Berra, Yogi (1925-2015), was one of the greatest catchers and most colorful players in baseball history. Berra was a star for the New York Yankees of the American League when the team dominated baseball. During his career, Berra gained a reputation as a feared hitter in critical situations in a game, a fine defensive catcher, and a skilled handler of pitchers.
Berra played in 14 World Series for the Yankees from 1947 to 1963, appearing in a record 75 games. He also managed for seven seasons. He became the second manager in baseball history to win pennants in both major leagues, with the Yankees in 1964 and the New York Mets of the National League in 1973. Berra’s colorful use of the English language made him one of the most quoted athletes of his time. In a typical “Yogi-ism,” he commented about a restaurant that “Nobody goes there anymore, it’s too crowded.”
Lawrence Peter Berra was born on May 25, 1925, in St. Louis, Missouri. He joined the Yankees in 1946 after playing briefly in the minor leagues. He appeared in the All-Star game every season from 1948 to 1962 and was named the league’s Most Valuable Player in 1951, 1954, and 1955. Berra holds the career record for American League catchers for the most consecutive fielding chances without an error. Berra played for the Yankees through 1963 and managed the team in 1964. He played briefly for the Mets in 1965 and managed the team from 1972 through 1975. Berra returned to manage the Yankees in 1984 and the early part of 1985.
Berra was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972. Berra wrote a memoir, Ten Rings: My Championship Seasons (2003), about his life in baseball. Dale Berra, his son, was an infielder in the major leagues from 1977 through 1987. Yogi Berra died on Sept. 22, 2015.
