Damn Yankees by Edward Drobinski - HTML preview

Damn Yankees

Page 154

The statements, remarks and quotes known as “Yogi-isms” have gone a long way towards cementing Yogi Berra’s character status in the game of baseball and life. But when going beyond the wits and wisdoms of the beloved Yogi and examining his baseball career, only one word, that even a seemingly confused Berra would understand, can describe it; winner. At every level of the game, player, coach and manager, Yogi achieved every sports figure’s goal, to be a Champion, and he did it more times than anyone else. As a player he won MVP’s and Championships, and after his playing career was over he kept right on winning as a coach and skipper in both leagues. When all was said and done he had participated in a record 21 World Series and come away with 13 rings. Once Casey Stengel was asked if he was worried, during a tight pennant race. Casey said; “No, I’ve got my man out

there.” Initially it was thought that he was referring to Mickey Mantle, but later it was seen that he was more likely referring to Yogi Berra.

Yogi Berra signed with the Yankees in 1943 but his career really began in 1946 when he returned from a stint in the Navy and proceeded to tear up the International League playing for the Newark Bears. He hit a home run in his first major league game following a late season call up. Yogi made the jump to the big leagues for good in 1947 splitting time between the outfield and