and a real man. One of my lifetime heroes. May he rest in peace.
4
I'm so sad to see Yogi go, but not sorry, as he had a long and great run, and none of us could hope for more than he had and that he produced.
If you want to know how good Yogi was, listen to Casey Stengel, his manager through most of his career. Casey was a fabulous character in the game, a good if eccentric player in the early years of the game (a famous event in the aging years of his playing career has him repeatedly exhorting himself aloud "Go. Go Casey Go" as his old bowed legs beat out a game-winning inside-the-park home run during the World Series. He was a favorite of the great John McGraw), and an all-time great manager. Stengel thought first that Yogi was amazingly lucky. He said that if Yogi fell into an open sewer, he'd come up uninjured with a Rolex watch.
But Yogi's value was much more than his lucky nature. Stengel was asked what the secret was to his managerial success. He replied that he always made sure that he wrote down his catcher's name on the lineup card. Stengel managed DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, and a wondrous line-up for years. But he most valued Yogi, and made sure he was always in the game.
Rest in Peace Yogi. In many ways you were as good as it gets.
If you want to know how good Yogi was, listen to Casey Stengel, his manager through most of his career. Casey was a fabulous character in the game, a good if eccentric player in the early years of the game (a famous event in the aging years of his playing career has him repeatedly exhorting himself aloud "Go. Go Casey Go" as his old bowed legs beat out a game-winning inside-the-park home run during the World Series. He was a favorite of the great John McGraw), and an all-time great manager. Stengel thought first that Yogi was amazingly lucky. He said that if Yogi fell into an open sewer, he'd come up uninjured with a Rolex watch.
But Yogi's value was much more than his lucky nature. Stengel was asked what the secret was to his managerial success. He replied that he always made sure that he wrote down his catcher's name on the lineup card. Stengel managed DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, and a wondrous line-up for years. But he most valued Yogi, and made sure he was always in the game.
Rest in Peace Yogi. In many ways you were as good as it gets.
3
A lovely obituary. But "probably the second most recognizable nickname in sports," after the Babe? What about Eldrick Woods?
When they are still talking Tiger 50 years from now I will let you know.
Yogi Berra was every bit a New Yorker. Trouble is, he thought he would be funny and lived in New Jersey.
Wow. What a man. What a wonderful obituary. I did not grow up in this country, and I was (and am) an avid cricket fan. But thanks to my children, I've now grown to love baseball, and become a huge Red Sox fan.
Of course I'd heard some fabulous yogi-isms and watched him getting interviewed on TV. Cute.
But, Normandy? Marseilles? Purple Heart?
Someone like Mr. Berra epitomizes everything that is great about this country, and validates why I came here in the first place.
Of course I'd heard some fabulous yogi-isms and watched him getting interviewed on TV. Cute.
But, Normandy? Marseilles? Purple Heart?
Someone like Mr. Berra epitomizes everything that is great about this country, and validates why I came here in the first place.
5
You don't have to be a Yankees fan to have a great appreciation for the great Yogi Berra. All fans of the Game should be in mourning today. He was a one of the greatest gentleman philosophers of our time. Funny, tough, wise, fiesty, vulnerable... he was everything. I am so glad that he got a chance to come back in 1999, and then have one of the greatest second careers of anyone in the game.
I may be a Red Sox and Cardinals fan, but tonight I am a Berra fan - and I mourn his passing. RIP, Yogi! You gave it your all and then some. Thank you!
I may be a Red Sox and Cardinals fan, but tonight I am a Berra fan - and I mourn his passing. RIP, Yogi! You gave it your all and then some. Thank you!
2
It was not "occasionally" that the deservedly heralded Yogi took to the outfield for the Yankees.
First of all, he was in the OF for some considerable number of games in 1947 (= 24) and 1948 (= 50) at the onset of his wonderful career.
He next appeared in the OF in 1956 (= 1). Over the next several years he played 213 games in the OF.
In his final three years as a Yankee he played just 81 games as a catcher.
Why? Without the DH, Yogi's career as an active player was prolonged by getting out from behind home plate.
Once Elston Howard arrived in 1955, he spelled Yogi on a more or less regular basis at their catcher. Howard, FYI, also played a considerable number of games at 1B and in the OF.
Yogi's versatility by adapting himself to the OF occurred after trying 3B and 1B without success, adding to his year's as an offensive force for the Yankees.
BTW, as a Brooklyn Dodger fan I am certain that the umpire got it correctly.
Contrary to Yogi's verdict, Jackie Robinson was safe in his famous steal from 3B to home plate.
One other Yogism. He once did a 20-minute promotional segment for Channel 11 in NYC (PBS). Asked about his experience in the third wave landing at Normandy on D-Day, the interviewer asked him to describe the experience. Pause, on Yogi's part. He answered in a classic three-word sentence: "It was dangerous."
First of all, he was in the OF for some considerable number of games in 1947 (= 24) and 1948 (= 50) at the onset of his wonderful career.
He next appeared in the OF in 1956 (= 1). Over the next several years he played 213 games in the OF.
In his final three years as a Yankee he played just 81 games as a catcher.
Why? Without the DH, Yogi's career as an active player was prolonged by getting out from behind home plate.
Once Elston Howard arrived in 1955, he spelled Yogi on a more or less regular basis at their catcher. Howard, FYI, also played a considerable number of games at 1B and in the OF.
Yogi's versatility by adapting himself to the OF occurred after trying 3B and 1B without success, adding to his year's as an offensive force for the Yankees.
BTW, as a Brooklyn Dodger fan I am certain that the umpire got it correctly.
Contrary to Yogi's verdict, Jackie Robinson was safe in his famous steal from 3B to home plate.
One other Yogism. He once did a 20-minute promotional segment for Channel 11 in NYC (PBS). Asked about his experience in the third wave landing at Normandy on D-Day, the interviewer asked him to describe the experience. Pause, on Yogi's part. He answered in a classic three-word sentence: "It was dangerous."
4
"Contrary to Yogi's verdict, Jackie Robinson was safe in his famous steal from 3B to home plate."
Well, he had a pretty good view of the play.
Well, he had a pretty good view of the play.
When we were young kid, only a few years ago, he was a hero. Today I am living five miles from the Yogi Berra Museum and I routinely bike by it and go to NJ Jackals games at the stadium. For people across the nation, it is well with the trip. Yogi is a man who inspired all of us kids.
Ya know, it's not over. It's never going to be over, Yogi. God bless ya.
Ya know, it's not over. It's never going to be over, Yogi. God bless ya.
7
R.I.P. Yogi
Yogi lived in the same retirement complex as my mom, and they had a "Yankees night" anytime there was a Yankees game on TV. Fans got together in the lounge to watch the game on TV, and Yogi joined them if he wanted. It was a nice get-together.
5
Alas great Yogi, I've dreaded this day. I was a diehard Brooklyn Dodger fan, and hated the Yankees (still do) but always loved Yogi, probably the greatest common man ever. I've often thought of people no one can say bad things about, and Mr. Berra was always in the 99th percentile. RIP Yogi. And remember all, Don Larsen pitched a perfect WS game, but Yogi told him what to throw.
2
You played a real good game, Yogi! May the force be with you always, but the world will be less interesting without you, no lie.
Thanks to a good man and a great ballplayer, and condolences to the Berra family, for their loss!
a Red Sox fan
Thanks to a good man and a great ballplayer, and condolences to the Berra family, for their loss!
a Red Sox fan
2
About growing up living next to Berra, Joe Garagiola once said,
“Not only was I not the best catcher in the Major Leagues, I wasn't even the best catcher on my street!"
“Not only was I not the best catcher in the Major Leagues, I wasn't even the best catcher on my street!"
6
My earliest memories of baseball came while my father and I listened to baseball broadcasts from a US Naval ship heading to Hawaii in the early 1950s. I was 5 at the time, and was thrilled to accompany my dad (a Lieutenant Commander, Navy pilot) to the ship's bar, where I received a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in return for my silence during the broadcast of the baseball game. Casey Stengel's team ruled and my baseball obsession began. Today, I reflect on how Yogi Berra helped to imprint the subtle rules of the game, the beauty and the symmetry (although he would never call it that) of the lines, fair or foul, the clarity of the rules (most of the time) the beauty of the ball parks, the precision and subtlety of the game and of course the joy of the home run or the suicide squeeze.
Yogi is one of the pivotal pillars of the foundation of my baseball firmament. My baseball world, and as my husband would attest, a huge part of my life is shaken. I can't imagine baseball without Yogi. I am bereft.
Yogi is one of the pivotal pillars of the foundation of my baseball firmament. My baseball world, and as my husband would attest, a huge part of my life is shaken. I can't imagine baseball without Yogi. I am bereft.
6
Exquisite writing, Michele.
2
A long life, well-lived. RIP Mr. Berra.
4
An American Original. One of my favorites (believe he was commenting on a NYC restaurtant: "No one goes there anymore, it's too crowded."
1
I met him as a 7 year old at an Italian restaurant Anna & Tony's The Roosevelt on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx in the early 1960s.He was with Elston Howard
and I believe it was a Sunday night after a game.Back in the day,we would see New York Yankees all around the Bronx.And on that occasion,my father was able to get their autographs on the back of the restaurant business card.Flash forward about 50 years and I was in a position to interview Yogi at a Tavern on the Green shindig..I mentioned the restaurant,and my memory and he immediately commented on "How much I liked that place
and the food was good" I told him I had long lost the card,and he obliged me and signed a cocktail napkin.He was warm,sweet and kind and I was thrilled to have a few minutes with him.
and I believe it was a Sunday night after a game.Back in the day,we would see New York Yankees all around the Bronx.And on that occasion,my father was able to get their autographs on the back of the restaurant business card.Flash forward about 50 years and I was in a position to interview Yogi at a Tavern on the Green shindig..I mentioned the restaurant,and my memory and he immediately commented on "How much I liked that place
and the food was good" I told him I had long lost the card,and he obliged me and signed a cocktail napkin.He was warm,sweet and kind and I was thrilled to have a few minutes with him.
9
Yogi Berra not only showed us how the game should be played, but how it should be won in both baseball and life...
5
It is the New York Yankees players like Yogi Berra that has made the team beloved beyond just winning championships ....
3
I first knew of Yogi from his witty statements, but what an amazing man, a true living legend. Had we lived in another era, Yogi would be right up there with the Greek's best, as the God of Wit...and Baseball. If we all had half his heart and an ounce of his determination...America would be so much closer to that "shining city on the hill." Of course, Yogi would've cautioned us that the shining light might be that of an oncoming train. RIP, Mr. Berra you remain inspirational.
1
The writer should've learn from Yogi. "As a catcher he played the most physically grueling and concentration-demanding position on the field." Replace the constipated "concentration-demanding position" with the "smartest position on the field" would give Yogi his due. Eighth-grade, schamth-grade education, the guy was a genius.
3
I hope Aretha sings at his funeral...
1
Great obituary! I should be sad to read of Yogi's death, but for two reasons I'm not. First of all, I thought he had died years ago. Second, he will live as long as baseball and the Americanese version of the English language exists.
Yogi's prime years bring me back to the years in which I was raised in the United States - 1926-1949 - a wonderful epoch. I even played baseball (at summer camp) and once swung at a ball which was way over my head and off to the right and smashed a double, the second greatest achievement in my life.
Yes, Yogi, it ain't over 'till it's over!
Yogi's prime years bring me back to the years in which I was raised in the United States - 1926-1949 - a wonderful epoch. I even played baseball (at summer camp) and once swung at a ball which was way over my head and off to the right and smashed a double, the second greatest achievement in my life.
Yes, Yogi, it ain't over 'till it's over!
4
Yogi Berra was a long time baseball hero to me. He was also a long time favorite of my Dad...who would be 91 years old if he was alive. Dad played Semi-pro ball as a left handed pitcher (admired Warren Spahn) and said if he could have only 1 catcher to call his game it would be Yogi Berra. RIP Yogi, you have earned a spot as one of MLB finest players of all time.
2
I attended a fund raiser in the "real" Stadium sometime in the late 1980s in an effort to keep a synagogue on Walton Avenue 2 blocks up from the Stadium from shutting its doors.
There was a good turnout and about an hour before game time I was in a conversation at the bar with legendary Yankee announcer Mel Allen when from behind me appears (in uniform) Yogi. He extended his hand and hugged Allen and then turned to me and said "hi I'm Yogi Berra"
That was Yogi and today is still a wow moment to me.
There was a good turnout and about an hour before game time I was in a conversation at the bar with legendary Yankee announcer Mel Allen when from behind me appears (in uniform) Yogi. He extended his hand and hugged Allen and then turned to me and said "hi I'm Yogi Berra"
That was Yogi and today is still a wow moment to me.
6
There are very few players from the Yogi Berra era left anymore. Bobby Doerr is still hanging in there. I always thought that the cartoon character Yogi Bear was named after him. Along with his Yogi-isms and his prolific baseball career, he has made more than his mark on American culture.
Former major league catcher Joe Garagiola went on to a celebrated career as a baseball commentator for NBC. He once quipped that not only was he not the best catcher in the Major Leagues... he wasn't even the best catcher on his block! Yogi Berra and Joe Garagiola grew up on the same street in St. Louis.
Yogi, your funeral will be well attended. Sorry that you won't be able to reciprocate.
Former major league catcher Joe Garagiola went on to a celebrated career as a baseball commentator for NBC. He once quipped that not only was he not the best catcher in the Major Leagues... he wasn't even the best catcher on his block! Yogi Berra and Joe Garagiola grew up on the same street in St. Louis.
Yogi, your funeral will be well attended. Sorry that you won't be able to reciprocate.
2
RIP Yogi. With you gone the future truly isn't what it used to be.
1
He was one of a kind; there were very few like him.
Yogi Berra was New York. Now that he is gone along with the original Yankee Stadium, it's a new ballgame, nothing like it was.
lovely obit.
It IS over when it's over.....RIP
It IS over when it's over.....RIP
1
Intelligence comes in many forms and is best demonstrated by how well you use it. No position in baseball requires a greater depth of knowledge of the game than that of the catcher. To that end, the results of Yogi's tenure behind the plate shows him to be a genius of the game.
1
I was one of the kids who used to wait outside the players' exit at Yankee Stadium. Most of the players rushed past us, but Yogi always had a smile, a wave, and a Hi for the young fans.
In his old age he was much beloved by the public. I think he received the largest ovation of all at the old timers day at the Stadium last year.
In shedding a tear on the news of his death, I think I was also mourning the end of an era - the years of the invincible Yanks. Those were the days....
In his old age he was much beloved by the public. I think he received the largest ovation of all at the old timers day at the Stadium last year.
In shedding a tear on the news of his death, I think I was also mourning the end of an era - the years of the invincible Yanks. Those were the days....
8
I grew up as an Oriole fan outside of NYC. The only games I could see were the Yankee games on WPIX. I hated the Yankees because they always beat the Orioles. Of all the Yankees, the one I hated most was Yogi because whenever they were down a run in the 9th inning and there was a man on, I knew that if Berra was up the game was over. He was the greatest catcher ever!
1
Yogi left school early but was no dummy. His down-to-earth demeanor and outlook might be in part explained by his lack of education. He didn't go far enough in school to over analyze anything. He is wonderfully anti-intellectual. But don't think that these yogi-ism are the spontaneous effusions of some bumpkin. The obit states that he was "intelligent and shrewd." He might have gone on to say that he was also a great wit. Interesting that Yogi is not considered a great wit. Great wits are often intellectuals. But his stuff IS witty and I think he knew what he was doing most of time when he intoned those little gems. But he is from another ilk, from another place, someplace natural, seemingly innocent, and infinitely charming.
4
This is like déjà vu, all over again.
I've only met two famous NY Yankees, one was Phil "Scooter" Rizzuto, legendary Yankee shortstop (1941-1956) and TV announcer for the Yanks for many years, (finally)a Hall of Famer; and Yogi (did he really ever need a second name?), another Hall of Famer, longtime catcher for the Yankees (1946–63, 1965), then manager and coach. I met both of them at different times at La Guardia airport back in the nineties, waiting for flights. Couldn't have been two nicer guys. I'm not into autographs but I'll treasure the handshakes forever.
We lost the Scooter in 2007, and now Yogi. We know it's getting along when the heroes of our youth all begin disappearing.
Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra and Philip Francis "Phil" Rizzuto, may you both rest in peace.
I've only met two famous NY Yankees, one was Phil "Scooter" Rizzuto, legendary Yankee shortstop (1941-1956) and TV announcer for the Yanks for many years, (finally)a Hall of Famer; and Yogi (did he really ever need a second name?), another Hall of Famer, longtime catcher for the Yankees (1946–63, 1965), then manager and coach. I met both of them at different times at La Guardia airport back in the nineties, waiting for flights. Couldn't have been two nicer guys. I'm not into autographs but I'll treasure the handshakes forever.
We lost the Scooter in 2007, and now Yogi. We know it's getting along when the heroes of our youth all begin disappearing.
Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra and Philip Francis "Phil" Rizzuto, may you both rest in peace.
2
A great ball player, D-day veteran and kind human being . . . (from "the hill" in South St. Louis). Proud I got to meet Mr. Berra a class act - Thank you Yogi.
3
Never thought I'd cry over an obituary in the Times, but this one
brings back such wonderful memories of a carload of preteen boys
from Connecticut in peanut heaven at Shea and Yogi doing his
thing. What a marvel he was! May his memory be eternal.
brings back such wonderful memories of a carload of preteen boys
from Connecticut in peanut heaven at Shea and Yogi doing his
thing. What a marvel he was! May his memory be eternal.
4
Talent, intellect, smarts, humility, an easy grin and tough as nails.
Whatta guy.
Rest easy.
Whatta guy.
Rest easy.
4
By far, the best bad ball hitter I ever saw as well as one of the great clutch performers of all time. As a manager, however, he made a huge mistake in not starting George Stone in at least one game of the '73 World Series.
Not a baseball fan, but I'm sure I have quoted Berra more than any other person or book -- including Shakespeare or the Bible.
2
Wonderful man, great catcher, he leaves many wonderful memories. RIP Yogi!
Baseball catchers today should take lessons!
Baseball catchers today should take lessons!
1
Fearless - at the plate and behind it too.
