Watch CBS News

Yogi's Career

Some interesting facts and career statistics, according to
Yogi Berra: The Official Web Site.

  • Berra got his "nickname" from Bobby Hofman, a childhood friend. While watching a movie about an Indian snake charmer, Bobby noted that Berra had a striking resemblance to the Hindu man, saying "That yogi walks like Lawdie (Larry) Berra," and the name stuck.
  • During World War II, Berra participated in the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach, served in North Africa and Italy, and then was finally stationed back in the States
  • Before he moved into the major leagues, Berra caught the eye of Mel Ott, the Giants manager, who tried to buy out his Yankee contract. Yankee GM Larry MacPhail had no idea who Berra was, but figured that if Mel Ott wanted him that badly, he had to be worth keeping
  • Berra was known as a talker behind the plate, trying to distract opposing batters. Hank Aaron says that during the 1958 World Series, Berra kept telling him to "hit with the label up on the bat." Finally, Aaron turned and said "Yogi, I came up here to hit, not to read."
  • Berra is one of only a few managers to have won pennants in both the American and National Leagues.
  • In 1996, Berra received an honorary doctorate from Montclair State University. Two years later, a baseball stadium was named after him on campus.
Career Stats:

AVG: 28.5
GAMES: 2120
AT BATS: 7555
RUNS: 1175
HITS: 2150
2B: 321
3B: 49
HR: 358
RBI: 1430
BB: 704
SO: 414

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.