Yogi Berra Has Passed Away At The Age Of 90

He was a quote machine, a man who put his own spin on in the English language with what is commonly known as “Yogi-isms.”

Louis, his nickname came courtesy of a childhood friend who had seen a movie featuring a Hindu holy man. He has won the APSE’s national columnist of the year twice and finished in the top 10 eight times.

Berra served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and took part in the D-Day invasion at Normandy on June 6, 1944. But a Yankees scout recognized his potential and signed him.

Berra was widely considered to be one of the best catchers in United States baseball. He was tied to the great Yankee dynasties of the mid-20th century, having played with greats like Joltin’ Joe as well as The Mick, tying together two other great generations of Yankees baseball. “I have no doubt of this, honestly”.

In addition to 1,641 games behind the plate as catcher, Berra spent 249 games in the outfield.

“If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else”. Berra boasted a strong, accurate arm, knowledge of opposing hitters and a deep understanding of the game that inspired confidence in his pitchers.

Over the years, the list of “Yogi-isms” underwent variations and grew to the point that Berra had to declare, “I really didn’t say everything I said”. Then-Commissioner Bud Selig and Major League Baseball, the New York Yankees and the New York Mets teamed-up to donate the replica items taken in the heist. He was tough to pitch to because he could hit pitches in and out of the strike zone, and tough to defend because he could spray the ball to all fields. Yogi’s gained meaning with age, and everyone knows what they mean.

His death was announced by the Yankees and by the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center in Little Falls.

File-This September 21, 1973, file photo shows Yogi Berra, manager of the New York Mets, watching his team work during a game in Philadelphia.

Berra is most famous for his playing time, though. That represents 14 World Series appearances in 17 years.

Both teams lost in seven games.

After his discharge, Berra returned to the minors where he was credited with driving in 23 runs in a doubleheader. “I always told my Dad, I’m not gonna make it working…” Stengel quickly grasped his catcher’s astute knowledge of the game and called him “Mister Berra, my assistant manager”. When asked by a woman if the name was hyphenated, Berra replied: “No, ma’am, it isn’t even carbonated”.

Berra even became a bit of a good luck charm. His teammates included fellow Hall of Famers Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford.

“You dead yet?”