3
I hate the Yankees. Love Yogi Berra.
Yogi was all about what's right with America. Baseball. Immigrant roots. Up from nothing. Individualism. Warm humor.
You will be missed, Yogi.
Yogi was all about what's right with America. Baseball. Immigrant roots. Up from nothing. Individualism. Warm humor.
You will be missed, Yogi.
5
He was a regular guy and a great baseball player. What more could you want?
3
I'm trying to figure out how, as the obituary reports, with two outs in the ninth and a no-hitter on the line, Yogi misjudges a pop foul from Ted Williams and drops it, and on the "very next pitch" the Splendid Splinter pops foul again and Yogi catches it, is not the Bosox side retired and the no-hitter preserved? That sounds a bit like a deja vu once removed.
2
Yes. The one he caught sealed the deal. Which was the obvious point in the obituary. Not spelling it out is called "writing." Not needing it spelled out is called "reading." Or, as Yogi would have said, "It so obvious you missed it."
A great guy and a baseball legend. I got his autograph at Cooperstown in 1975 and he was kind and polite to any and all fans who approached him. One minor correction - Yogi was not the first base coach for the Mets. That was Joe Pignatano. Yogi used to hit fungoes during infield practice and was one of Gil Hodges' bench coaches.
1
A mutual friend of Mr. Berra's and my father got Yogi to give him a Yankees bat for me. I still have it -- unautographed -- but it helped me win games in high school. Must have been a touch of the Berra magic. I will always cherish the bat that Yogi gave me.
2
As Yogi himself might have said: The worst thing about Death is not living to tell about it. R.I.P.
Great obit and glad to see you changed the headline.
1
My favorite Yogi story may be apocryphal, but here it is. At an old timers day ceremony, Yogi was on the field standing next to Whitey Ford during the "In Memorium" remembrance of those members of the Yankee and baseball family who had passed away the year before. The organist was playing "Ave Maria" and Yogi turned to Whitey and said " I hope I never see my name up there!"
Next old timers day, we will see Yogi's name up there and we are all poorer for that. Godspeed Yogi, you were one of a kind and will be missed.
Next old timers day, we will see Yogi's name up there and we are all poorer for that. Godspeed Yogi, you were one of a kind and will be missed.
14
"Did Yogi Berra really say all those things he said?"
(The New York Times said it best.)
(The New York Times said it best.)
1
Even if you hated the Yankees, you just had to love Yogi. RIP.
2
"It ain't over til it's over." Well, it's over. An entire golden era.
2
Yogi was the personification of the America we all miss in today's poisoned environment of no respect for one's adversary. As a Red Sox fan Yogi made the Yankees a human adversary. That was the America we can go back to.
5
Despite all the Yogi comments about it being "over," I can still see him catching that perfect game, that I raced home from school to watch, and jumping into and onto Don Larsen's arms. If there's a "Field of Dreams," you know who'll be catching and hitting that bad pitch down the line just inside the right field foul pole over the cornstalks for a home run. It may be "going, going, gone," but Yogi will always be behind the plate.
3
Some people are Yankee fans, others are Met fans, and still others are Dodger fans. Everybody was a Yogi fan.
Today should be a sad day, but it's not. That's because we all spent time thinking about Yogi and smiling.
Today should be a sad day, but it's not. That's because we all spent time thinking about Yogi and smiling.
7
You are so right--we could be sad; but instead we are laughing at all the great things Yogi (may, or may not have) said.
What a wonderful article. Truly well done. Thank you, Mr. Weber...
And thank you, Yogi...
And thank you, Yogi...
1
RIP Yogi Berra.
A truly great man.
I first saw you play at Yankee Stadium in 1954.
Sat 15 rows behind home plate and had a really good view of you playing catcher.
A truly great man.
I first saw you play at Yankee Stadium in 1954.
Sat 15 rows behind home plate and had a really good view of you playing catcher.
1
Many sporting greats are incorrectly called "legends" because virtually all of their exploits have been fully documented and replayed countless times, and the true quality of legend or myth is missing. But in the case of Yogi Berra much of what we know of him comes to us by the word of mouth, and tales handed down over the years, subject to the perspective and storytelling style of the witness. Much of it is likely true, some of it is probably apocryphal, and all of it contributes to Yogi Berra's legend as a ballplayer and one-of-a-kind personality. I know that Yogi is gone, but I don't really want to believe it. I join Johnny Bench and Dave Winfield in saying, "say it ain't so!"
3
I am a female and when I was a kid. I practiced and practiced w/my brother because I wanted to be a baseball player with the Yankees when I grew up. My inspiration was Yogi. My brother and I would switch from pitching to catching. When one is a kid you don't care what the player looks like, only that he is good. It never occurred to me that women did not play professional baseball with the Yankees until I got older but my love for game is because of Yogi. Love that man, RIP.
15
A tremendous man and athlete. His entire life story is a silent rebuke to some baseball players who took (or take) credit for records they cheated to establish.
6
Thanks Yog!
From a life long Yankee fan (starting in 1956)
He never had the lines of a thorough bred but a tremendous player, coach, and person.
From a life long Yankee fan (starting in 1956)
He never had the lines of a thorough bred but a tremendous player, coach, and person.
2
Underestimated is an understatement. Yogi's timing, quickness, footwork, and acumen behind the plate were legendary. A 5% strikeout ratio by a power hitter today would be unheard of, but the game goes on its own way. Yogi, we miss you.
4
I had met Mr. Berra in 1996 as a photographer for the Heisman Trophy Gold Tournament in Jacksonville, FL. Asking to take his picture he was the nicest and one of the most accommodating people I'd ever meet (I messed up on the picture several times before I got it right).
Yogi Berra was definitely a class act.
Yogi Berra was definitely a class act.
5
It's a very sad day with the passing of Yogi Berra, not only for the Yankees and baseball, but for America. Condolences to his family. he will be greatly missed
Yogi was a class act all the way. And he was much, much smarter than his public persona.
Yogi was the subject of a recent petition drive to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom (111, 627 total signatures to date). This is what the petition stated:
"Yogi Berra should be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. A man of unimpeachable integrity and respect, he befriended the first black and Latino baseball players in Major League Baseball. He is currently an ambassador for Athlete Ally, which promotes LGBT rights in sports. Berra enlisted in the U. S. Navy during World War Il and served during the D-Day invasion. He continues to be an avid supporter of our armed forces. Berra greatly values education. While with the Yankees, he created a scholarship at Columbia University that is still active 50 years later. His namesake Museum & Learning Center serves 20,000 students annually with character education programs and teaches the values of respect, sportsmanship and inclusion that Berra has demonstrated throughout his life and career. "
A team player. A down-to-earth guy. A great American. Rest in peace Yogi.
Yogi was a class act all the way. And he was much, much smarter than his public persona.
Yogi was the subject of a recent petition drive to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom (111, 627 total signatures to date). This is what the petition stated:
"Yogi Berra should be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. A man of unimpeachable integrity and respect, he befriended the first black and Latino baseball players in Major League Baseball. He is currently an ambassador for Athlete Ally, which promotes LGBT rights in sports. Berra enlisted in the U. S. Navy during World War Il and served during the D-Day invasion. He continues to be an avid supporter of our armed forces. Berra greatly values education. While with the Yankees, he created a scholarship at Columbia University that is still active 50 years later. His namesake Museum & Learning Center serves 20,000 students annually with character education programs and teaches the values of respect, sportsmanship and inclusion that Berra has demonstrated throughout his life and career. "
A team player. A down-to-earth guy. A great American. Rest in peace Yogi.
6
One of the all-time greats, baseball or otherwise. A great player, manager, and person. May God bless you, Mr. Berra.
1
He was definitely one of a kind and a class act. He will be sorely missed, and I'm not even a Yankees fan.
1
I always loved Yogi and the fact that he was a ten time WS champ. But as a Pirate fan, I remember him differently.
In the Oakland section of Pittsburgh a portion of the old Forbes Field wall still stands. 55 years ago it was old Yogi standing in front of that wall at the 406' sign, looking up and kissing goodbye the most famous home run in WS history.
When it's over...it's over! But for baseball's greatest catcher, it is the beginning of a whole new ballgame!
In the Oakland section of Pittsburgh a portion of the old Forbes Field wall still stands. 55 years ago it was old Yogi standing in front of that wall at the 406' sign, looking up and kissing goodbye the most famous home run in WS history.
When it's over...it's over! But for baseball's greatest catcher, it is the beginning of a whole new ballgame!
1
In this era of social media, sports agents and huge endorsement deals, we'll probably never see another down-to-earth guy like Yogi. And that's a loss for young people, especially sports fans.
My own memories of Yogi come as a young Yankee fan growing up in Boston (I did come to my senses with the arrival of Carl Yastrzemski, Chuck Schilling & Don Schwall in 1961). But man, Yogi, behind the plate, Yogi coming up. Yogi crushing a pitch that was nowhere near the strike zone. He stood out in a killer of a line-up. And then there was Yogi going out to play left field in Fenway. I think it was Houk who had either Kubek or Tresh (shortstops) run out to left field any time a fly or liner when out there. The reason? Yogi would go to the warning track in case that ball hit above the Green Monster's cement base. Yogi would get the ball that dropped straight down from hitting the dead part of the wall, the shortstop would get the caroms that rocketed off the tin-covered cement bottom. Smart baseball, and you didn't need to learn the idiosyncrasies of the wall, as a gold-glover like Yaz did.
My own memories of Yogi come as a young Yankee fan growing up in Boston (I did come to my senses with the arrival of Carl Yastrzemski, Chuck Schilling & Don Schwall in 1961). But man, Yogi, behind the plate, Yogi coming up. Yogi crushing a pitch that was nowhere near the strike zone. He stood out in a killer of a line-up. And then there was Yogi going out to play left field in Fenway. I think it was Houk who had either Kubek or Tresh (shortstops) run out to left field any time a fly or liner when out there. The reason? Yogi would go to the warning track in case that ball hit above the Green Monster's cement base. Yogi would get the ball that dropped straight down from hitting the dead part of the wall, the shortstop would get the caroms that rocketed off the tin-covered cement bottom. Smart baseball, and you didn't need to learn the idiosyncrasies of the wall, as a gold-glover like Yaz did.
1
One-of-a-kind wit; one-of-a-kind mitt!
R.I.P., Yogi.
R.I.P., Yogi.
2
Rest in peace, Yogi. You were a helluva ball player and you always made me laugh.
A beautiful and fitting tribute. Thank you Bruce for bringing Yogi to life.
2
Joe Garagiola spoke at my 1992 St. Louis University graduation in the old Checkerdome and said that when they were kids in the '30's they would sneak in the exit to watch the circus. Amazing that for $250 he could have been a Cardinal. He IS missed and The Hill is in mourning. RIP.
2
Thanks again for the headline change Bruce. A superb piece on Yogi, and many will miss him. If there is an 8 on the uniform sleeve or a tribute on the grass (or dirt) at home at The Stadium, I would imagine a magic spark will be generated with this 2015 Yankee team and campaign. Just a hopeful hunch...
3
You don't have to call him handsome, but it seems incorrect to call him "ungainly." No one who hits like that, makes all the plays in the field (he once made an unassisted double play, tagging the batter who bunted and the runner coming home) is "ungainly."
If there were 10,000 comments, not one would be unpleasant. Reading this fine obit brought tears to my eyes for the wonders of baseball and the joys of my youth.
R.I.P.
If there were 10,000 comments, not one would be unpleasant. Reading this fine obit brought tears to my eyes for the wonders of baseball and the joys of my youth.
R.I.P.
6
Wonderful obit, Bruce. Yogi will always be remembered as a spinner of baseball magic.
The closing bit about Yogi Berra Day reminds me of the day the Yankees retired Rizzuto's No. 10. I was at the Stadium that night, Aug. 4, 1985. Scooter was knocked on his kiester by a cow wearing a halo (Holy Cow!). Then Tom Seaver dealt his 300th win.
Baseball magic.
Yogi helped write the book.
The closing bit about Yogi Berra Day reminds me of the day the Yankees retired Rizzuto's No. 10. I was at the Stadium that night, Aug. 4, 1985. Scooter was knocked on his kiester by a cow wearing a halo (Holy Cow!). Then Tom Seaver dealt his 300th win.
Baseball magic.
Yogi helped write the book.
1
As long as there are summer days and green grass and blue skies, Yogi will live.
18
Goodbye, America..
2
We'll miss you Yogi. We can imagine the ballgame that is just getting organized in heaven with Babe, The Kid Williams, Mickey Mantle and the rest of the guys! “We don't have a single goddamn thing left to prove to anyone. We're proven. Today we play.” (From Harbach's, the art of fielding).
3
My favorite Yogi-ism: On an unbearably hot day Berra shows up for a Yankee off-day event in a pea-green suit. The other players are sweating to their socks in black.
Mrs. Ralph Houk remarks; "Well, Yogi, you certainly look cool."
Yogi's reply?
"You don't look so hot yourself!"
Mrs. Ralph Houk remarks; "Well, Yogi, you certainly look cool."
Yogi's reply?
"You don't look so hot yourself!"
1
He led the majors in zen koans.
1
Another piece of my childhood in the 50s and 60s. gone. Yogi, Yoo Hoo chocolate drink, Yogi Bear.....so peaceful ,so pure, so gone.....
2
Huh? The Yoo-Hoo brand is still very much alive.
Smarter than the average catcher.
4
There are many truly great "icons" and ambassadors for baseball. Every region of the country has plenty as does the nation as a whole. I grew up in New York, so Berra is a natural for me. Plus I was a catcher. I played for the Brentwood Yankees, generously sponsored by Grant's Funeral Home. So when I hear the expression, "the heart of the batting order," I think of Berra. Not in the sentimental sense of the word "heart," but in the practical sense of grit, power, persistence, brilliance, and clutch hitting. I'm glad nobody goes to hell anymore, it's too crowded.
2
And she sang
1
"The future ain't what it used to be." So deep...
2
Nothing to say but thank you to one of the greatest players and men in the game, from a kid way back when in the "wilds" of ND who idolized Mr. Berra. As so many have, and rightfully so. Thank you, Mr. Berra.
When the pizza chef asked Yogi if he wanted his pie cut into 4 or 8 slices, Yogi replied, “You better make it 4, because I could never eat 8.”
The world was just a little bit better place with Yogi in it, he'll be missed. I laughed out loud at some of the comments attributed to Yogi but I don't think that's why my eyes are wet. He was behind the plate the first major league game my dad took me to at Yankee Stadium. I'm having a vision of Casey and Yogi having a conversation somewhere, I'd love to listen in. RIP to a WWII vet and a true champion.
2
Yogi , Whitey , Maris , Mantle, Martin .
1
I know I don't do justice to Yogi Berra nor his humor when I write that if he wasn't one of a kind, he'd be an original.
The baseball world is less bright and wonderful with his demise. I feel as if I've lost portions of my children memories due to his passing. How I enjoyed listening to the World Series with my parents on our transistor radio, on the back porch stairs, on a warm October afternoon and how the crowd would erupt with cheers whenever Yogi Berra's name was mentioned. Condolences to all who knew, admired and loved him.
2
Once upon a time, when Mantle was my hero, I nonetheless wanted my nickname to be "Yogi." Not surprisingly, no one went along with it. But years later, I found myself living in the same town, and my favorite running route was up on Highland Ave. in Montclair, where I'd pass his house and hope he might be outside. Then I had the privilege of participating in a town charity event where I sold books in a booth - with Yogi Berra and Larry Doby. What gentlemen! Yogi Berra epitomized what it meant to be a sports hero with no pretensions. Everyone knows there was no one like him. Now that's a legacy that goes far beyond the game.
5
We will remember not to forget you.
6
Ave, thanks, and may you always get the close calls...
1
Thank you Yogi Berra. No one can say your name without smiling. Your name gives me instant flashbacks. It's 1955. I'm 10 years old again. And we are in a pick up baseball game at the park. You played the game when it was still a sport, before it became "family entertainment." This is the end of an Era. My condolences to the Berra family.
2
My friend just texted me this --
Right now he's having a very confusing conversation with Casey Stengel.
Right now he's having a very confusing conversation with Casey Stengel.
3
One of my favorites from Yogi - "Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded." Never gets old.
2
Always remeber the ice cream truck that came around Mayfair Drive in West Orange in the early 60's had a picture of Yogi next to the Yoo-Hoo drink on the menu
I'm crushed.
I just loved him. A fond farewell.
When asked if he wanted his pizza sliced in 4 pieces or 8, Yogi answered, "You better make it 4. I don't think I can eat 8."
1
I don't believe this is a true Yogi-ism. Firstly because I have heard several variations of the number of slices involved in this pizza. Another comment mentions this story stating it was six and eight slices respectively. The first time I heard it in the 1980s it was eight and twelve slices respectively. No known Yogi-ism has that much variation to it in retelling.
But more tellingly is that it really doesn't make sense, and a true Yogi-ism not only makes perfect sense, but does so in way that provides an otherwise unseen perspective or uses a curious combination of vocabulary.
Yogi-ism were insights which tumbled out of an intelligent but inarticulate mouth. This story has none of that. As relayed in this article, even, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it,” makes perfect sense when placed in context.
What's disconcerting to me, especially today, is that this makes Yogi to sound like a fool, and most certainly he was no fool, more appropriately a homespun philosopher.
But more tellingly is that it really doesn't make sense, and a true Yogi-ism not only makes perfect sense, but does so in way that provides an otherwise unseen perspective or uses a curious combination of vocabulary.
Yogi-ism were insights which tumbled out of an intelligent but inarticulate mouth. This story has none of that. As relayed in this article, even, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it,” makes perfect sense when placed in context.
What's disconcerting to me, especially today, is that this makes Yogi to sound like a fool, and most certainly he was no fool, more appropriately a homespun philosopher.
9
True or not, it makes him sound like he has a sense of humor, not like a fool.
1
I share your analytical bent, but it would appear that people thirst for the humor and the humanity in such pizza stories, with no ill will toward Mr. Berra. As one who finds each of these comments by Yogi fans both delightful and laugh out loud relate-able, I relish every story written here by those who knew and loved him more than I.
It occurred to me during the discussion that Mr. Berra may have had a second language in his home growing up, and his use of syntax, along with the brevity of his speech, is what makes his observations so delightful and "true". I, too, could
eat 6 slices, but could not manage 8.
