10 REASONS YOGI BERRA IS AN ABSOLUTE LEGEND: WE RE-LIVE THE MOST ICONIC MOMENTS

Last Updated: May 7th, 2024 by Michael Schatz

Yogi Berra became an icon in the world of sports for his talent and personality. From his unmatched World Series records to his unforgettable “Yogi-isms,” his impact on the game is timeless.

Join us as we celebrate the legacy of a man who brought joy, skill, and a bit of humor to America’s pastime.

Making an Entrance

Yogi Berra’s MLB debut came on September 22, 1946, and he instantly made his presence known. He went 2-for-4 with a home run and 2 RBIs in a 4-3 win over the Athletics.

Although he only played in 7 games that September, Yogi hit .364 with a .391 on-base percentage, 2 home runs and 4 RBIs. The small sample size served as a sign of the legend he was to become.

A Prolific World Series Winner

Yogi Berra’s knack for winning World Series titles with the New York Yankees is legendary. His 10 World Series championships as a player remain the all-time record.

In all, Yogi played in 75 World Series games, also the all-time record, hitting .274 with 12 home runs and 39 RBIs. The lights were the brightest, Yogi showed up.

Three-Time American League MVP

Yogi Berra not only excelled behind the plate as one of the game’s best catchers, but his bat was also a consistent threat in a deep Yankees lineup. He was so consistent that he won three American League MVPs during his career. The first came in 1951, when he hit .294 with 27 home runs and 88 RBIs, all while catching 141 games.

His second MVP was in 1954. All he did that year was catch 151 games, hit .307, blast 22 home runs and knock in an impressive 125 runs.

He’d hold onto his MVP crown the following year, winning his third MVP in 1955 with a .272/27/108 slash and catching 147 games.

Catching Perfection

Yogi Berra was the man behind the plate for one of baseball’s most iconic moments – Game Five of the 1956 World Series. Otherwise known as Don Larsen’s perfect game.

Yogi called the game, the only perfect game in World Series history, and the image of Yogi leaping into Larsen’s arms is forever etched in baseball fans’ minds.

Holding the Record for Most Shutouts Caught

Yogi Berra’s 173 shutouts caught stand as the all-time record for catchers. It’s a stat that not only shows his skill behind the plate but also his pitchers’ trust in him to steer games to victory.

Retirement of Number 8 by the New York Yankees

Following Yogi Berra’s illustrious career, the New York Yankees honored him by retiring his number 8 jersey. This happened on Yogi Berra Day, July 22, 1972, a testament to his immense contribution to the team’s success.

It’s a gesture that forever cements Berra’s legacy as a Yankees legend, letting fans and players alike know that his impact on the team and baseball at large is unmatched and enduring.

Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972

After somehow missing out on his first ballot, Yogi Berra finally got the recognition he deserved in 1972. With 85.6% of the vote on his second ballot, Yogi was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

It was a fitting cap to his years with the Yankees, where he left an indelible mark, not just with his performance on the field but with his unforgettable Yogi-isms off it.

Calling the Shots

After Yogi Berra hung up his catcher’s mitt, he didn’t step away from the diamond. Instead, he swapped his playing uniform for a manager’s cap, leading both the New York Yankees and the New York Mets from the dugout.

Berra took his first managerial role with the Yankees in 1964. He led the team to the World Series that year, though they fell short to the St. Louis Cardinals in a tight seven-game series.

Perhaps more remarkable was Berra’s impact on the New York Mets, guiding them to an unexpected World Series appearance in 1973. The team’s mantra, “Ya Gotta Believe,” inspired by Tug McGraw and reinforced by Berra’s leadership, became a rallying cry throughout their extraordinary run. Although they didn’t clinch the championship, falling to the Oakland Athletics, Berra proved he was more than just a Hall of Fame player.

The 300 Home Run Club

On August 8th, 1959, Yogi Berra took Athletics pitcher Murry Dickson deep for his 300th home run. Despite his stocky, 5-foot-7-inch frame, Berra finished with an impressive 358 home runs.

Receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom Posthumously

Following his influential careers as both a player and a manager, Yogi Berra was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015, an honor recognizing his contributions far beyond the baseball diamond. Known for his service in the Navy during World War II, his sportsmanship, and his widely beloved Yogi-isms, Berra’s legacy was immortalized in one of the nation’s highest civilian honors. Fans and figures from across the baseball world and beyond celebrated this posthumous accolade, a testament to his enduring impact on American culture and sports.

The post 10 Reasons Yogi Berra Is an Absolute Legend: We Re-live The Most Iconic Moments appeared first on Ballpark Savvy - Save Money At Your Next Baseball Game.

2024-05-07T14:23:53Z dg43tfdfdgfd