Yogi Berra a baseball icon, WWII veteran, and American hero died at the age of 90 on September 22, 2015.
Yogi Berra’s on-field accomplishments are well known. Yet often overlooked is his service during the deadly combat of World War II. As 19-year-old Second Class Seaman Lawrence P. Berra, he played a significant part in one of the war’s most important campaigns, the Normandy Invasion. Yogi was one of a six-man crew on a Navy rocket boat, firing machine guns and launching rockets at the German defenses at Omaha Beach. He was fired upon, but was not hit, and later received several commendations for his bravery.
Yogi’s career in baseball following World War II is among the most well-known. He played in fourteen World Series, won ten championships, and hit the first pinch-hit home run in World Series history. A fifteen-time All-Star, he was awarded MVP in 1951, 1954, and 1955. Yogi continued with the sport as a manager after the 1963 World Series. Although he has retired, Yogi remains active within the baseball community and as a public figure recalling one of his most famous Yogi-isms, “It ain’t over till it’s over.”
To the Berra family,
I have enjoyed Yogi throughout my life as a baseball fan. I did not know he served our country in the Navy during WWll. Which only ads to my appreciation of him as a part of “the greatest generation.”
Jim Rudolph
A great individual who served his country with honor, entertained millions during his Major League career as a player, coach and manager, inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame and widely known for his colorful flare with words in the English language has left this earthly dugout to join his comrades that have preceded him. Yogi probably has the second most recognizable name in baseball, second only to Babe Ruth. An excellent offensive and defensive catcher, he was MVP three times. Many of his “Yogi-isms” are still heard regularly in sports broadcasts, around water coolers and dinner tables. An Ambassador to the game of baseball, he will be greatly missed.
Deepest Sympathy to the family of Yogi. He was my idol all my life along with Mickey! I am sure he will be missed by all who lived him.
Thank you for your service to our country and for playing for the best ball team–
The Yankees!
Lord give peace to the family. Job 14:14 Thanks for helping keep our country free.