It occurred to me during the discussion that Mr. Berra may have had a second language in his home growing up, and his use of syntax, along with the brevity of his speech, is what makes his observations so delightful and "true". I, too, could
eat 6 slices, but could not manage 8.
Oh the sadness in reading of the death of Yogi. Whenever I think of him fond memories come to mind. Things like sitting with my father listening to the game on the radio or Sunday afternoon baseball in the park. He represented a time when baseball was not a business and this funny little catcher taught you that anything was possible. Rest in peace my friend...
3
For baby Boomers boys from Bayonne to Bayside Yogi Berra was a legend. What mid century boy wouldn't have cherished a gen-u-ine picture of themselves with the Yankees catcher. All it took was a snap shot, few coins and a label from a loaf of bread.What a swell memento it would be now. http://envisioningtheamericandream.com/2015/09/23/remembering-yogi-berra/
I remember when I was 5 years old having a cat named Whitey Ford and a Yogi Berra baseball card one of my brothers let me have. Those two players were my favorite. Loved Yogi because he had a no nonsense kind of guy. This is a tribute to a great man.
1
I'm not a Yankees fan--the San Francisco Giants are my team--but I have always been a Yogi Berra fan. I have many memories of his performances in the clutch. What a great player and a true American icon!!!
1
Well, it's finally over. RIP, Yogi, and thanks for everything on and off the field.
A Devoted Brooklyn Dodger Fan.
A Devoted Brooklyn Dodger Fan.
1
Another great one passes. It was a privilege to have watched him play and joke around.
1
What a wonderful obituary, Yogi would of been proud - Rest In Peace - Mr. Berra.
2
Baseball Legend and Philosopher Lawrence Peter “Yogi” Berra, Thanks for the memories and may you Rest in Peace.
A reporter once asked Casey Stengel what his secret to winning baseball games was. Stengel replied, "I never play a game without my man." He, of course, was referring to Yogi Berra.
Berra got late early. Everyone should live life as completely as he did.
Berra got late early. Everyone should live life as completely as he did.
1
Bevens was a reliever
Only Yogi could make me shed tears of both sadness and joy simultaneously.
Rest in peace, coach!
Rest in peace, coach!
4
As someone from Red Sox Nation, I wish a fond farewell to a man that transcended his Yankee pinstripes and became an ambassador to baseball and beyond. Whether you love or dislike the Evil Empire, you have to love Yogi. Mr. Berra was a philosopher with quirky, funny one liners that will always remain part of the cultural lexicon. There was nothing not to love about that guy, except when you couldn't love him.
2
A timeless sports figure and, by all accounts, a beautiful human being. To paraphrase something that Yogi might have said: "They don't make em like that anymore and maybe they never did!" Is there a sports figure today who is remotely as colorful or as universally loved as much as Yogi?
4
A lovely and decent man. You cannot say the same for every ballplayer, especially those who hold batting records.
1
The world will sorely miss Yogi, the last native speaker of Stengeleze. On NPR this morning, they reported that some time ago, his wife asked him where he wanted to be buried and he replied: "Surprise me."
58
With Pope Francis's visit, it's worth remembering what Yogi said upon meeting Pope John XXIII: "Hello, Pope."
46
Nice story, nicer man. But your writing lacks accuracy and shows the typical Eastern Bias. Saying, "Piazza was the best modern era". Belie the reality, Joe Mauer won Two batting titles the only catcher in either league to do so. But he plays for a mediocre team in Minnesota.
Love the Yogi-isms.
It hardly matters if he actually said them. Half of what is attributed Churchill or Twain or Lincoln is moved about freely amongst the three.
It hardly matters if he actually said them. Half of what is attributed Churchill or Twain or Lincoln is moved about freely amongst the three.
2
As along time Chicago Cubs fan who takes great solace in "it ain't over 'till it's over", we will miss a great sportsman, humble citizen and honorable man. Yogi had the dream shot and lived it. He left nothing on the table and all of it on the field. Rest peacefully Mr. Berra.
5
Beautifully written Brings back memories of him playing. Always remember how he could trow a ball from home plate to second without getting up to throw. He is now upstairs catching balls while playing ball with all of those wonderful Yankees who are also upstairs Wonder what the score is against the Red Sox
2
It is a pleasure to read comments that are universally positive. Yogi had a great life and shared his joy with all of us. I too remember my first game at YS in the late 1950's and vividly recall Yogi hitting a home run. I actually was at Shea for Yogi's last plate appearance and that too will stay with me. The Phil Linz incident on the bus and the purported incitement by Mantle is priceless.
My condolences to the Berra family as Yogi leaves them to be with Carmen.
My condolences to the Berra family as Yogi leaves them to be with Carmen.
50
Two things about Yogi that are frequently misunderstood.
First, he was a great athlete and possibly the greatest catcher of all time.
After he had pitched the only perfect game in World Series history, they asked Don Larsen if it was the greatest game ever pitched. He said no, but it might be the greatest game ever called.
Second, the reason we remember his Yogisms is that they usually conveyed a very insightful thought in bad language.
Yogi once said of Rigazzi's on The Hill in St. Louis, where he and Joe Garagiola had worked as boys, "Nobody goes there anymore, it's too crowded." As stated this is an hilarious oxymoron. But what Yogi meant of course was, our old friends from the neighborhood don't go to Rigazzi's anymore because it has been discovered and is so full of tourists they aren't comfortable there. The Yogisim is clearly the more interesting way of putting this.
I miss you Yogi. You were a fine man, a great baseball player, and an important part of Italian-American history. I just wish Branch Rickey had given you that other $250 bucks.
First, he was a great athlete and possibly the greatest catcher of all time.
After he had pitched the only perfect game in World Series history, they asked Don Larsen if it was the greatest game ever pitched. He said no, but it might be the greatest game ever called.
Second, the reason we remember his Yogisms is that they usually conveyed a very insightful thought in bad language.
Yogi once said of Rigazzi's on The Hill in St. Louis, where he and Joe Garagiola had worked as boys, "Nobody goes there anymore, it's too crowded." As stated this is an hilarious oxymoron. But what Yogi meant of course was, our old friends from the neighborhood don't go to Rigazzi's anymore because it has been discovered and is so full of tourists they aren't comfortable there. The Yogisim is clearly the more interesting way of putting this.
I miss you Yogi. You were a fine man, a great baseball player, and an important part of Italian-American history. I just wish Branch Rickey had given you that other $250 bucks.
3
Yes, and "it ain't over till it's over" intelligently reminds us that the game is not over figuratively until it is over literally. Something worth keeping in mind.
I thought he said that about a nightspot and the point was that the "right people," the bold-faced celebrities, didn't go there because hoi polloi had taken it over.
Anyway, it doesn't matter. It's so brilliant it can be applied to just about anything, Facebook, for example.
Anyway, it doesn't matter. It's so brilliant it can be applied to just about anything, Facebook, for example.
Like Adlai Stevenson said "I'm too old to cry, but it hurts too much to laugh." As a kid, I remember getting the book "The Wit & Wisdom of Yogi Berra" when on vacation. Read it that day. Baseballs signed by Thomson/Branca and Berra/Larsen adorn my mantle tho both events happened before I was born. Was very happy when Suzyn Waldman, now the Yanks' radio color analyst, helped reconcile him with Yankees. Just one team has an annual Old Timers Day; it becomes significantly poorer with his departure. RIP.
1
When I give people directions to my home I always quote Yogi, "when you come to the fork in the road take it". Either road gets you there. I would like to borrow one of Chuck Noll's rare praises of a player he used to describe Joe Greene. "He set the standard" Yogi will always be the catcher that any great catcher past, present, and future will be compared. Thanks Yogi, Rest In Peace.
3
My first major league game my dad took me in 1963 to Yankee Stadium where Berra homered to beat the Washington Senators.
Many year later, I played football against his son in college and got to meet Yogi. What a great guy Yogi was to everyone who went up to say hello to him that day.
He was the best.
Many year later, I played football against his son in college and got to meet Yogi. What a great guy Yogi was to everyone who went up to say hello to him that day.
He was the best.
2
Rest in Peace Yogi. Thank you for your service to our country.
2
Back when the Yankees were unstoppable, Yogi was the Yank who was always driving the nails in the coffin of the other team, hit after hit after hit. Mantle hit big home runs but it was Yogi I hated to see come to the plate. He was gonna beat you and you knew it. Bless him. He helped make baseball into the great game.
2
Many pitchers of that era openly said that Berra, not Mantle, was the batter you had to stop to beat the Yankees. Yogi, like Reggie Jackson, was a great example of a player who was far greater than his stats (good as they were) would have you believe. Yogi may have hit "only" .285 lifetime, but if my team was trailing in the bottom of the ninth with the bases loaded and two out, there's nobody I'd like more to see come to bat than Yogi.
I am not sure if Yogi was a religious man, but if there is a heaven he will know why he is there, and it will not be because “….it’s too crowded.”
2
Thanks for the urban philosophy Yogi. I perhaps learned as much from your sayings than from all my dry college philosophy courses. Your character and wit will be greatly missed in this all so vanilla modern day world where 'men and women of note talk a lot of words, but actually say nothing'. Thanks for the memories and Yogisms.
Fine obit of an all-time great player and memorable person, but comparing Yogi's stats to Piazza and Bench requires factoring in the absence of relief pitchers, and paucity of black and Hispanic players during much of his career and a comparison of average offensive stats during their respective eras.
There was also no steroids and other performance enhancing drugs which many players are still using.
There are many factors that weigh both ways in comparisons of players across eras. There were plenty of Hispanic players in Berra's time, and though the population of the United States was smaller, there was actually a larger pool of players—and only 16 teams. The minor leagues had at least seven layers, not just Triple A and the Rookie League.
As a young boy who grew up in Queens, New York I was never a big sports fan. Music was more my thing. But Yogi reminded me of some of the characters which typified New York, and the modest character of my dad, and my Uncles. He wasn't just a great ball player for one of the great teams in baseball, he was real, down to earth, a bit rough around the edges - and that made him a true working class hero.
3
Truly one of a kind both as a player and a beloved figure transcending baseball ... he broke the mold. Thanks, Yogi!
The world misses you now. Condolences to all.
1
They don't make ballplayers or men anymore like Yogi! RIP and I hope heaven has a ballpark for you Yogi!
4
As a child of the 60s, it would be easy to mark Yogi's passing as a sad loss to a glorious childhood era. But how could anyone, anywhere not light up, laugh and be thankful for all the fun he gave us - especially us Yankee fans.
He was an endearing sports icon whose dignity and unassuming nature shames all of today's 'me first' narcissists. But more, as WWII vet, true teammate, loving father and grand father he is one of our greatest Americans.
"No one goes to heaven anymore, it's just too crowded".... now that Yogi's there
He was an endearing sports icon whose dignity and unassuming nature shames all of today's 'me first' narcissists. But more, as WWII vet, true teammate, loving father and grand father he is one of our greatest Americans.
"No one goes to heaven anymore, it's just too crowded".... now that Yogi's there
8
I respectfully disagree with some posters who have paraphrased Yogi's famous quip, declaring that for him it is finally over.
Death is part of life, but Yogi's kindness and decency will live on in all of us who treasure such things in the people we meet and know.
Mr. Berra, I know that you purportedly said, "If you don't go to other people's funerals they won't come to yours." I can't come to yours, but like so many others I honor you today as a great American.
In this age of the 24 second news cycle and scores of mediocre overpaid athletes preening for any camera they can find, let us never forget that the goodness and humility embodied by Mr. Berra is never out of style.
Death is part of life, but Yogi's kindness and decency will live on in all of us who treasure such things in the people we meet and know.
Mr. Berra, I know that you purportedly said, "If you don't go to other people's funerals they won't come to yours." I can't come to yours, but like so many others I honor you today as a great American.
In this age of the 24 second news cycle and scores of mediocre overpaid athletes preening for any camera they can find, let us never forget that the goodness and humility embodied by Mr. Berra is never out of style.
8
I have been dreading this day for a long time, but I am lucky enough to have seen Yogi play in Yankee Stadium when I was about eight. Whitey Ford pitched that day, a magnificent 2 hitter; the the Yanks scored 13 runs, I had gone there to see Mickey Mantle and Moose Skowron and all the other sluggers, but I remember how much Yogi impressed me. He hit one or two home runs; they seemed to take forever to land in the stands. Unlike today's showoff no-talents. he rounded the bases like he was on his way to dinner at his mother's house.
Anyone who thinks Mr Berra was not intelligent never saw him play. He was always totally absorbed, completely aware of the game. One of the greatest catchers of all time, a great athlete; I will miss him forever.
Anyone who thinks Mr Berra was not intelligent never saw him play. He was always totally absorbed, completely aware of the game. One of the greatest catchers of all time, a great athlete; I will miss him forever.
82
I know we're all supposed to love Yogi Berra. However, when I was kid in Boston in the 1950's, Berra and his teammates were as much of a threat to my happiness as Khrushchev and Mao. It's hard to learn to "not hate the people you hate."
2
Today, the news is inundated with news of the Pope's visit.
And then I see this article about Yogi.
Today, it's all about a Man of the People, and the People's Man.
And then I see this article about Yogi.
Today, it's all about a Man of the People, and the People's Man.
5
Here's one remarkable fact among many about Berra's career: The Yankees and Dodgers have played each other 11 times in the World Series, first time in 1941 and last time in 1981. Berra was part of the Yankees as a player or coach every one of those times except the first in 1941.
To participate in 10 World Series--more than Jeter, Posada, Rivera, or Pettitte took part in--is remarkable on its own. To participate in 10 World Series against the same team is a staggering achievement no player will ever match. Berra was almost as important to the history of the Dodgers as he was to the Yankees and Mets, without ever wearing Dodger Blue once.
To participate in 10 World Series--more than Jeter, Posada, Rivera, or Pettitte took part in--is remarkable on its own. To participate in 10 World Series against the same team is a staggering achievement no player will ever match. Berra was almost as important to the history of the Dodgers as he was to the Yankees and Mets, without ever wearing Dodger Blue once.
5
Perhaps Vin Scully will tell some good Yogi stories the next time he calls a Dodgers game. I'm sure the Mets will honor him this evening.
My mothers favorite player. Now my youth is totaly gone. Maybe my mother will get to meet him now.
2
Well done. A wonderful obituary of a classy and unique individual who made you proud to be an American, a New Yorker and a Yankee fan. Attending games with my father in the years following World War II, and watching the likes of Yogi and his team mates are cherished memories.
3
The guy is such an antidote to the cynicism and bravado that rules the game today. Just a good decent human being.
After all the A-Rods and LeBron James's and Tom Brady's pass, the world will still be looking back to solid humble guys like Mickey, Joe, and Yogi.
Here's to the poet-philosopher of home plate. Our city is less without ya, friend.
After all the A-Rods and LeBron James's and Tom Brady's pass, the world will still be looking back to solid humble guys like Mickey, Joe, and Yogi.
Here's to the poet-philosopher of home plate. Our city is less without ya, friend.
4
Always loved and honored ... so sad that we have to lose Yogi.
Even with the fame and talent, for Yogi, family was everything. So, we all made him part of ours. And, that is why this comments section is so full of genuine emotion. We loved you, Yogi, that's all there is to it. My sympathies to his bereaved family.
1
A Purple Heart recipient and a Hall of Famer. Enough said. Drinking a Yoo-Hoo for Yogi today. R.I.P.
4
My favorite Yogi-ism:
When a woman told him on a very warm summer day that he looked nice and cool in his seersucker suit, he replied: "Thanks, you don't so hot yourself!"
R.I.P.
When a woman told him on a very warm summer day that he looked nice and cool in his seersucker suit, he replied: "Thanks, you don't so hot yourself!"
R.I.P.
2
thanks that one made my day
What more can be said about Yogi, a great player and an even greater guy. He's a legend in baseball and in life.
2
Baseball ain't gonna be baseball no more without Yogi.
2
What a fine example of the obituary as art!
3
It's June 19th,1956, my 7th birthday, and my father had brought me for the first time to Yankee Stadium. I still don't know how he got third row box seats behind home plate. The Yanks were up 6 to 4, and Yogi steps up to the plate with the bases loaded. I scream at the top of my lungs, "Hit a homer Yogi! He turns around and looks at me, then steps up. he fouls off the first pitch, then puts it into the right field seats. Grand Slam. I Didn't stop smiling for a week.
About four years ago, I went on his museum website, and added this story to his archives. I get an email back from his secretary, saying that Yogi is sitting next to her, and remembers the grand slam, and remembered that grand slam, and remembers me. Nice way to relive a childhhood experience. Bon voyage, yogi, and thanks for the memories.
About four years ago, I went on his museum website, and added this story to his archives. I get an email back from his secretary, saying that Yogi is sitting next to her, and remembers the grand slam, and remembered that grand slam, and remembers me. Nice way to relive a childhhood experience. Bon voyage, yogi, and thanks for the memories.
204
What a GREAT story!
It makes one sad to see how that sort of sense of connectedness and relating to the common fan (especially young impressionable, hero-worshipping kids) is rare these days in pro sports.
It makes one sad to see how that sort of sense of connectedness and relating to the common fan (especially young impressionable, hero-worshipping kids) is rare these days in pro sports.
If Yogi Berra actually remembered you - how incredible. And if he didn't, how wonderful, kind and generous of him to say that he did. That's the kind of man he was - beaming with goodness, kindness and thoughtfulness. What a story to cherish for all time. Thank you for sharing.
3
I just got a chill reading that.
Thanks for sharing it!
Thanks for sharing it!
1
I'm a lifelong Red Sox fan but I have admired Yogi since I was a kid. A tremendous ball player and just a great guy when off the field. The kind of man anyone would want their son to aspire to be. My condolences, of course, to his family and everyone in Yankee Nation. One thing though... when the Red Sox finally won the World Series in 2004 after 86 years of trying, I saw Yogi on TV being interviewed by a sports reporter. He was asked; "But aren't you glad for the Red Sox winning the Series after 86 years"? To which Yogi replied; "Nah, they coulda waited another year". You just gotta love him.
