The National Baseball Hall of Fame Remembers Yogi Berra

Yogi Berra’s Hall of Fame plaque (elected, 1972)

Lawrence Peter Berra
“Yogi”
New York, A.L. 1946-63
New York, N.L. 1965

Played on more pennant-winners (14) and world champions (10) than any player in history. Had 358 home runs and lifetime .285 batting average. Set many records for catchers, including 148 consecutive games without an error. Voted A.L. Most Valuable Player 1951-54-55. Managed Yankees to pennant in 1964.

Yogi Berra Bio

Born: May 12, 1925 at St. Louis, Mo.
Height: 5-foot-7 Weight: 185
Batted left and threw right

“If you can’t imitate him, don’t copy him,” Yogi Berra once said. There is no imitating Berra, one of the most unique characters in baseball history, known for his witty “Yogi-isms.” In 19 seasons as a player, the 18-time All-Star won 14 pennants, 10 World Series and three Most Valuable Player awards. Berra regularly finished in the top 10 in homers and RBI, totaling 358 and 1,430 for his career, respectively. In seven seasons managing the New York Yankees and Mets, Berra won pennants in each league and also spent 20 seasons as a coach with the Houston Astros, Mets and Yankees.

Remembering Yogi Berra

Jane Forbes Clark, Chairman, Baseball Hall of Fame: “Yogi Berra was an American icon, whose impact on baseball and everyday American culture was enormous. Yogi connected with every baseball fan, as a 10-time World Series winner with the New York Yankees, as one of the world’s most notable personalities, and as one of baseball’s most beloved Hall of Fame members. His contributions to our game and to our country will never be forgotten. The National Baseball Hall of Fame sends its sympathies to his family and to every baseball fan who adored him.”

Jeff Idelson, Hall of Fame President: “The Hall of Fame mourns the loss of a baseball legend, great American, tremendous family man and modern day philosopher. His baseball abilities and acumen are evidenced by his Hall of Fame election in 1972 and as the only manager in history to take both the Yankees and Mets to the World Series. He joined the Navy at 18, was married to his beloved wife Carmen for 65 years, and had more fun with the English language than any player in history. He will especially be missed in Cooperstown where he was beloved by his fellow Hall of Famers and his adoring fans.”

Quotes about Yogi Berra

Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench: “Yogi was the Hall of Famer I wanted most to see and sit with. We laughed! We loved each other! It was a bond. A very big void will occur at the next ceremony.”

Hall of Famer Cal Ripken: “Yogi was not just a Hall of Famer, he was a very special guy. When Yogi spoke, everyone was quiet and hung on every word. He owned the room. He was a legendary figure and will be missed by all of us baseball fans.”

Hall of Famer Joe Torre: “We’ve lost Yogi, but we will always have what he left for us: the memories of a lifetime filled with greatness, humility, integrity and a whole bunch of smiles. He was a lovable friend.”

Please click here for more on the legacy of Hall of Famer Yogi Berra, including a video tribute.