Hall of Famer Yogi Berra of the New York Yankees stands in the dugout just prior to the start of the Grapefruit League Spring Training Game against the Philadelphia Phillies at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 26, 2011 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)
NEW YORK (WFAN) – Hall-of-Famer and New York Yankees’ icon Yogi Berra turns 87 today.
Known as much for his popular ‘Yogi-isms’ as he is for his remarkable 19-year career, Berra remains one of the most colorful characters in Major League Baseball history.
As a player, Berra won 10 World Series titles, one better than Yankees’ teammate Joe DiMaggio for the most in MLB history. He was an undoubtedly clutch performer during the Yankees’ glory era during the ‘Golden Age of Baseball.’
Known for his rare ability to hit balls outside the strike zone, Berra is only one of four players in Major League history to win the American League MVP on three occasions. He was elected to the Baseball Hall-of-Fame in 1972.
As a coach, Berra earned three more World Series rings with the 1969 ‘Miracle Mets,’ and back-to-back Yankees championships in 1977 and 1978.
Berra frequently appeared in advertisements for Yoo-Hoo chocolate milk, Stove Top Stuffing and Aflac Insurance often incorporating his famous catchphrases into commercials.
He opened the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center 1998 which is located on the campus of Montclair State University in Upper Montclair, New Jersey.
Even long after his retirement, Berra makes the trek to Yankees’ spring training with buddy Ron Guidry and even offers his hitting advice to current Yankees.
A beloved figure in the game, the baseball world hopes that Berra will keep on making his trips to spring training and continue to be a part of the Yankees’ fabric for years to come.
As Yogi put it best, “It ain’t over, ’til it’s over.” Happy birthday Yogi!
What’s your favorite Yogi Berra memory and favorite ‘Yogi-ism?’ Let us know…