8
Yankees fan or not, this news hits hard. Baseball was a big part of our growing up and Yogi was a big part of baseball. Almost nobody around me was a Yankees fan, but you couldn't not like Yogi. I mean, come on, if not for Yogi, we don't have Yogi Bear. Favorite Yogi stats: Most World Series games by a player, more Bartlett's familiar quotations attributed to him than many Presidents, sixty-five years married to the same woman.
7
My favorite story -- and I hope it's true -- is Yogi, Thurman Munson and Lou Pinella at an Italian restaurant. Yogi ordered an entire pizza for himself. When the waitress asked if he would like it cut into six or eight slices, he gave it serious thought before replying "Better make it six slices. I don't think I can eat eight."
120
Universally loved. Common man, common touch, superb player, first class linguist. Made baseball a better place.
Glad I got to see him play when I was a kid.
Wonderful obit.
Glad I got to see him play when I was a kid.
Wonderful obit.
4
"Ninety per cent of this game is half mental, the rest is physical."
--Yogi Berra
RIP Yogi, your wisdom is for all time.
--Yogi Berra
RIP Yogi, your wisdom is for all time.
8
The obit mentioned how rarely Yogi struck out. What was not mentioned was that with his propensity to swing at (and clobber) pitches out of the strike zone, he almost never took a called strike three; almost every one of his strikeouts was of the swinging variety. Well, sadly, for all of us, it's over. Rest in peace, Yogi, you were a marvelous and much beloved human being.
4
I was born in 1958. I thought Yogi was named after the cartoon Yogi Bear instead of the other way around. Now he's gone, but he'll never be forgotten if we remember not to forget.
6
Until this moment, I too thought Yogi was nicknamed after the cartoon Bear.
Honestly, I didn't even know Yogi Berra was still alive - probably because he hasn't been in the news or visible for some time. However, I am well-acquainted with his many famous "Yogi-isms."
He's probably the last of a bygone era - a professional athlete who was just sort of a regular Joe otherwise. How many of our current millionaires playing any kids' sport involving a ball do you think would consider voluntarily joining the military and doing their duty if we were to go to war these days?
Beyond his physical exploits, it was being a regular Joe (seen in reading many of the other commenters here who had personal interaction with him), and his hilariously insightful Yogi-isms, that made him a great living sports legend.
You won't be forgotten, Yogi.
Honestly, I didn't even know Yogi Berra was still alive - probably because he hasn't been in the news or visible for some time. However, I am well-acquainted with his many famous "Yogi-isms."
He's probably the last of a bygone era - a professional athlete who was just sort of a regular Joe otherwise. How many of our current millionaires playing any kids' sport involving a ball do you think would consider voluntarily joining the military and doing their duty if we were to go to war these days?
Beyond his physical exploits, it was being a regular Joe (seen in reading many of the other commenters here who had personal interaction with him), and his hilariously insightful Yogi-isms, that made him a great living sports legend.
You won't be forgotten, Yogi.
I was born in Brooklyn when the Dodgers, Yankees and Giants were all in town, all with great players. My parents and grandparents were die hard Dodgers fans who detested all Yankees so as a kid, I did also - with one exception. Yogi Berra was the greatest player and coach playing then, not just his skill as a player but as a beloved icon. It's tempting to play on his words and say "It's over." But no. The man is immortal.
2
He finally came to that fork in the road, and took it. When I lived in Montclair, NJ I was happy to learn that Yogi Berra did, too. He was big time. A top-ranked Little League and All-County pitcher in my NJ hometown was named "Yogi" at birth by his parents, BTW. "To the manner born."
1
I grew up watching the Yankees in the 50's & 60's. Yogi was one player, much like Kirby Puckett, that you just couldn't dislike.
3
In recent years, a frail Yogi would go to Yankee spring training. Ron Guidry chauffeured him around and, I believe, shared an apartment in Tampa with him. It was heartwarming to see a younger great player (not to mention the favorite pitcher of my youth) be the friend and chaperone of a revered elder statesman of the game.
7
In my old age and less versatile ways, the Yankees still remain chiefly Casey Stengel, Mickey Mantle, Roger Marris, Whitey Ford, Elston Howard, and, of course, Yogi Berra.
Mel Allen, Red Barber, and Phil Rizzutto should still be calling the games on WPIX.
And Rheingold and Piels were perfect as the beers of choice. (“My beer is Rheingold, the dry beer. Think of Rheingold whenever you buy beer.”)
Thanks for the memories, Yogi.
Mel Allen, Red Barber, and Phil Rizzutto should still be calling the games on WPIX.
And Rheingold and Piels were perfect as the beers of choice. (“My beer is Rheingold, the dry beer. Think of Rheingold whenever you buy beer.”)
Thanks for the memories, Yogi.
6
Don't forget, it was Ballantine for many years. I can still sing that Ballantine jingle; it's embedded into my brain from all the games I watched on TV.
Po' Yogi's dead and gone, left us here to sing his songs. Po' Yogi's dead and gone. (with a nod to Lead Belly).
1
I guess it really is over...
the kind of person we all wish we were. YOGI FINALLY CAME TO THE FORK IN THE ROAD, AND TOOK IT. RIP Yogi!
3
America lost a true icon when Yogi Berra passed away.
In spite of his impressive accomplishments in baseball he didn't take himself too seriously and was able to laugh at himself.
Indeed, the world would be a better place if there were more people like Yogi in it.
Condolences to his family.
In spite of his impressive accomplishments in baseball he didn't take himself too seriously and was able to laugh at himself.
Indeed, the world would be a better place if there were more people like Yogi in it.
Condolences to his family.
3
In one way, Pope Francis reminded me of Yogi. Like Francis, he had a broad smile on his face except when he argued with the umpires.
2
God Bless Yogi and guide his soul on its way. I quoted him many times and loved his "Yogi-isms." He was a gem. R.I.P. and condolences to his family. His life harks back to a time that is sorely missed and sweetness much needed in this world.
3
Casey Stengel was the original, and Mr. Berra tried to imitate his hilarious ways of expressing himself. This never quite worked nearly as well as Casey's commentary, but it kept Yogi Berra in the limelight longer than he otherwise would have, and it helped generate interest in baseball. We have no real characters anymore, and we're probably too politically correct to ever tolerate one ever again. Yogi Berra marks the end of that kind of affection for baseball participants. What replaced it was boring, and the result of profit obsessed owners, like the late George Steinbrenner. Besides, what kid can afford to buy a ticket to a baseball game today ? Only Mrs. Gotbucks little precious, and he'd never be a fan.
2
When I was a little kid growing up in Brooklyn, and of course a diehard Dodger fan, I "hated Yogi". Those were the days when baseball, and the Dodgers were the most important thing in my life. As I grew older, and supposedly wiser, and realizing what life was all about, I came to understand what a truly wonderful, and remarkable man Yogi Berra was. I didn't realize, that all of those years as a kid,loving baseball, I actually loved, and respected the man. The loss I feel now is an indication of how much I cared for him then, but never realized it.
Truly one of baseballs most loved, and respected figures.
He is now with his beloved Carmen.
WE WILL ALL MISS YOU.
Truly one of baseballs most loved, and respected figures.
He is now with his beloved Carmen.
WE WILL ALL MISS YOU.
6
Yogi Berra... We were lucky to have him.
"No bird soars too high if he soars with his own wings."
William Blake
"No bird soars too high if he soars with his own wings."
William Blake
4
I first saw Mr. Berra play, facing my Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1960 World Series and noticed that he both caught and played left field in spacious Forbes Field. Which major league player today can say the same? What a marvelous athlete. What a good man.
7
Thanks for telling his story so well. His humor reminds me of Gracie Allen.
1
YOGI, THE BASEBALL GREAT AND UNIQUE SEMANTATIST . . .
...has finally been called by the fat lady singing ... which we all will be hearing at some time.
R. I. P.
...has finally been called by the fat lady singing ... which we all will be hearing at some time.
R. I. P.
1
When told that a Jew had been elected mayor of Dublin, he replied, "Only in America!"
7
Don't want to go anywhere today, don't want to do anything. I just want to cry.
2
Ms. Brown, my 3rd grade teacher at PS 78 in The Bronx - The Anne Hutchinson Elementary School- was one of the few who didn't allow newfangled transistor radios into class so we could listen to those Oct. '56 WS games. Fortunately, the housing projects I lived in were right across the street. At the strike of three, I'd dart home assuming I could catch at least a few innings of the school day WS games. Running up four flights, opening the apartment door to catch game five, there was my dad, a devout NY Giant fan / Yankee hater sitting at the edge of the living room cocktail table not 2 feet in front the TV. (He was kind to his three Yankee fan sons who he regularly took to games.) Literally, the most vivid memory of my childhood: I, out of breath, blurt out 'What's the score?' Dad: 'Shush'. Again: 'Dad, what's the score!?' I'm thinking this is not good as he's smiling. A last, 'the score pleeeese?' He turned a bit towards me holding finger to lips, looks back to the TV. Strangely, the announcer is not saying a word (Mel Allan?. . . great that in those days you could stick to the local WPIX -11 for WS coverage.). The next moment Yogi is running towards Larson and jumps into his arms. I remember it like it was yesterday. Always loved Yogi, always.
12
In 1961, when John Glenn was orbiting the earth, we schoolkids were encouraged to bring in transistor radios with earphones so we could listen to history being made. We all brought in transistor radios, and we all listened—to the Yankees-Reds World Series game.
At 63 I can truthfully say that I never knew a time without Yogi Berra. He was one of the facts of life--like summer and baseball. Hard to believe he's gone.
71
Such a beautiful sentiment, nicely stated, and oh so true.
5
My own Yogi story... A few years ago I was at the Yogi Berra Museum waiting in the back room alone with Yogi, waiting for him to be introduced at some sort of presentation. (Was a photographer for The Star-Ledger.) Yogi was eye-balling the tray of cookies wrapped in cellophane left for the reception afterwards. He looks at the door, then looks at me with a sly grin... "Let's break into the cookies. I don't think Carmen will notice." We would have gotten away with it, but Yogi walked into the auditorium while being introduced with a cookie in his hand. Loved that guy.
19
A wonderful obituary written by someone who clearly loves baseball.
When I was about 10, I had a few baseball cards, but the one I liked the best was the one of Yogi. I have no idea why - I was a girl was was the last chosen for any sport at recess, but I liked Yogi. Years later, living in St Louis, I once again became aware of his legendary status, often going down to The Hill to eat dinner at a great Italian restaurant.
My late husband was a huge fan or baseball, its history and all the statistics. He hated the Yankees but he loved Yogi. I like to think of him in heaven, greeting this baseball legend and sitting down and talking baseball with him. He would truly then be in heaven.
When I was about 10, I had a few baseball cards, but the one I liked the best was the one of Yogi. I have no idea why - I was a girl was was the last chosen for any sport at recess, but I liked Yogi. Years later, living in St Louis, I once again became aware of his legendary status, often going down to The Hill to eat dinner at a great Italian restaurant.
My late husband was a huge fan or baseball, its history and all the statistics. He hated the Yankees but he loved Yogi. I like to think of him in heaven, greeting this baseball legend and sitting down and talking baseball with him. He would truly then be in heaven.
2
Berra and Baseball - beacons of Americana.
6
I was born in New York City in 1942 and grew up as a Yankee fan. "Yogi" was always one of my favorite players and I read his obituary with a mix of laughter and sadness. I think his appeal to so many people, Yankee fans and non-Yankee fans alike, was his everyman appearance. You didn't have to be handsome like DiMaggio or blonde and blue-eyed like Mantle to succeed. I think that one characteristic of Yogi's that is never mentioned is pride in his abilities and pride in his ability to improve his baseball skills. Lou Gehrig can be called the "Pride of the Yankees" but, to me, Yogi Berra always demonstrated the "Pride of a Yankee" in his own abilities and accomplishments. Yogi will be sorely missed and he will never be duplicated.
3
He deserves all the honors he received because he was an incredible ballplayer. But he received all the love from the fans because he was Yogi.
Thank you for so many many memories.
RIP
Thank you for so many many memories.
RIP
4
I am a Red Sox fan, and I want to say the Yogi Berra will be missed. Modern sabremetrics make it clear that Berra was one of the greatest players.
I love his sayings. My favorite, was Berra's response on whether he was going to a particular restaurant: "no one goes there anymore, its too crowded". :-) Most of his sayings make a lot of sense after one translates them back into English.
I love his sayings. My favorite, was Berra's response on whether he was going to a particular restaurant: "no one goes there anymore, its too crowded". :-) Most of his sayings make a lot of sense after one translates them back into English.
3
In every way Yogi showed us all how to live an exemplary and fulfilling life. Not one filled with material things or power over others but one of love, kindness, humor, effort, authenticity and humility.
7
What a great and humorous tribute, to a great player and a great human being. Growing up, in the New York area, I do remember Yogi Berra on and off the field. The 1969 Mets especially and some of the TV commercials he did.
RIP Mr. Berry, you brought great joy and excitement to New Yorkers everywhere.
RIP Mr. Berry, you brought great joy and excitement to New Yorkers everywhere.
3
I remember getting to Yankee stadium early with my dad and brother for a game and watching fielding practice. Yogi was hitting with a fungo to the outfield. Hitting cross-handed with a seemingly effortless swing, he was hitting occasional 'accidental' flies into the black seats in left-center field, over the 463' sign. Such power in his forearms, etc. I never forgot that image.
8
Like the passing of a family member. Life and New York don't feel the same.
8
Even we non-baseball people loved him for his energy, good cheer and wit. Rest in peace, Yogi. We shall miss you.
10
Arguably the most beloved person in the history of American sports. For Yogi it's finally over but his memory and his malapropisms will live forever.
14
Beloved. A natural. So authentic.
Say it ain't so.
6
Durocher was wrong. Nice guys do finish first. RIP, Yogi. We won't see the likes of you again. Ever. Not even close.
20
Remembering Yogi Berra just as a baseball player would be like remembering Pope Francis just as a man. RIP, Mr. Berra, a great Yankee and American icon.
49
I hope, probably naively, that some of today's athletes will take note and think about how they will be remembered when it's their time to go. I'm sure Yogi had his faults, but he deserves to be remembered as a great - incredibly great - athlete, who also happened to be a tremendously good human being. His was a life well lived.
12
My favorite Yogism: When a frustrated grade school teacher asked, "Don't you know anything?" he responded, "I don't even suspect anything."
21
I imagine Pope Francis will correct a misunderstanding.
He meant to canonize Berra, not Serra.
He meant to canonize Berra, not Serra.
32
My father told me a Yogi story, maybe apocryphal: Watching Yogi play outfield against the Dodgers at Ebbets Field one day from the bleachers, he and the rest of his little Dodger's fan friends began to pepper Yogi with the usual insults- "You look like an ape", "You're ugly". And as they taunted him my father haplessly dropped his Dodger's cap (maybe one of the other hooligans threw it) onto the field. Yogi retrieved it and tossed it up to him. What can you say after that?
102
It's apocryphal. If the Yankees were playing the Dodgers it would have been a World Series game. I think the fact your father and his boyhood friends got to go to a World Series game would have been an integral, perhaps THE integral, part of the story.
Thanks for a wonderful story about a man who made baseball wonderful.
6
Fine man. Extraordinary at his craft. Great life well earned.
6
Probably the most loved player in all of baseball, now and forever.
13
The Yogi book, I Really Didn’t Say Everything I Said! reminds us of of one of W's oft repeated Bushisms; only not in a humorous vein.
2
I went to the 1964 World series when you were the manager of the Yankees.
It was an experience I have never forgotten. I have been a Cardinals fan
for 60 years and so appreciated this great competition between these two
great teams.
I loved your baseball skills and your wonderful sense of humor I love you
Yogi. You will be missed. Rest in peace.
It was an experience I have never forgotten. I have been a Cardinals fan
for 60 years and so appreciated this great competition between these two
great teams.
I loved your baseball skills and your wonderful sense of humor I love you
Yogi. You will be missed. Rest in peace.
9
One of the greatest all-round baseball players, ever.
Maybe not pretty, but far and away one of the most athletic, dependable players of his era. My son always asks who were the greatest to play the game. My opinion...but Yogi is in the top 5. Also incredibly kind off the field. A true Ambassador of the game.
Thanks, Yogi. You were a Class Act, all by yourself.
God Bless.
Maybe not pretty, but far and away one of the most athletic, dependable players of his era. My son always asks who were the greatest to play the game. My opinion...but Yogi is in the top 5. Also incredibly kind off the field. A true Ambassador of the game.
Thanks, Yogi. You were a Class Act, all by yourself.
God Bless.
16
One of the best obits I've ever read. But Yogi's life and witticisms provide quite the storehouse of material. What a guy. Rest in peace.
8
And, if you haven't already, check out Bruce Weber's "As They See 'Em," a book on the lives and craft of umpires. Unlike most other sports-themed books I've read, it is a work of masterly reporting and writing that enlightens and entertains from the first sentence to the last! I do hope he will write the definitive biography of Yogi.
1
Great obit for a truly wonderful man. After the baseball writer's dinner in NYC in 1985 I had an opportunity to ask Yogi for his thoughts on what Munson's untimely death had meant for the Yankees, as it had broken the string of great homegrown catchers -- Dickey, Berra, Howard, Munson -- who had formed the backbone of the vast majority of Yankee championship teams. "You know, Butch ain't bad," Berra shot back. "Yeah, but he wasn't coached by you and Dickey," I replied. "You gotta point," he said, nodding in agreement.
4
God bless you, Yogi and family--St. Louis will always claim you and love you!
5
Every time I even pass The Hill I always think of Lawdie.
Nobody will come to his funeral. It will be too crowded
11
Nice try, but they will all come.
Having grown up in Washington state and Michigan, I was not a Yankees fan, but when I became interested in baseball history I found Yogi's records amazing and the anecdotes amusing.
Still, I was surprised that the obit missed one of the funnies product advertisements ever -- Yogi's AFLAC barbershop commercial. The sight of that duck looking cross-eyes and confused (as well as the two other actors) as Yogi delivered his lines still resonates, as does the tagline:
"They give you cash, which is just as good as money."
R.I.P. Yogi.
Still, I was surprised that the obit missed one of the funnies product advertisements ever -- Yogi's AFLAC barbershop commercial. The sight of that duck looking cross-eyes and confused (as well as the two other actors) as Yogi delivered his lines still resonates, as does the tagline:
"They give you cash, which is just as good as money."
