YOGI BERRA

Yogi Berra was one of the most popular players in major league history. After playing briefly in the Yankee farm system, Berra enlisted in the Navy in 1944 and provided anti-aircraft cover as a gunner’s mate aboard a boat during the Normandy invasion on D-Day. Honorably discharged in 1946, Yogi, originally an outfielder, returned to the Yankees. Tutored by the club’s Hall of Fame catcher Bill Dickey, he was converted to a backstop and became a defensive standout as well as a master at handling pitchers. He was also a feared slugger and one of the greatest clutch hitters of all time. He helped lead the Yankees to 14 pennants and 10 world championships over a storied 19-year career.

G2120 AB7555 R1175 H2150 2B321 3B49 HR358 RBI1430 AVE.285

Images courtesy of Dick Perez