Hall Of Famer And American Hero
Yogi Berra, who died Tuesday, was a great bridge from the era when baseball dominated the sports scene to today, where its appeal is more local than national. The New York Yankees were the monster franchise, loved by many and hated by more, and Berra was the axis of their greatness, winning 10 World Series titles during his 19-year career.
He was also among the last of a breed known almost solely by their nicknames. No one thought of Berra as Larry – he was born Lawrence Peter Berra. And almost no one has a nickname today. Guys named Kyle are called Kyle. Guys named Kris are called Kris. Guys named Clayton are called Clayton.
Berra came into baseball just after service in World War II and nicknames in the sport were common and colorful.
You can start with the Babe (Ruth), who hit 60 home runs in a season (151 games played), and Home Run (Baker), who earlier led the American League in HRs for four consecutive years, hitting a total of 42 in 595 games. You had Dizzy (Dean), Daffy (Dean) and Dazzy (Vance). Pepper (Martin) and Salty (Parker). There was no question which hand Lefty Gomez used to throw the ball. Red (Schoendienst and Ruffing) proceeded by many years Vida Blue (not a nickname). Whitey (Ford) pitched and Yogi caught.
You had a Chief (Bender) and a Super Chief (Allie Reynolds). Slats (Marion) and Pee Wee (Reese). Yogi and teammate Moose (Skowron) made an interesting pair.
Berra’s accomplishments in a life were numerous. He took part in the Normandy invasion while in the Navy and earned a Purple Heart. He was charitable, kind and a wonderful marketer of his many mangled phrases that harbored an inner rationale. He was probably the best defensive catcher in baseball history, always a clutch hitter and a great teammate.
He was Yogi. They don’t make them like that anymore, and they sure don’t name them that way either.
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman
Why You Should Always Google Your Dates
Usher Secretly Marries His Long-Time Manager
-
Manchester City Brings it Home with a 3-1 Victory! Following Manchester City’s impressive 3-1 victory over FC Copenhagen in...
-
Murray’s New Goals Before Retirement Andy Murray, the renowned British tennis player and three-time Grand Slam champion, has shared...
-
Kylian Mbappe led Paris Saint-Germain to a resounding 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the first leg of their...
-
Klopp acknowledges defensive flaws as Liverpool suffers unexpected defeat against Arsenal. Following Liverpool’s unexpected defeat against Arsenal, manager Jurgen...
-
Ryan Mendes’ Heroic Penalty: Captain Leads Cape Verde to Victory In a historic moment for Cape Verde, the national...
-
Probe Raises Questions About PSG’s 2017 Deal and Political Involvement. French authorities have launched an investigation into allegations...
-
As Ireland faces a back-three injury crisis ahead of the Six Nations, some players have an opportunity to step...
-
16-year-old Luke Littler Makes History as the Youngest Player to Join the Prestigious Premier League Darts Luke Littler, the...
-
Get ready for the electric thrill! In a groundbreaking move, Formula E announces its exclusive broadcasting partnership with TNT...
-
Captain Kohli’s Record-Equalling Century Lights Up World Cup Match Against South Africa. On the occasion of his 35th birthday,...
-
All-Rounder Stokes Aims for Recovery Ahead of Upcoming India Test Series England Test captain Ben Stokes has announced that...
-
NBA Star Penalized for Inappropriate Gesture During Victory Over Trail Blazers Philadelphia 76ers’ star center, Joel Embiid, has been...