R.I.P. Yogi.
7
A great athlete and gentleman. Thank you for stay so long among us. God rest.
8
My favorite Yogi-ism is "It gets late early" referring to the way the sunset would darken home plate and leave the rest of the field in bright sunlight at the old Yankee Stadium.
Yogi was almost autistic in his grasp of things, and those Yogi-isms are the mark of someone whose brain works faster than his tongue and for whom explaining himself linguistically always pales before doing it kinetically.
Still, Yankees suck!
Yogi was almost autistic in his grasp of things, and those Yogi-isms are the mark of someone whose brain works faster than his tongue and for whom explaining himself linguistically always pales before doing it kinetically.
Still, Yankees suck!
4
That's the essence of it - a Yogi fan in Brooklyn who loves him and hates the Yankees
Yogi Berra was more than a sports legend, he was an American legend! He finally came to that fork in the road, and took it!
12
GOAT. Great great player, and who can't love Yogi. Hopefully for us Giants fans we will have Buster Posey around for as long as Yogi was with the Yanks.
What a run he had. RIP
What a run he had. RIP
4
One comment....the "65 Yankees did not finish in 10th place under Johnny Keane. They finished 6th. The '66 Yankees did finish 10th however, however.
Actually 2 comments...Yogi was certainly one of the greatest catchers ever, if not the greatest!
Actually 2 comments...Yogi was certainly one of the greatest catchers ever, if not the greatest!
2
The derisive comments directed at Yogi were part of the anti-Italian American sentiment which pervades our culture to this day. Chuck Todd's recent statements are yet another reminder of this, as are the absurd shows which perpetrate ridiculous stereotypes. Such characterizations of Jews or African-Americans would be denounced, and rightfully so. Apparently, Italian-Americans and Catholics are exempt from the demands of political correctness.
RIP, Yogi. You were great, and the inane comments directed at you were moronic.
RIP, Yogi. You were great, and the inane comments directed at you were moronic.
6
Sometime in the early 1980's, I used to go to a racketball club in Fairfield N.J. that was owned by Yogi, one of his many investments. On one occasion, I go into the locker area where they hand out a towel and soap. Who do you think was the attendant? Yogi himself, keeping himself busy and I assume checking things out.
7
A brilliant, funny and moving obit by Bruce. What else is new?
3
It always felt good knowing Yogi was out there somewhere, radiating all that kindness. He will be missed.
8
A loss not only for baseball, but for America. I always wished he would get involved in politics, as a good man he could have made a difference in that arena. He was truly loved (how could anyone not love Yogi Berra), and will be missed.
3
Great player, great American, wonderful man. Before there were 'donuts' Yogi came up to the plate wielding three bats to pump up his swing, then discarded two of them gently and enter the batters box. There was a lot of talk in baseball this season about the National Pastime's Mt. Rushmore. He belongs there, as much for his humanity and persona as for his uncanny skills and shining statistics -- baseball metrics be damned.
As much as anyone who was not a president or statesman, Yogi, the son of immigrants, was one of the longest threads in the American fabric. This country, and especially the City where he toiled and starred, will not be the same. One of a kind, the best kind.
As much as anyone who was not a president or statesman, Yogi, the son of immigrants, was one of the longest threads in the American fabric. This country, and especially the City where he toiled and starred, will not be the same. One of a kind, the best kind.
17
If I remember right, wasn't it Yogi who invented, and patented, the weighted donut for the bat?
The man was smart as a whip, and unfailingly kind. He will be truly missed.
The man was smart as a whip, and unfailingly kind. He will be truly missed.
2
"You could look it up" the man said to Saint Peter at the gates.
"I played it hard but always fair, and never took rebates."
Saint Peter sternly stared at him, then whispered in his ear
"Yogi, will the Yankees win the Series this next year?"
"I played it hard but always fair, and never took rebates."
Saint Peter sternly stared at him, then whispered in his ear
"Yogi, will the Yankees win the Series this next year?"
7
Probably the most loved player ever in all of baseball, now and forever.
11
I was born in Boston and have been a Red Sox fan my whole life. But I cried when I heard Yogi died.
What a remarkable guy, what a wonderful obit.
What a remarkable guy, what a wonderful obit.
12
No other country could produce Yogi Berra's and Mark Twain's. A great American!
6
RIP. A life well-lived and well-loved for sure. The Star Ledger has a lovely, lengthy biographical tribute to Yogi today: http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2015/09/yogi_berra_dead.html
3
As a young Red Sox fan in the Boston area in the 1950s, I naturally hated the Yankees but couldn't help but admire Mantle, Ford, Maris, and Stengel. But the greatest of these was Berra. Until reading this wonderfully detailed obituary, I did not know Yogi got his nickname from teenaged friends because he sat like a Hindu yogi waiting his turn at bat. And I always loved the sayings attributed to him and understood what he meant. Thanks Yogi for being smart, a great catcher, and colorful even if you were oe of the dreaded New York Yankees in the 1950s.
3
Yogi was a true gentleman and ambassador of baseball. I consider myself lucky to have met him on several occasions and listened in on some of his memories of the game.
God Bless Yogi!
God Bless Yogi!
4
Now that's what I call an obit.
6
Yogi and The Mick were my heroes growing up in Nashville , Tenn. One day about 1950 or "51 , both of these GREATS were standing in Jim Turner's (Yankee pitcher coach) yard across the street from my home. I ran across to meet them and Mr. Turner said, "George, want to meet a couple of my friends?" It is a moment I will never forget, but I did forget to get their autograph. Just a smile and small talk and a handshake. Yogi was the greatest. I already miss him.
1
Well written!! I have to be honest - I did not know that The Yogi had such an illustrious career in baseball as player and coach. I respect and admire him even more know. This obituary is a wonderful, well-written homage to a great athlete. R.I.P., Yogi.
3
Indeed, Yogi, it ain't over. Thank you for bringing so much joy to so many.
3
The article shoud have touched on the hard work Yogi did to become a ball p[layer. He grew up poor and spent hours playing baseball as well as may other street games. He may have been only 5'7" and 185 lbs, but he was extremely strong for his size and managed to block the plate against men who were much larger.
People loved him because he was the little guy who could not only play in the big leagues, but out play almost anyone one in his era.
People loved him because he was the little guy who could not only play in the big leagues, but out play almost anyone one in his era.
6
We'd all be a little better if we had a bit of Yogi in us. Congrats on the well lived life Yogi and the nice obit Mr. Weber.
3
Imagine, a time when a player was judged by their actual skill, not one augmented by all kinds of drugs, or on whether or not they were "hot". Well written obit, NYT, that again reminds us of how much we've lost as a culture.
6
Farewell to perhaps the last and most colorful of the stars of the Golden Age of baseball. I'm glad the article clarified that Yogi, though not erudite or formally educated, was a truly bright and crafty man. Note also that Yogi, unlike some famous teammates, never got into trouble and was faithful to his beautiful wife of 60+ years. No barroom brawls or drunken whoring for Yogi. PS. In 1965, after Johnny Keane had replaced Yogi as manager, the Yankees finished sixth (77-85), not last as the article says. They finished last (tenth) the next year, at 70-89.
4
This part of a poem I wrote when they opened the new Stadium. Lots of memories of Yogi and of baseball past. R.I.P. Yogi, and he was out.
Yankee Stadium 9-21-08
Last home game for the old ballpark tonight;
Network nostalgia and glitz.
It’s only a game and only a building
In a business that tries its best to shoulder
Aside the people who love the game and now
Can’t afford to get in.
It is still magical;
Where time and place bounce.
Where I saw my first big league game,
Hot July Sunday with my father
Yankees vs. the Tigers, his boyhood team.
Prior to that pre-Interstate trip across Jersey
To the Bronx, it was baseball cards,
The box scores in the paper and the Game of the Week;
Baseball and Ballantine, “How About That.”
Now it was coming up the ramp for real
Subway cars clanking across the bleachers.
My dad and his colleague drinking beer
While I took it all in;
Batting practice, the National Anthem
And then Yogi in left field below me.
I yelled his name and he turned around
But I was too awestruck to even wave.
The Yanks won and we went back
On Route 46, past a glass storefront full of drums.
Will listen tonight to the radio broadcast,
AM waves bouncing up 46, past the drums
Across the river and here, fading in and out.
Memories cut both ways – baseball cards humming
In the spokes; bus trips; rain outs; wins and loses;
But always the Green and the subway cars.
Yankee Stadium 9-21-08
Last home game for the old ballpark tonight;
Network nostalgia and glitz.
It’s only a game and only a building
In a business that tries its best to shoulder
Aside the people who love the game and now
Can’t afford to get in.
It is still magical;
Where time and place bounce.
Where I saw my first big league game,
Hot July Sunday with my father
Yankees vs. the Tigers, his boyhood team.
Prior to that pre-Interstate trip across Jersey
To the Bronx, it was baseball cards,
The box scores in the paper and the Game of the Week;
Baseball and Ballantine, “How About That.”
Now it was coming up the ramp for real
Subway cars clanking across the bleachers.
My dad and his colleague drinking beer
While I took it all in;
Batting practice, the National Anthem
And then Yogi in left field below me.
I yelled his name and he turned around
But I was too awestruck to even wave.
The Yanks won and we went back
On Route 46, past a glass storefront full of drums.
Will listen tonight to the radio broadcast,
AM waves bouncing up 46, past the drums
Across the river and here, fading in and out.
Memories cut both ways – baseball cards humming
In the spokes; bus trips; rain outs; wins and loses;
But always the Green and the subway cars.
4
What a great picture of Carter and Berra.
2
Yogi became one of the great modern catchers, but not without the help of others. On Opening Day 1949 he was on the bench with Gus Niarhos starting. Yogi pinch-hit that day, homered, and that was the end of any other catcher's Yankee hopes until Elston Howard. Besides Dickey, the three veteran pitchers Reynolds, Raschi, and Lopat worked incessantly on the "project" as they called it: to make Yogi into a reliable catcher who could direct the game. He wasn't allowed to call pitchers until well into the 1949 season.
Thank you, Bruce Weber, for the beautifully written obit...you did the man proud.
3
"No one likes that restaurant; it's always too crowded."
1
As a kid growing up during the Yankee's heyday, I was a die in the wool yankee hater.Having gone to many games with my father I could see that even though he wasn't a yankee fan he appreciated the game enough to rise above petty hatred to appreciate the greatness of a player even if he was a yankee. I can almost hear him saying " how could you not love Yogi".
1
RIP, Yogi. You were one of the best, and will always be remembered.
3
Beginning in 1960 my mother and grandfather taught me to hate the Damn Yankees for their arrogant swagger that perennially defeated our beloved South Side Chicago White Sox. Maris, Mantle, Ford, Howard, Skowron, Boyer, Richardson, Lopez and Kubek were a bunch of barbarians. But Berra was hard to dislike. No one in MLB history until the rise of Pablo Sandoval looked less athletic. RIP Yogi!
4
Next week's headline:
"Berra's Funeral So Crowded Everyone Stayed Home"
"Berra's Funeral So Crowded Everyone Stayed Home"
14
When you see highlights of his career you realize how clutch he was. Rock solid. You can see how well a team does when it is strong up the middle.
2
The great one.
Respect.
Respect.
4
Even after 90 years, its gotten late early out there. RIP to an outstanding player and a better man.
6
I think it would be more than fitting that the Yankees rename Richmond County Bank Ballpark, where the Staten Island Yankees play, to Yogi Berra Field. Something in this City needs to be named to honor Yogi.
161
They should rename the entire borough of the Bronx in his honor.
How about renaming Yankee Stadium after Yogi? As a lifelong Yankee fan (55yr old) he is, in my humble opinion, the one icon who deserves that honor.
2
Please, can someone tell me? That great photo of Jackie Robinson apparently attempting to steal home -- was he safe or out?
2
I've watched that play frame by frame many times. It's impossible to tell for certain—and there's only one film. In those days they didn't record every play from 17 different angles, so we'll never know. The umpire, being behind Yogi, might not have had an actual view of the edge of the plate and might have had to make a guess. (Umpires do more guessing than you might think, and they do have a rule: "Never guess a runner out.")
Yogi was a true Yankee, when it really meant something to be a Yankee. A clutch hitter, flawless catcher, and a great teammate. My father and I always enjoyed his play when we visited the Stadium in the 50's and 60's. It was our honor to witness the hard work and talent of this true Hall of Famer.
4
it's been said before but we'll never see his like again.....
3
For these last few decades, Yogi Berra has always been there, a cultural icon known by virtually every American, liked and kidded but also respected. Whereas so many famous people nowadays are mere images, cardboard figures if you will, Yogi Berra was to us always a full human, with all a human's complexity. That is why we love him and why his loss leaves a hole in our lives. If I'm recalling correctly, when Yogi was first base coach for the Mets, at least once he had to fill in as a catcher. Who now will fill in for him?
6
thanks for the memories! you will be missed.
3
Mr. Yogi Berra, number 8, was a great and humble man. Zichrono l'bracha! May his memory be for a blessing.
2
If you don't go to other people's funerals, they won't come to yours. Wish i was there, Yog.
2
Well ... it's over. And what a shame. Yogi reminds us of a time when players were great men, not just great athletes. He dropped out of school to help feed his family, not to sign a million dollar contract. His idea of community service was storming the beach at Normandy and fighting across Europe to protect the folks back home. Quite different from writing a million dollar check so someone else can build a youth center in a city you've never been to and put your name on it. Goodbye to one of the greatest of men.
8
Yogi Berra once said “You should always go to other people’s funerals, otherwise, they won’t come to yours.” Somehow, I don't think that sentiment applies to Yogi because there isn't a church or funeral home big enough to house his many fans. He was to baseball what Pope Francis is to the world - humble, down to earth, a real common man. A very sad day for baseball, New York, and those who knew and loved him.
6
Now, it's truly over. RIP Yogi. You will be missed.
3
Very well written piece. I enjoy each word other than the ones saying we lost a great one.
3
Rest in peace Yogi. Thank you for ALL that you have done, on the field and off. We will never forget you.
2
He’s with Casey Stengel now, his Yankee boss, mentor, and soul-mate.
Only the two of them, and maybe God, ever understood what they were talking about in their conversations together.
Only the two of them, and maybe God, ever understood what they were talking about in their conversations together.
2
"He was a backup player on the championship teams of 1961..."
No. Yogi was the starting left fielder in 1961
No. Yogi was the starting left fielder in 1961
1
Great obituary. I went to my first ballgame on Saturday, June 22, 1957, with my Dad, at age 6. I remember seeing Yogi hit a "walk off" [the term was not used back then] home run in the bottom of the 13th inning The Yankees won 6 to 5. It was their 9th win in a row and they moved into first place (where they stayed for the rest of year - except for two days the next week).
It was a great moment for my Dad and me. My Dad was so happy with the result and with bringing his son to is first game that day. 41 years later I brought my own son (age 10) to NYC and, while we did not go to the game, we watched David Cone pitch his perfect game on Yogi Berra Day sitting in Mickey Mantle's restaurant. Always regretted that I failed to go to the game, but still grateful for all the Yankee memories.
Thank you, Yogi, and Dad. May you both Rest in Peace.
It was a great moment for my Dad and me. My Dad was so happy with the result and with bringing his son to is first game that day. 41 years later I brought my own son (age 10) to NYC and, while we did not go to the game, we watched David Cone pitch his perfect game on Yogi Berra Day sitting in Mickey Mantle's restaurant. Always regretted that I failed to go to the game, but still grateful for all the Yankee memories.
Thank you, Yogi, and Dad. May you both Rest in Peace.
9
Like you, I'll never forget my first Yankee game. Age 8, with my father and grandfather, on August 6, 1957. Bob Turley shut out the Washington Senators, 4-0. Chuck Stobbs pitched for the Senators, Hank Bauer led off for the Yankees with a home run, and Mickey Mantle hit a "ground rule" double in the third. Yogi caught and went 2 for 4, while Elston Howard played left field. After the game, as we walked down the ramp to leave, my dad said, "Look, Walt. There's Phil Rizzuto." Rizzuto (by then an announcer) was approaching, also leaving, and said, "Hi, Walt!" A Yankee had spoken to me!
1
It ain't ever going to be over, Yogi; you will live forever in the American idiom; RIP.
3
What an amazing, and inspirational life. One might even say, blessed. Yogi passes on the day of the Pope's arrival and the holiday of Yom Kippur. The man was a model of authenticity, charity, and good will. Not bad for a ballplayer.
4
I always like to remember Berra's play on the field than the famous remarks. It seems unfortunate people seem to think they were his major contribution. This article is a great history of all of it, but I have to question one assertion about the quotes; he may have remarked "it ain't over til it's over" in 1973 but if so it seems to me he was already quoting himself. The expression, and it's attribution to Yogi goes back much further than that. I became a baseball fan in the 50's and feel like that was a Yogi quote since at least the early 60s. I'm sure I heard it on the playgrounds where I tried, with no success, to emulate Yogi's talent for hitting bad balls good.
Again, things like 3 MVP awards are more important to me than the remarks people laugh at, but "It ain't over til it's over" is repeated so much because it makes a point, as proven by Yogi and his team --as if it needed more proving -- in 1973
Again, things like 3 MVP awards are more important to me than the remarks people laugh at, but "It ain't over til it's over" is repeated so much because it makes a point, as proven by Yogi and his team --as if it needed more proving -- in 1973
2
My tears are flowing for, the humble man and the extraordinary player, Lawrence "Yogi" Berra. We have lost a great model of how deeds and actions are more important than showboating by our athletes both on the field and in their personal lives.
6
The volume of tears shed from the passing of Yogi could probably put a dent in the drought in California.
8
Nice sentiment, but we don't have the desalination plants necessary for such an undertaking.
Now THAT'S how you write a feature obit.
What a great tribute to a wonderful man.
Kudos, Mr. Weber, and RIP Yogi.
What a great tribute to a wonderful man.
Kudos, Mr. Weber, and RIP Yogi.
38
Great piece. Yogi was all that and he really did say wondrous things. I heard him on a few occasions utter sentences that easily fit into the Berra lexicon. Now, when every player seemingly gets media trained Berra-isms will be all the more remembered fondly.
