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Yogi Berra
By Allyson Turner
His colorful one-liners are as much a part of Yogi Berra's legacy as his baseball career, but it's easy to forget he was one of the best catchers of his era.
The 5-foot-8 Berra is one of only four catchers in major-league history to post a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage in a season (1958). Between July 28, 1957, and May 10, 1959, Berra set major-league records by catching in 148 consecutive games and accepting 950 chances without making an error. He caught two no-hitters -- Allie Reynolds' gem in 1951 and Don Larsen's perfect game in the 1956 World Series.
Berra set American League records for home runs by a catcher in a season (30 in both 1952 and 1956) and a career (306.) Both were later broken by Carlton Fisk. Berra also recorded five 100-RBI seasons. He led the Yankees in RBI each season from 1949 to 1955 and won three MVP awards.
Berra won more World Series rings -- 10 -- than anyone in baseball history. He also played in an unmatched 14 World Series and holds World Series records for games (75), at-bats (259), hits (71) and doubles (10).
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Yogi Berra managed the New York Yankees in 1964 and the New York Mets from 1972-1975 and 1984-85.(Allsport) |
It ain't over 'til it's over.
If you had to trade places with one person, who would it be?
A professional golfer, just to see what it was like to play in a good round.
If you could have anyone over to your house for dinner, who would you invite?
Bill Gates.
What is your pet peeve?
Loud mouths.
If your life were a feature film, would it be a comedy, drama or action? What would the title be?
All three. The Kid From the Hill.
What is your fondest memory of playing professional baseball?
Being selected to the Hall of Fame.
What is a perfect day?
Waking up.
It's your last meal. Where and what do you eat?
Italian, anywhere.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A ball player.
What are you intimidated by?
Blood.
Name your top three favorite movies?
- Gone with the Wind
- Mrs. Miniver
- The Longest Day
If you could be a fly on the wall anywhere, where would it be?
The Oval Office.
What fictional character do you most identify with?
Jack Armstrong, "the All American Boy."
Which was the greatest baseball team of all-time?
1961 Yankees.
When do you know it's all over?
It's never over.