3
In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is.
- Yogi Berra
- Yogi Berra
28
As a youngster growing up in Queens as a Yankee fan I had the good fortune to see Yogi play many times either catching or later in his career in the outfield.
He was one of those players you always wished did well, (He usually did) and in a neighborhood with many Dodger and Giant fans he was the only player that all the kids liked. Nothing but good to say about Yogi. I never had to change that statement. Truly a life well lived.
He was one of those players you always wished did well, (He usually did) and in a neighborhood with many Dodger and Giant fans he was the only player that all the kids liked. Nothing but good to say about Yogi. I never had to change that statement. Truly a life well lived.
16
He almost was an outfielder for his entire career. Initially, the Yankee management despaired of making him a catcher in 1947, and after the World Series, many had doubts. The publicity photos of Yogi in 1948 often had him with a fielder's glove chasing balls in the outfield. But, in 1949 with Dickey and the veteran pitching staff, it all came together behind the plate.
Beautifully written. Thanks New York Times for your first class journalism. Yogi would be proud. Another American icon for the ages. He will be missed. Saw him window shopping in Sag Harbor two summers ago. I didn't bother him. Should have stopped and told him to count me as one of his admirers.
13
As one who grew up and became a baseball fan in the fifties, I just became a little older as Yogi takes some part of my youth with him. I'll miss it but it's been worth the journey. What a glorious time that was. Thank you Bruce Weber.
Thank you Yogi Berra.
Thank you Yogi Berra.
8
I did fine until I read Yogi's response to the woman who asked if Yoo-Hoo was hypenated. The rest of his obituary was a teary blur.
So long, Yogi. And thanks.
So long, Yogi. And thanks.
87
I remember he had the ability to hit a pitch out of the strike zone for a base hit.
He was very difficult to face if you were a pitcher. Great human being.
He was very difficult to face if you were a pitcher. Great human being.
Where have all the great Yankees gone? Gone to graveyards, nearly everyone. Yogi was one of the best, not only on the field but off it as well. We need colorful characters to enhance the game and he did his part. RIP, Yogi.
Btw, the writer says that the Yankees finished last in 1965 under Johnny Keane. In fact, they finished sixth; they finished last in 1966 though Keane was gone 16 games into that season with a 4-12 record
Btw, the writer says that the Yankees finished last in 1965 under Johnny Keane. In fact, they finished sixth; they finished last in 1966 though Keane was gone 16 games into that season with a 4-12 record
1
A beautiful man. A life worth celebrating. A man for the ages.
6
We love ya', Yogi. See you upstairs. RIP.
The conversations on this sad day recount the five greatest Yankees....The Babe, Lou, Mickey, Joe D. and Yogi. Talk about Jeter another day. But in reality, it is Yogi who gave more back to the game, the fans. It was Yogi who conducted himself with grace and humility. It was Yogi who lived a life of principle and class. His on the field accomplishments put him in the top five of greatest Yankee players. The way he lived such a wonderful life earns him the title of "Greatest Yankee Ever".
God has blessed this amazing man. Rest in Peace.
God has blessed this amazing man. Rest in Peace.
6
I was nicknamed Yogi at two distinct parts of my life. At eight and at eighteen. He always meant the world to me. A true hero and athlete to look up to.
1
Mr. President:
Where's the Medal of Freedom so many asked for?
Where's the Medal of Freedom so many asked for?
R.I.P. mr. Y.Berra. From Russia with Love.
2
Yogi Berra and his wisdom and wit will be sorely missed. His passing made me recall a conversation I had with the late Mickey Mantle while working as a Yankees public relations representative in the early 90's. Mantle said that in fact, many of the so-called "Yogi-isms" were the impish creations of Joe Garigiola, who would often chide his buddy from St. Louis. But Mantle did offer an eyewitness account of Yogi in action. It was before a Florida spring training game, and Yogi had been strolling the infield foul line outside Yankee the dugout in a colorful Hawaiian shirt and sunglasses. A voice from the stand shouted, "Yogi, you look so cool today!" Without flinching, Yogi turned slightly and said, "You don't look too hot either."
-Joe Carella
-Joe Carella
1
When Casey Stengel was asked the secret to his success as Yankee manager he replied, "I never go anywhere without my man." Now Casey has him back with him.
8
"My man" great tribute, relived in Ken Burns Baseball's 7th episode - https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Ken%20Burns%207th%20inning&qs=n...
LEGEND < it not over until its over , weel it is over and we are all sad today
He was, like Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris, gifts from "the flyover zone" to New York.
Come on. Yogi didn't die. You can't be dead if your words are alive.
6
This is a beautifully written obituary. The only thing I'd emphasize more was what a terrific clutch hitter Yogi was. Batting fourth in the lineup right behind Mantle, there was no way any team was going to walk Mantle to get by him and have to face Yogi. The "bad ball hitting" referred to in the obit was in fact part of why Yogi was always able to deliver. He rarely whiffed swinging at those bad balls.
Having grown up with Yogi ("the Yoge"), a big piece of my childhood just passed. Rest in peace, my friend. We'll all miss you.
Having grown up with Yogi ("the Yoge"), a big piece of my childhood just passed. Rest in peace, my friend. We'll all miss you.
4
As a Yankee fan and communitarian writer, I have often had occasion to quote Yogi. One of my favorites: "You go to someone's funeral, because some day you'll want them to come to yours." Now, on Yom Kippur of all days, we are all bereaved by the passing of this singular man (although Yogi would characteristically respond that he also hit home runs).
5
A beautifully crafted obit, from the ungainly but lovable lede paragraph right down to the lovingly chosen final three words.
10
A lengthy obituary, but Yogi had such a life and such a personality that would require one. Beautifully written, too, I must say.
6
I can't think and hit at the same time. You were great, Yogi, and we'll miss you. And yeah, with today's replays, Jackie would have been called out after a single review.
8
One of the greatest catchers of all time. The greatest spokesman for baseball of all time. RIP, Yogi.
3
Yogi, Yogi, Yogi!!!!!!!
2
Mickey Mantle: "Hey Yogi! What time is it?"
Yogi: "You mean now?"
Truly, a one of a kind national treasure. Rest in peace.
Yogi: "You mean now?"
Truly, a one of a kind national treasure. Rest in peace.
1
The one and absolute only. The be before there was. The know before the think. Seeing before the blink. Yogi, Yogi, oh Yogi!!
2
Lawrence Peter Berra, as a Brooklyn born daughter (1956) I bow to you, Sir.
Yogi, I was really alright with the beautiful ink they gave you in tribute to your life and knew that you had a wonderful long life. As I read to the end, the meaning of your life and passing thread through my own and my mood changed. I miss these times you played and touched us. Then came those pictures. I was alright again---that is, until the picture of your hands. I studied them absolutely transfixed because I was reading the poem in them and that picture is truly profound!
I was never touched by those hands. Never transfixed until now because those hands touched millions without even touching. That's poetry in motion, Yogi. And I guess you were. Now hot tears are falling. I guess that's love.
Yogi, I was really alright with the beautiful ink they gave you in tribute to your life and knew that you had a wonderful long life. As I read to the end, the meaning of your life and passing thread through my own and my mood changed. I miss these times you played and touched us. Then came those pictures. I was alright again---that is, until the picture of your hands. I studied them absolutely transfixed because I was reading the poem in them and that picture is truly profound!
I was never touched by those hands. Never transfixed until now because those hands touched millions without even touching. That's poetry in motion, Yogi. And I guess you were. Now hot tears are falling. I guess that's love.
12
Yogi Berra truly is the definition of a baseball legend. He was larger than the game and transcended whatever logo happened to be on his cap. Heaven has its catcher for eternity. No one better!
My dad loved baseball, and I watched a lot of baseball on TV with him in the 50s and 60s. Dad loved the Cubbies, but I was always a Yankees fan. Yogi and Mickey and the gang seemed like family - and they won and won and won. Magical times. Thank you Yogi.
2
Interesting. You write this article as if Yogi Berra was a worldwide household name. Well, he was not. I guess that outside the USA not many people had ever heard of him, at least I hadn't and dont know of anyone who had... Anyway I'm guessing he was a terrific player and a simbol in your country. Just wanted to point to the international impact (or the complete absence of such na impact). But, then again, in this sport you seem to cal the finals of your national chamionshp as "World Series". Thats a fun name for a national championship.
Anyway, as a lover of sports, I respect a lot this simbols and their meaning to a nation, so this is a nice article.
Anyway, as a lover of sports, I respect a lot this simbols and their meaning to a nation, so this is a nice article.
2
Interesting, you write your comment as if you think Americans care about the rest of the world. How wonderfully naive! Maybe someday you will actually meet an American.
To call Yogi legendary seems inadequate. Summarizing what he has meant to baseball and popular culture, and the place he is held in the hearts and minds of so many is impossible. If one tries, one would only end up saying something like Yogi may have said, only not nearly as brilliant or insightful as Yogi would have said it. Yogi's time with us might be over, but Yogi will never be over because he lives on as an impossibly transcendent figure. Thank you Yogi for being Yogi.
Yogi made us smile whether we were watching and cheering at baseball games or listening to his wisdoms. With a life well lived, the fork leads to heaven. amen.
1
Beautiful tribute to a beautiful man! Thanks.
2
Sadly it is over and the "fat lady has sung".
I'm sure Yogi is behind the plate for God
and is still spouting his witticisms to the delight of the angels.
I'm sure Yogi is behind the plate for God
and is still spouting his witticisms to the delight of the angels.
This is truly a sad day. Yogi and Mick, the two best heroes a boy could ever have.
For over fifty years, every time I thought about Yogi or saw him on TV, my spirits lifted and a smile came to my face. I feel like a little bit of me has died.
He was a great ballplayer and an even better man. Thanks Yogi for being you. May you rest in peace.
For over fifty years, every time I thought about Yogi or saw him on TV, my spirits lifted and a smile came to my face. I feel like a little bit of me has died.
He was a great ballplayer and an even better man. Thanks Yogi for being you. May you rest in peace.
3
A story not often told about the great Yogi. After a test in grade school the teacher asked him to stay behind and when the other kids were gone she asked him, "Lawrence, don't you KNOW anything?" And Yogi replied, "Oh, maam, I don't even suspect anything."
Goodbye, old friend. We all felt like we knew you.
Goodbye, old friend. We all felt like we knew you.
7
Yogi Berra was not just a Yankee icon, he was a NYC living legend. His ten World Series rings are a testament to his prowess in the game. Casey Stengel managed some of the greatest players in the game, called Yogi "my man," and said Yogi was his choice of batter in a clutch situation. His affable, humble nature obscured that he was one of the greatest players in the history of the game, this is a very sad day indeed.
At age 11, I was struck down with an illness that forced me to bed for the summer. My father came home one day with a small portable black and white TV and set it up on my bedroom dresser. Each time the Yankees were playing, he would come upstairs and sit on my bed with me and talk to me about each player's strengths and weaknesses, and how to read the stats later in the newspaper. My father was a tremendous admirer of Yogi, a common man like my dad. I loved it all: my dad sharing memories of games he saw when he worked in NYC, and watching the Yankees play.
114
When I was 5, I came down with polio. Naturally, the neighborhood parents were terrified. My father, a doctor, inoculated most of the kids on Old Town Lane, Halesite. I was isolated in my room for months. My dad built a radio into the wall so that I could hear every Yankee game. Yogi was my favorite because he seemed kind and funny as well as being a great player. He will always have a place in my heart!
1
Jo, your story brought tears to my eyes.
“Common men” Our fathers like yours, mine, and Yogi. Men who fought in WWII. Sons of immigrants. Men whose importance was in being the best they could be but more important being family men....and doing so humbly.
That it was more important to explain baseball to their daughters, watch the game with them whether at the stadium or on those little black and white TVs than building a golden tower with their name on it. How extraordinarily lucky we were to have such fathers.
Baseball was a passion we shared with our dads our entire lives. Rest in peace all such “common” men--the backbone of America.
“Common men” Our fathers like yours, mine, and Yogi. Men who fought in WWII. Sons of immigrants. Men whose importance was in being the best they could be but more important being family men....and doing so humbly.
That it was more important to explain baseball to their daughters, watch the game with them whether at the stadium or on those little black and white TVs than building a golden tower with their name on it. How extraordinarily lucky we were to have such fathers.
Baseball was a passion we shared with our dads our entire lives. Rest in peace all such “common” men--the backbone of America.
1
Yogi's long association with New Jersey always made me quietly proud of my home state, because he seemed like the perfect Jersey guy. What he lacked in refinement he more than made up for in humility and heart. He was the only ballplayer whose autograph I ever bothered to get. I was a 7 year-old, probably around 1962, standing in line in a winter drizzle at a Shop-Rite in Iselin, waiting for him to sign a little Yoo-Hoo promotional pop-up card, which he did, with a smile. RIP, Yog. You made a lot of people love you and you lived a great life.
1
I have no doubt he's telling Jackie right now that he was OUT at home. With a smile on his face.
3
At the Pearly Gates, when they line 'em up alphabetically by height, Yogi will be the first one in. Bravo.
3
Thank you, Yogi.
2
I loved Yogi Berra. I'm grateful to my father for making me a New York Yankee fan. Billy, Mickey, Yogi, and the last one standing, Whitey. Sometimes, things were better back in the day.
1
Rest in peace, Yogi. Your St. Louis home town is forever proud of you.
2
My childhood hero who never disappointed.
R.I.P. Yogi.
R.I.P. Yogi.
2
Some of the best Yogi-isms:
“Baseball is 90% mental, the other half is physical.”
- Yogi Berra
“I didn’t really say everything I said.”
- Yogi Berra
“The future ain’t what it used to be.”
- Yogi Berra
“No one goes there nowadays, it’s too crowded.”
- Yogi Berra
“This is like déjà vu all over again.”
- Yogi Berra
“You can observe a lot just by watching.”
- Yogi Berra
“Half the lies they tell about me aren’t true.”
- Yogi Berra
“A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore.”
- Yogi Berra
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST...
“Always go to other people’s funerals, otherwise they won’t come to yours.”
- Yogi Berra
“Baseball is 90% mental, the other half is physical.”
- Yogi Berra
“I didn’t really say everything I said.”
- Yogi Berra
“The future ain’t what it used to be.”
- Yogi Berra
“No one goes there nowadays, it’s too crowded.”
- Yogi Berra
“This is like déjà vu all over again.”
- Yogi Berra
“You can observe a lot just by watching.”
- Yogi Berra
“Half the lies they tell about me aren’t true.”
- Yogi Berra
“A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore.”
- Yogi Berra
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST...
“Always go to other people’s funerals, otherwise they won’t come to yours.”
- Yogi Berra
21
A few more of notables not listed above that were found in: http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/09/the-50-greatest-yogi-berra-quotes
“When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”
- Yogi Berra
“We made too many wrong mistakes.”
- Yogi Berra
“It ain’t over till it’s over.”
- Yogi Berra
“Congratulations. I knew the record would stand until it was broken.”
- Yogi Berra
“You better cut the pizza in four pieces because I’m not hungry enough to eat six.”
- Yogi Berra
“You wouldn’t have won if we’d beaten you.”
- Yogi Berra
“I usually take a two-hour nap from one to four.”
- Yogi Berra
“Never answer an anonymous letter.”
- Yogi Berra
“Slump? I ain’t in no slump… I just ain’t hitting.”
- Yogi Berra
“How can you think and hit at the same time?”
- Yogi Berra
“It gets late early out here.”
- Yogi Berra
“We have deep depth.”
- Yogi Berra
“Pair up in threes.”
- Yogi Berra
“Why buy good luggage, you only use it when you travel.”
- Yogi Berra
“I never blame myself when I’m not hitting. I just blame the bat and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all, if I know it isn’t my fault that I’m not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?”
- Yogi Berra
“If you ask me anything I don’t know, I’m not going to answer.”
- Yogi Berra
”The towels were so thick there I could hardly close my suitcase.”
- Yogi Berra
“If I didn’t make it in baseball, I won’t have made it workin’.” “I didn’t like to work”.
- Yogi Berra
“If the world were perfect, it wouldn’t be.”
- Yogi Berra
“When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”
- Yogi Berra
“We made too many wrong mistakes.”
- Yogi Berra
“It ain’t over till it’s over.”
- Yogi Berra
“Congratulations. I knew the record would stand until it was broken.”
- Yogi Berra
“You better cut the pizza in four pieces because I’m not hungry enough to eat six.”
- Yogi Berra
“You wouldn’t have won if we’d beaten you.”
- Yogi Berra
“I usually take a two-hour nap from one to four.”
- Yogi Berra
“Never answer an anonymous letter.”
- Yogi Berra
“Slump? I ain’t in no slump… I just ain’t hitting.”
- Yogi Berra
“How can you think and hit at the same time?”
- Yogi Berra
“It gets late early out here.”
- Yogi Berra
“We have deep depth.”
- Yogi Berra
“Pair up in threes.”
- Yogi Berra
“Why buy good luggage, you only use it when you travel.”
- Yogi Berra
“I never blame myself when I’m not hitting. I just blame the bat and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all, if I know it isn’t my fault that I’m not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?”
- Yogi Berra
“If you ask me anything I don’t know, I’m not going to answer.”
- Yogi Berra
”The towels were so thick there I could hardly close my suitcase.”
- Yogi Berra
“If I didn’t make it in baseball, I won’t have made it workin’.” “I didn’t like to work”.
- Yogi Berra
“If the world were perfect, it wouldn’t be.”
- Yogi Berra
Sometimes a man's name is is fate. He was certainly the right person to have received the name Yogi.
1
A lifelong Mets fan, perhaps my greatest baseball thrill was being at his HOF induction ceremony when I was 10. Shook his hand, and Roy Campanella's. An icon of the game and of life, he achieved true sainthood. RIP Yogi. You were THE man amongst many men.
6
Great article, Bruce. A fitting tribute to a terrific player and person.
3
One of life's true heroes. May you have a fortunate rebirth Yogi.
6
Like many young Yankee fans living in Northern NJ, I was a Little League catcher and wore number 8. Each year in April our school had a teacher's conference and we did not have school. My friends and I would walk to Route 4, take a bus to the GW bridge, take another bus across the bridge and then 2 subways to Yankee Stadium, getting to the player's entrance about 10:00 AM, hoping to get autographs. Hank Bauer and Johnny Mize signed, but blew us off. Yogi and Phil Rizzuto, asked us if we were skipping school, graciously signed and spoke with us for about 10 minutes. Couldn't get any better than that. That was 60 years ago; I see it as if it were yesterday. Needless to say, Yogi was the best.
24
As another self-professed "Yankee hater" wrote here, we always made an exception for Yogi – even as his team was beating up on ours.
Even so, my most vivid image of Yogi is one that I suspect few others remember. For some reason or other, he was playing left field for the Yankees when Bill Mazeroski hit his game-winning walk-off home run in the bottom of the 10th inning of the 7th game of the 1960 World Series. Most fielders would have run back to the fence, and maybe jumped in a valiant if hopeless effort to catch the ball. Not Yogi (who wasn't much of a left fielder, and so it might not have mattered). He stood there, continuing to face toward home plate, never turned around or even looked up at the ball. It was when I noticed his pose that I knew Mazeroski's hit must be a home run. Yogi just couldn't bear to watch it.
Even so, my most vivid image of Yogi is one that I suspect few others remember. For some reason or other, he was playing left field for the Yankees when Bill Mazeroski hit his game-winning walk-off home run in the bottom of the 10th inning of the 7th game of the 1960 World Series. Most fielders would have run back to the fence, and maybe jumped in a valiant if hopeless effort to catch the ball. Not Yogi (who wasn't much of a left fielder, and so it might not have mattered). He stood there, continuing to face toward home plate, never turned around or even looked up at the ball. It was when I noticed his pose that I knew Mazeroski's hit must be a home run. Yogi just couldn't bear to watch it.
1
Thinker, not trying to destroy your childhood memories, so forgive me, but your recollection got me curious about that play (how can someone be so sure the ball is going out that they never even turn around? If the player was wrong they would be the biggest goat of all time). And you are correct in one regard: Yogi was playing left field. But, in reaction to the home run he does turn around, and in fact runs back to the fence, following the flight of the ball. I find it fascinating how our recollections can often change over time.
Yogi played left field often, and it was the 9th, not the 10th inning. Watch the film again: Yogi knows it's far gone, starts running in, and looks back to watch the ball disappear.
One of my childhood heroes on those great Yankee teams. Mickey Mantle was my all-time favorite player but Yogi, and Scooter and Whitey -- they were all special. Used to race home from school to hear Mel Allen on the radio call the games and summer continued for a little bit longer. Baseball and Ballantine -- I even remember the commercials. :-)
Rest in peace, Yogi.
Rest in peace, Yogi.
6
Another great icon from a fantastic era no longer with us...thankful to have the memories of those years Yogi was a player...thankful I had a Dad who would watch the games...
6
From a diehard Blue Jays fan. Yogi symbolized the best of the game on and off the field. I know he will be recognized at tonight's game.
1
Yogi Berra said, "It ain't over 'til it's over." and while his storied life has come to its end, his story never will. Yogi is part of our national consciousness and our history. Condolences to Yogi Berra's family and many, many friends. May he rest in peace. He will be forever remembered in the pantheon of baseball's legends.
7
My Dad was a corker, and now I see a little bit of Yogi Berra in his personality. We would go to all the Yankee games we could as a kid with my father, and of course, Dad loved Yogi Berra. Imitation is the great flattery of life.
4
My favorite Yogi-ism, seldom heard:
In the fall of 1969 the Mets gathered at City Hall to be honored by Mayor Lindsay for being World Champs. It was an unseasonably hot day.
Mrs. John Lindsay: "Yogi, you look very cool."
Yogi: "You don't look so hot yourself."
In the fall of 1969 the Mets gathered at City Hall to be honored by Mayor Lindsay for being World Champs. It was an unseasonably hot day.
Mrs. John Lindsay: "Yogi, you look very cool."
Yogi: "You don't look so hot yourself."
90
They just don't make them like Yogi Berra anymore….
15
Hearing the news about Yogi immediately makes me think about my parents and my childhood and all the Yankee games we watched or listened to. It's one more link gone. And on Yom Kippur.
25
Exactly what I was thinking...God Bless him...God Bless us...weren't we so lucky? Taking quite a lot to keep from crying...
53
Yogi Berra is a national treasure! RIP, Yogi......
22
A brilliant job by Mr. Weber about a brillian man and true American hero, on the field and off. Imagine, he landed on the beach at Normandy. What a man!
31
I almost cried when I learned Yogi had passed. He was one of my heroes, and still is. For many of us who grew up with Yogi, his passing ends a glorious era when the Bronx Bombers were our home club and we Yankee fans felt like we were pals with the Yanks, but especially with Yogi. For those who derided Yogi as ignorant, his career and his family prove otherwise. May we all be as dumb as Yogi.
Wherever he's gone now, his name and his legacy as a good, honest, hard-working, funny and wise, dedicated and determined man will not be forgotten.
Wherever he's gone now, his name and his legacy as a good, honest, hard-working, funny and wise, dedicated and determined man will not be forgotten.
66
as a kid, we would bike past his house, and often knock on his door. his wife would always give us a signed picture of him. ever the gentleman, always kind to us neighborhood kids. a true legend and a hero to all of us in west orange/montclair. one of the greats of the 'greatest generation'. rest in peace, yogi. your legend will live on.
150
Another Yankee player whose baseball card was shredded by my bicycle's spokes in the 1950s. As a Tiger's fan, I hated the Yankees out of pure respect, especially in 1961, when the Tigers won over 100 games but did not qualify for the post-season because the Yankees won more games. RIP Yogi.
1
Sounds almost ironic to say, but what a great piece. Always a fan but it made me appreciate him even more. Bye Yogi.
2
It won't be over even though it's over, Yogi. Rest in Peace.
1
Yogi was a great Italian American athlete. On the wall in my office, I have a photograph of him playing left field during the 7th game of the 1960 world series.
1
One of my favorite yogiisms is the one he said on the day of his last game (if I remember correctly): "Thanks to all of you who made this day necessary." Yogi, you rock! Have a great time in the big diamond in Heaven. We will miss you.
3
It's becoming difficult to recall a time when sports figures were not dogged by scandals (largely of their own making). This fellow was his own double-header, contributing both to sports and to our language and culture. Yogi-isms never fail to bring a smile. And their truth is at times unflinching: you can, indeed, observe a lot just by watching.
Rest in peace.
Rest in peace.
10
An extremely well written article....thank you.
17
Related to former ballplayer Tony Conigliaro, a great one whose career and life were cut way too short? If so, know that Tony was admired near and far by baseball fans.
And yes, a wonderful piece about a man this fam hoped would live forever. RIP LPB.
And yes, a wonderful piece about a man this fam hoped would live forever. RIP LPB.
Even us Brooklyn Dodger fans will miss him.
3
A good man who lived a good, long life, that brought pleasure to many. RIP Yogi.
4
Yogi was one of a kind, a great athlete, funny man, intelligent coach, and fundamentally a decent human being. No one like him before and no one else like him since. He has left an indelible mark not just in baseball but in American culture.
15
Godspeed, Yogi Berra
We shall not look upon his like all over again.
We shall not look upon his like all over again.
3
I just woke up and what is the first thing I read! It can't be! It's hard to read with the tears. A great man,a great Yankee there isn't likely to ever be another RIP
6
What a wonderful life, few "celebrities" have anything to offer, he had it all, he was a gift to baseball and to the world at large. Thanks for the memories, all of us Yankee fans will miss you forever.
12
Beautifully written.
13
i always knew he was a witty guy with these funny quotes, but never knew he was that great a ballplayer.
nice
nice
1
Arguably the greatest catcher of all time.
Wonderful piece.
13
Unfortunately, now it is "over" for Yogi. Rest in peace to a wonderful man.
4
A child of the 60's, I did not get to see Yogi play. But at Shea stadium once, seeing Berra as a Mets coach, my very literate father crystallized his athletic abilities for me: "Yogi did things you just can't do." And so he did...RIP.
19
Yogi Berra, the son of Italian immigrants, left baseball to join the Navy during World War II and was among the troops that landed in France on D-Day. A true American Patriot, wouldn't you say?
28
From this Red Sox fan, thanks for everything Yogi. We will not see the likes of you again.
17
Wow! What a life and what a man! I loved the man and every "silly" thing he never said. But then again, "silly" is in the eye of the beholder.
God speed Yogi.
God speed Yogi.
10
Yogi, on learning that the Mayor of Dublin Ireland was Jewish, "Only in America."
When Tom Russert hosted Meet the Press, he used to have Yogi on every year at the All Star break, and you could see it was his favorite show of the year. Small wonder, Yogi was a gem.
R.I.P. Yogi, this time sadly, it really is over.
When Tom Russert hosted Meet the Press, he used to have Yogi on every year at the All Star break, and you could see it was his favorite show of the year. Small wonder, Yogi was a gem.
R.I.P. Yogi, this time sadly, it really is over.
108
One of my favorites..."No one goes to that bar anymore...it's too crowded."
Ah, but thanks to his unique being, with Yogi "it ain't never going to be over" as his legend lives on. May we all take comfort in that.
Terrible news as we wake up. I'm going to read the obituary now...but is it possible to change the headline to "winner of ten World Series or "catcher of World Series perfect game?" The headline, describing him as a "catcher" and a goofball trivializes a great man.
3
When I was a kid in the Bronx in the 1950s and upstate New York later, I often listened to baseball games on the radio. Sometimes I'd go to my grandfather's and there'd be a Yankee game on TV. Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle and all the other greats were playing. Of course we all loved Yogi Bear who roamed Jellystone Park (with Boo Boo too!).
We'll, Mr. Park Ranger, Sir, it ain't over 'cause we still love Yogi!
Rest in peace Yogi. The game ain't the same without you. I bet playing with the "big guy" is gonna be a real trip.
Bye Yogi!
We'll, Mr. Park Ranger, Sir, it ain't over 'cause we still love Yogi!
Rest in peace Yogi. The game ain't the same without you. I bet playing with the "big guy" is gonna be a real trip.
Bye Yogi!
I was sad to read the headline, it's the end of an era and Yogi has been a part of baseball and America for so long, a living legend. Then I read the obituary and couldn't stop laughing and smiling.
He gave us all a lot of joy and he was a superior athlete and a good man.
He gave us all a lot of joy and he was a superior athlete and a good man.
2
I guess it's time to get out my opera records, put on something, and listen to the fat lady sing.
2
Go ahead and do that, but don't pretend you're honoring Berra ... he never said that.
Yogi. What an odd name! One that will live forever.
It might be that "it ain't over until it's over", but I guess it is over for Yogi Berra. How sad, especially because he would have loved this obituary.
2
Only Yogi could share a headline on the top of page 1 of the Times with the Pope!! Thank you Yogi for being a mensch!!
17
A wonderful obituary of a wonderful person !
6
R. I. P. Yogi Berra, who was beyond doubt my favorite sports here. In my youth (mostly 1950's), I knew Yogi as a talented baseball player -- a good catcher and hitter, but also a spirited team player. The picture of Yogi Berra standing near home plate, as the last batter faced Don Larsen in the World Series perfect game on October 8, 1956, is indelibly etched in my mind. In my adult life, I knew Yogi as a kind of sports legend. a philosopher whose wisdom has been carried around the world via proverbs, anecdotes, sayings and stories. Throughout his life, Yogi was a kind of folk-hero, and his biography will never reflect a tarnished moment. Yogi was a family-man, led a clean and wholesome life filled with family and friends, always far from any scandal of any kind. I have read just about all of the books written by -- and about -- Yogi. Once, Yogi was asked by his wife, Carmen the following question: "Yogi, since we come from St, Louis, and since you work in the Bronx an we live in New Jersey, when you die, where do you want to be buried?" In typical Yogi fashion, he answered spontaneously: "Surprise me."
The entire sports world, fans everywhere and Americans across this land will be deeply saddened as Yogi is about to get his surprise.
R. I. P., Yogi Berra!
The entire sports world, fans everywhere and Americans across this land will be deeply saddened as Yogi is about to get his surprise.
R. I. P., Yogi Berra!
7
It was Yogi (and Mickey and Whitey) who made me a Yankees fan when all my fellow little league players and friends were Red Sox fans. He changed my life. Neither Jim Rice, Carl Yastrzemski, nor Pudge Fisk could bring me back into the fold. God blessed us with Yogi, and I thank Her.
3
Having lived in AL cities all my life and having a beloved father who hailed from Brooklyn, I was destined to be a Yankee hater, and so I was. But like most, I had a cock-eyed affection for Berra, who I always suspected was not as naive as he pretended to be.
When I read the NYT online with my morning coffee I rarely start the day feeling pleased, but today is an exception. Thank you for a lovely tribute to a man and athlete who was the personification of many of the good things about our country. It is a welcome contrast to the mean ugliness that seems to so pervade our public life these days.
When I read the NYT online with my morning coffee I rarely start the day feeling pleased, but today is an exception. Thank you for a lovely tribute to a man and athlete who was the personification of many of the good things about our country. It is a welcome contrast to the mean ugliness that seems to so pervade our public life these days.
7
As a 10 year old Brooklyn Dodger fan I prayed that they walk Yogi with men on base. His bat seemed longer than it should be and his swing faster than the sped of light. Yogi and Campy (Roy Campanella) shared the spotlight as the greatest Catchers ever in my Pantheon. There will be no deja vu all over again when it comes to Yogi.
5
Marv, as an old guy who as a boy went to a few Yankee games and more Dodger ones (I was a Bums fan) I agree with your remembrance of the fear brought on when Yogi came to bat in a clutch situation with runners on. I would guess that the pitcher had to be thinking when he saw Yogi come to the plate, 'How do I pitch to this guy?!"
A great American and devout Catholic, it is said that he met the pope, who said, "Hiya, Yogi," to which Berra supposedly replied, "Hiya, Pope." God, I hope that's true.
I'm 43, far too young to have firsthand Yogi experience. Nevertheless, he's my all-time favorite ballplayer. Such a great man!
I'm 43, far too young to have firsthand Yogi experience. Nevertheless, he's my all-time favorite ballplayer. Such a great man!
4
Please change the headline today, disrespectful to say he is goofy or make his goofy wit the headline. He is one of the greatest Yankees ever, for his play and as a person. A truly approachable role model when I met him in New Jersey 20 years ago - and he signed a baseball for me.
3
Yogi was "a damn good Yankee catcher and, once he hit his stride, was a decent outfielder and hitter." A character, for sure, but what "he lacked in education he made up for in his caginess." And, he didn't "look like an ape."
Rest in peace, Yogi, you made "us laugh, not at you, but with you."
Rest in peace, Yogi, you made "us laugh, not at you, but with you."
1
Yogi's wit was "legendary" or "unique" or "classic" or "one of a kind" but not "goofy." Not great to refer to him as goofy or bumbling today - not how he should be remembered.
A great player and person when I met him.
Please ask copywriter to take another pass today and change headline and subheads to reflect Yogi's class on the field and off.
Do what is right NYT - Yogi deserves it.
Thanks.
A great player and person when I met him.
Please ask copywriter to take another pass today and change headline and subheads to reflect Yogi's class on the field and off.
Do what is right NYT - Yogi deserves it.
Thanks.
6
Goofy? As the headline? He was so much.
2
15 & 8, Thurman Munson died too young, but Yogi will nevet die! Number eight, like the symbol for infinity, will deja vu over and over and......
Yogi and Campy.
We were blessed with some great ball, and, like every kid, I thought that game would never change.
But it did. It died. This column, like Red Smith's great ones and novelist John Updike's article when Ted Williams retired. must seem like an appeal to old time religion, nostalgia for granddad.
Poor kids.
We were blessed with some great ball, and, like every kid, I thought that game would never change.
But it did. It died. This column, like Red Smith's great ones and novelist John Updike's article when Ted Williams retired. must seem like an appeal to old time religion, nostalgia for granddad.
Poor kids.
I confess I was a bit unhappy with the description "goofy" for a great man who just passed but this is a master article filled with amazing details, recollections of an American hero in the great American sport and, yes, the well known examples of goofiness that defined one of the most beloved and skilled figures in baseball - Yogi.
One memory as a Mets fan:
1973 NL League Championship against the Reds.
Pete Rose had slid hard into second base and a fight between him and the much lighter, less aggressive Mets shortstop, the beloved Bud Harrelson, ensued.
Rose knocked our "Buddie" to the infield dirt near second base and a general fight was on.
Not cool Pete.
When the Reds took the field in the top of the inning Rose was playing left field.
Fans threw objects at Rose - a whiskey bottle allegedly flew by his head.
With the Mets up 9-2 but the umpires threatening to call the game a forfeit win for the Reds because of the crowd behavior a very strange thing happened.
Mets great pitcher, Tom Seaver, and manager Yogi Barra walked to left field and the "peace party" soothed the savage crowd. A very weird sight but a show of the power and respect for Yogi.
Mets went on to win the NL championship.
Yogi, rest well and enjoy heaven.
One memory as a Mets fan:
1973 NL League Championship against the Reds.
Pete Rose had slid hard into second base and a fight between him and the much lighter, less aggressive Mets shortstop, the beloved Bud Harrelson, ensued.
Rose knocked our "Buddie" to the infield dirt near second base and a general fight was on.
Not cool Pete.
When the Reds took the field in the top of the inning Rose was playing left field.
Fans threw objects at Rose - a whiskey bottle allegedly flew by his head.
With the Mets up 9-2 but the umpires threatening to call the game a forfeit win for the Reds because of the crowd behavior a very strange thing happened.
Mets great pitcher, Tom Seaver, and manager Yogi Barra walked to left field and the "peace party" soothed the savage crowd. A very weird sight but a show of the power and respect for Yogi.
Mets went on to win the NL championship.
Yogi, rest well and enjoy heaven.
1
"A Rose will fade, but a Bud will bloom", I believe the Daily News headline was the next day. I remember it well .... an will miss Yogi. He was all class all the time. Thanks for the memory Paul ... it was Deja Vu all over again.
Only a Yogi could wrestle the front page away from a Pope.
429
Imagine the Pope delivering Yogi's mass. Now there's a headline.
Supposedly, Yogi greeted Pope John XXIII with the words, "Hello, Pope."
For several years recently I could count on The Times to include a story about Yogi Berra as springtime rolled around and and infields once again turned green. There wasn't a story this year, but the infields turned green anyway, just as they will again when springtime rolls around next year. I wonder if the fields are always green in the Great Beyond? One thing I do know, though, is that his beloved Carmen was there to greet him, and so were the other boys of summer who got there before he did. Maybe the summers are endless in the Great Beyond? Thank you Yogi, for all the summers you gave us from behind the plate and beyond.
10
"Heroes get remembered, but legends never die." RIP Yogi, and thanks for the memories & the laughs.
13
Here's another one of Yogi's, verbatim: "It gets late early in the country."
It was an honor. Goodbye.
It was an honor. Goodbye.
24
As I recall, it was "It gets late early out there," referring to left field in Yankee Stadium. It was the shadows in late afternoon...there were many more day games.
Another of my favorites (there were so many):
When managing The Mets, Tom Seaver walked by before a game and asked "What time is it, Yogi?"
Yogi replied "You mean now?"
Another of my favorites (there were so many):
When managing The Mets, Tom Seaver walked by before a game and asked "What time is it, Yogi?"
Yogi replied "You mean now?"
Indeed, CRL, the internet has numerous sites with lists of Yogi's "gems" and "BrainyQuotes." Happily, Yogi was a man who existed in the flesh and who actually said what he said. Let's think of that man today.
This Red Sox fan mourns a great Yankee treasure gone.
19
Goodbye Yogi! As a young Yankees fan, I saw you in your latter playing days. It was a thrill for a five-year-old, and cemented my lifelong loyalty to the team. As an adult, I enjoyed your witticisms, which led to any number of mental double takes. A one-of-a-kind ballplayer and man, your legend will endure as long as there is the game of baseball. Thank you!
6
Adopted in the Hall of Fame in the same ceremony as my cousin, Paul Waner, Yogi was my next door neighbor when I lived in Montclair, NJ. What a nice guy, warm, funny, humble and friendly all around. His wife Carmen used to make apple pies for me if she could pick the apples from our tree out back. RIP, Yogi.
You are beloved and a tribute to our history.
You are beloved and a tribute to our history.
37
What a star clutch player. The Yankees would be down 5 -3 in the 7th and we'd sit back and wait for Yogi (or Hank Bauer) to deliver the clutch hit that would win the game. He might have become one of the greatest golfers for his ability to hit long shots from pitches that were in the dirt
9
Born in the Bronx my first live baseball game was at Yankee Stadium in 1956. Yogi hit a home run. I was sitting in right field near where the ball landed. What a day. That same year I watched Yogi on TV when he jumped on Don Larson after Don pitched the first perfect game in World Series history. Goodbye Yogi. We will all miss you.
5
Yogi will always be my hero
6
A sad day. A wonderful player and human being.
It is, now, over. Rest in peace, Yogi.
This is a wonderful piece of writing from Mr. Weber.
It is, now, over. Rest in peace, Yogi.
This is a wonderful piece of writing from Mr. Weber.
7
He was my favorite athlete of all times. Now I have to go to his funeral or he won’t come to mine.
Rest In Peace, Yogi – you will never be forgotten.
Rest In Peace, Yogi – you will never be forgotten.
30
What a great ball player, what a great human being. A childhood hero of mine, who became a hero of my adult years, and stays there now. Sorry I read the paper today - but what an obit.
Thank you, Mr. Berra. God bless you.
Thank you, Mr. Berra. God bless you.
21
The greatest professional sportsman with ten World Series rings
18
Well done, Bruce. A fitting tribute to one of my heroes.
21
I cannot add more than what's been said here already about Yogi. I do have one memory, though, than lives on. I was a Brooklyn Dodger fan growing up in Manhattan in the 1950's and was ecstatic when we won it all in 1955. It looked like a repeat in 1956 until game 7 when Yogi hit 2 home runs and led the Yanks to a 9-0 romp. I could never forgive him.
Roy Campanella was my favorite catcher, of course, but over the years, I came to love Yogi for his marvelous humor (it was subtle), honesty, loyalty and his great baseball skills. Both on and off the field, he epitomized everything the Yankee tradition came to mean to the great game of baseball.
Roy Campanella was my favorite catcher, of course, but over the years, I came to love Yogi for his marvelous humor (it was subtle), honesty, loyalty and his great baseball skills. Both on and off the field, he epitomized everything the Yankee tradition came to mean to the great game of baseball.
16
RIP Yogi - so sad to hear of his passing.
8
As a born and raised Cardinal fan (and fellow St. Louisan) who only got to see Yogi play when my team and his were in the Series, I salute his brilliant play, and mourn the passing of a giant of the game.
12
RIP Yogi, a great man, a great sportsman, a great American who will live forever in our hearts. Now he can tell Jackie that he was out at the plate!
24
Ha! Yes!
A Yankee that even a Red Sox fan could love.
109
You got that right, Steve.
5
With sentiments like that, I think even peace in the Middle East might be possible!
1
What a great guy, so humble and personable. We are going to miss him.
11
Yogi just took the fork, but it still leads to a special place in our hearts. And you're right so I'll now say it for you: he was out! Thanks for all those wonderful memories, #8.
8
Ruth, Mantle, Mays, Aaron, Berra, Cobb, Gehrig, DiMaggio.
9
I was 12 years old, my cousin was 11. His father somehow managed to get us into the Yankee dugout towards the end of the 1961 season, when Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle were vying to break Babe Ruth's home run record of 60 in one season. Two small boys allowed to sit on a couple of stools right at the entrance to the dugout from the locker room. In 1961. Even today it seems like it couldn't possibly have happened. Maris and Mantle and Whitey Ford, Bobby Richardson, Tony Kubek all signed the baseballs we clutched in our hands. But the greatest thrill was Yogi Berra, who I seem to recall was coming to the end of his career as a player and was often replaced by the up and coming Elston Howard. He was the only one of the players who actually stopped and talked to us for a minute and we were floored. A great baseball player, a great man.
309
had everyone of those guys in my card collection. And playing pick-up ball with just two friends and "invisible man on first" would recite their names and Yogi's when throw came to home plate. Classic, tx
thank you for sharing that wonderful story.
In one of my old old scrap books, I find this Yogi-ism: The future isn't what it used to be.
Rest in peace, Yogi.
Rest in peace, Yogi.
86
Your death will live on. Love you, Yogi.
12
"You should always go to other people's funerals, otherwise, they won't come to yours.” RIP, Yogi Berra
16
Go deep on your first play Yogi and we'll look for you 'cause I know you ain't restin.
5
While, as a life-long Chisox fan, I respect Yogi for his ability as a player and coach....
...one thing I would like to know is: How many of the so-called Yogi quips were truly uttered first by the Berra?
...one thing I would like to know is: How many of the so-called Yogi quips were truly uttered first by the Berra?
1
As Yogi put it: "I really didn’t say everything I said."
Here's a hint - Before Berra there was Stengel.
I am a Red Sox fan, but Yogi was a joy for anybody that was a baseball fan. More then his extraordinary skills both offensively and defensively as a catcher it was his warmth, friendliness, and ability to say many unintentional funny things that made him unique. I and my friends on many occasions would make our trek into New York City by bus and then subway to the Stadium from a neighboring town to Montclair to watch the mighty imposing tradition bound Yankees exhibit their dominance over other teams. They were a team from the Gods, but there was always Yogi planted firmly at home plate giving a wonderful and much needed human touch to the whole proceedings. There was no pretense with the man. The one term I heard used over and over by everybody to describe him was "down to earth". I and my friends had one personal encounter with Yogi. After a game at the Stadium we would anxiously wait outside the players exit in anticipation of getting some autographs. When Yogi emerged he was immediately surrounded. There were three of us and much to my astonishment my friend's older brother asked Yogi if we could get a ride back home with him to our neighboring town to Montclair. Without hesitation, Yogi said "Sure Fellas". Unfortunately a Stadium guard standing close by advised him against it. Today we have the "Peoples' Pope" visiting NYC and now we've lost a true "Peoples' Player".
138
As a Red Sox fan in the 1950s, I hated all the Yankee teams and players except for Yogi. Can't really remember why, but my guess now is that he was great but humble.
His funny quotes aside, he is the single most successful Baseball Pro is history with 10 rings. It will never be surpassed.
19
Mr. Berra was the greatest man in the history of baseball. R.I.P.
12
I just turned 50 last week and my girlfriend and I decided to drive to St.Louis to eat on "The Hill" . We drove Down Elizabeth Street and I showed her where Yogi and Joe Garagiola grew up. Sad to wake up to this news. On a side note, I enjoy playing the video game MLB 2015 the show, where you can earn legendary players like Yogi to place on your team. Yesterday my team was losing until the bottom of the 9th inning when Yogi hits a walk-off 2 run homer......ironic, yet amazing even in my video game
14
It's a good thing he really lived because, if he hadn't, there never would've been anyone like him.
155
Hey Richard,
Are you related to Yogi? You sound just like him :-)
Are you related to Yogi? You sound just like him :-)
3
* His * mother was married to * his * father, and * my * mother was married to * my * father -- so it's a definite possibility.
6
What a great way to honor a life well lived.
3
He was a brllliant man in a disguise of his own invention. Think Peter Falk in Detective Lieutenant Columbo. RIP Yogi.
14
Hate to sound like an old fart, but it's a fact: they don't make them like Yogi any more -- and never did.
20
I'm too young to have seen you play, Yogi, but you made me laugh a million times. Thank you, and Godspeed.
8
i grew up in walking distance of the Stadium. I remember fondly my late father taking me to the game and sitting in the bleachers late in Yogi's career and seeing him play left field or coming to the plate as a pinch hitter. He was a human RBI and a sage baseball man as true fans know.
The television lead up to the last game played in the Stadium featured Yogi talking about the Stadium never being gone since it will live in our hearts forever. And so will Yogi.
The television lead up to the last game played in the Stadium featured Yogi talking about the Stadium never being gone since it will live in our hearts forever. And so will Yogi.
2
Mold broken. RIP Yogi.
7
Sad. Without him around, the future ain't gonna be what it used to be.
17
Lawrence Peter Berra. Ten World Series Championship rings. TEN! Winner of three AL Most Valuable Player awards. Rest In Peace, Yogi.
8
A long life well lived by the consummate New York Yankee. thank you New York Times.
5
For this wonderful man, there are no more forks in the road. For Yogi, all roads lead to Heaven.
7
Now I understand why people back in the mid-20th century were fans of professional sports. Yogi was a great man and will be missed.
11
He was ever present during my childhood. Years later, I, was lucky enough to be at Yankee Stadium on July 18, 1999 to see him back in the fold, catching Larsen's first pitch, and then Cone's perfect game. What a thrill, and what a great man he was.
4
I'm so sad today. We've lost a wonderful person.
6
me too...
A Yogism I hadn't heard till this AM. When his wife asked Yogi where he would like to be buried when he died Yogi replied: "I don't know Carm, surprise me." This sixty year long Yankee fan thanks Yogi for the memories.
22
More than one of the greatest baseball players and storied source of Yogi-isms, Yogi was a real person who never forgot where he came from. Such a contrast, unfortunately, to the self promoting, entitled athletes and other glitterati of today. He will be missed.
13
Thanks, Yogi.
7
A light has been turned off in the world with Yogi's passing. I don't have to read the statistics to know that he was the greatest catcher ever and one of the great characters that made watching baseball so much fun. And "It ain't over 'till it's over" is truly one of sport's (and life's) great lessons.
R.I.P. Yogi
R.I.P. Yogi
7
He made it to that last fork in the road. Rest in peace Yogi.
3
Wonderful obit Mr. Weber. Thank you
15
The immortal Yogi Berra. Thank you.
3
Growing up in a farm community in mid-Ohio in the 1950s - there was nothing as exciting to me as turning on the TV to watch a Yankees/Indians game. The TV may have been black & white, Yogi was always in living color.
15
I'm sure Joe, Phil, Mickey, Billy, Don & Casey are welcoming Yogi as we speak, wondering what took him so long getting to Heaven!
A true legend he is!
A true legend he is!
4
People remember Yogi Berra as a guy with a strange name who said goofy things. This belies the fact that he was a tremendous natural athlete. His boyhood friend Joe Garagiola told many anecdotes about Yogi that restated this fact. For instance, Joe and Yogi were playing some sandlot baseball. A football team was practicing in an adjacent field. An errant football came Yogi's way. He picked up the ball casually, and punted it 60 yards in the air. The incredulous coach came running to him.
His modesty aside, Yogi was a real war hero. Berra became a gunner’s mate and volunteered for a special mission to pilot rocket boats in front of the other landing craft on D-Day. I also recall a story in which he went out of his way to make African-American catcher Elston Howard feel welcome.
Yogi Berra - they don't make them like that anymore.
His modesty aside, Yogi was a real war hero. Berra became a gunner’s mate and volunteered for a special mission to pilot rocket boats in front of the other landing craft on D-Day. I also recall a story in which he went out of his way to make African-American catcher Elston Howard feel welcome.
Yogi Berra - they don't make them like that anymore.
362
The kicking anecdote comes as no surprise. When they were growing up in St. Louis, Berra and Garagiola played a lot of soccer.
I have never seen a baseball game, nor do I wish to. But like most Americans of my age, I loved Yogi Berra. His crazy statements always made perfect sense and he was always a class act. I doubt there will ever be another like him. Bless you Yogi.
7
You're right. Nowadays we are supposed to listen to people that are promoted on shows like Oprah and we are expected to bow down to that "knowledge." Yogi was earthier and made sense to the average person.
That being said, I have no problem with someone being intellectual. For instance, it is refreshing to have an elegant, classy man in the White House. Yogi was a baseball player. He wasn't trying to run a country. And Yogi was a lot smarter than people made him out to be.
That being said, I have no problem with someone being intellectual. For instance, it is refreshing to have an elegant, classy man in the White House. Yogi was a baseball player. He wasn't trying to run a country. And Yogi was a lot smarter than people made him out to be.
Yogi was one of the great ones, an enduring baseball hero. Briefly mentioned is his low strikeout ratio--one of the lowest in baseball history. Contrast that with today's highly paid whiffers.
It ain't over for you, Yogi, because you will never be forgotten.
It ain't over for you, Yogi, because you will never be forgotten.
7
I'm not sure why and what it means, but I don't really feel grief or sadness. I feel like applauding with a big smile on my face.
7
For many of us New Yorkers, Yogi has been with us our entire lives. He "mattered", not just as a genuinely great New York Yankee, but as a human being as well.
Yogi had a beautiful life, but with his passing we hurt. Alot.
Gonna go out and have a Yoo Hoo I think.
Yogi had a beautiful life, but with his passing we hurt. Alot.
Gonna go out and have a Yoo Hoo I think.
4
As Dr. Seuss so aptly put, " Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." Thank you Mr Berra.
50
Yogi, You were always my favorite player growing up. Everyone rooted for Mantle but you were always my favorite.....and he was out Yogi!
I'm going to miss you so much....God bless you.
I'm going to miss you so much....God bless you.
4
I gave up hating the Yankees a while ago in part because knowing their history and the caliber of people like Yogi that they have had, you have to appreciate their excellence. If you don't then you probably aren't much of a baseball fan. Yogi Berra was part of that excellence and a reason that, today at least, to borrow a phrase, we are all Yankee fans.
4
A live memory now closed. Yogi's finally taken the fork in the road! Heaven's so crowded no one goes there anymore, but Saint Peter is telling him, " right this way, MISTER Berra, we have a table for you next to the window for you, sir, with Mickey, Billy and George." RIP. Don't we all feel older now?
4
As a transplanted New Yorker whose parents kidnapped me and dragged me kicking and screaming from W110th St. to Washington when I was six, I only got to see my beloved Yankees a few times a year at Griffith Stadium. But one of those games I'll never forget was in August of 1953. Yogi began the ceremonies with a first inning home run, Whitey Ford got 4 hits himself, and yada yada yada the Yanks won 22 to 1. That home run by Berra was the only home run of the game, but it must have ignited the Bombers' entire arsenal. The Yankees went on to win their 5th straight World Series, and for a nine year old, it seemed as if Yankee championships were an inalienable guaranteed right that was embedded in the Constitution.
Some of us longtime Yankee fans could write entire books based on memories of Lawrence Peter Berra (as the yearbooks referred to him), and I'm looking forward to revisiting this page over the next 24 hours to read some of them.
Some of us longtime Yankee fans could write entire books based on memories of Lawrence Peter Berra (as the yearbooks referred to him), and I'm looking forward to revisiting this page over the next 24 hours to read some of them.
10
It would be great if Pope Francis could celebrate Yogi's funeral Mass while he is in the US. Yogi would deserve that.
14
Headline? I'm a Red Sox fan, and even I recognize Yogi as an American icon, greatest catcher ever, master of wit. May his memory be eternal.
11
As a fan if the old Brooklyn Dodgers and later, the Mets, I salute our fierce opponent, and later, our capable manager. We love you, Yogi.
32
So long , Yogi. Nice send off NY Times. You can understand a lot (about a great ball player) by reading, I guess.
105
You can learn a lot by looking!
:)
:)
This was a day I long feared. A durable rock on the Yankee teams, we took for granted seeing number 8 behind the plate, game after game. We should all drink a Yoo Hoo today in honor of an enduring baseball hero.
28
Great idea
1
What a grand idea! We should all take the time today to pour a forty of Yoo-Hoo on the curb in memory of our friend.
...or a Ketel One with some frogs legs
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/24/sports/baseball/24yogi.html?action=cli...®ion=Marginalia&pgtype=article
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/24/sports/baseball/24yogi.html?action=cli...®ion=Marginalia&pgtype=article
God bless Yogi Berra
26
His witticisms were like Zen koans and indeed He was described as an authentic American Zen master, and all the more so because he came by his wisdom naturally. Rest in peace, Yogi. We loved you.
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I found it interesting that in the accompanying article on the Yankees catchers, there is a picture of Elston Howard in a play at the plate. As I believe it shows Elio Chacon scoring in a World Series game as the result of a passed ball by Howard, I don't think this was one of Howard's prouder moments.
Apparently The Times picture editors are not big baseball fans or were having a bad day.