I still honestly don't comprehend why Yogi never got a Monument...? IMO, I've long believed Yogi deserves His Monument as much as Mick..... 3 MVP's, 114 Double Headers Yogi caught from the start of the 1st game, to the end of the 2nd.......114 Geezus, that and other stats, ntm-being Mr. Cool Clutch, often when No One else was driving in runs, in those 10 World Series, of which the Yanx won, out of 14..... Yep, IMO, the Yanx should of given Yogi his Monument 3 decades ago.....or more.....!!!
...one of my favorite Yogi stories took place during ST in Fla where back in those days it was common practice for certain members of the press to compensate players for the privilege of an interview. ...after a reporter interviewed Yogi he gave him a check for $200...after looking at the check as he walked towards the clubhouse, Yogi had a puzzled look on his face. Whitey asked him "How much did you get?"...Yogi said "I got 200 bucks but they spelled my name wrong." ...Whitey looked at the check and started laughing....on the front of the check, it read; "Pay to bearer..... $200.00".
Good One- I had not heard that story before, a good chuckler..... Yogi embodies, (Like Mick and Billy, Whitey too) the eptiome of those grand ol' days, much like the occasion you met the Mick, and the Gang of Yanx, and shook Mick's hand.... those kind of memories are Priceless; and great to hear, and I don't care if I hear those kind of stories, every week, seriously......
You gents were very fortunate to shake hands with my childhood heroes. What a high I would have been on if......................but I was just as happy to watch Yogi, Mick, & others hit that baseball a mile high. My friends and I would play in the school yard imitating the Yankee players. Those were the days. Thank you Yogi... for all those wonderful memories, the laughs, and the example of being an exemplary human being. R.I.P.
I took my Brother, Father, Wife, and 1 of 3 sons, to see the Angels vs Clemens/Boggs in 86, in Anaheim. just a couple of weeks after Roger struck out 20 Mariners. During that game, Reggie, hit a line drive rocket off of Clemens, to direct CF, hit the camera lens, as the cameraman was jumping off of the stand......That HR, broke The Micks total. fast forward a couple of weeks later, to the Yanx coming to Anaheim. Same group, with the other Son, the Yankee Fan.The Mick gave Reggie a Trophy to commemorate the record breaking, prior to the game, which was a photo op for Donruss in their 86 "Highlights" Set, and LA Times. My policy when I go to any game, is to sit, and wait for every hanger on, to leave. I love to reflect on the game I just saw, and bask in its open MLB Diamond ambiance moments. Thus, as the Stadium was then empty, we walked out, through the main lobby, a good 75 feet or so. A lobby that is always packed coming into and leaving games. Not a Soul was in the lobby, other than the guy coming through the same set of doors, but a few over to the right. We were, going in the same direction. I immediately noticed it was The Mick, and said quietly to my family, hey take a look to my right its Mickey Mantle. He over heard me, and smiled at us, as we walked. I wouldn't approach Him, trying to respect His privacy, as I knew he was hounded anywhere He went. Thus we just walked, basking in His Aura, and my childhood memories, of the Guy who encourage me to switch hit, my #1 Hero, followed by Mays, (a story for another day with Willie, a dugout whale, and an autograph). Mick went ahead out the last set of doors, where we noticed His Limo waiting, with approximately, 80 or more fans, a mob. Mick was secured as soon as he hit the outside, by guards. I didn't want to bother Mick it wasn't the time, besides, just the year prior, I had shook Micks hand, and so did my Son, at a Sports Memorabilia and Card Convention. His autograph was only then $25, and I had an old vintage 8X10 photo, and a Game Model Vintage Louisville Slugger bat, autographed as well. One Year later, the Mick would stop autographing round objects, like Joe D did 3 yrs prior. Here's a pic of the HR Moment in Anaheim, followed by a the same pic I got of Mick, I'll save you the hassle of the bat.
Could have been an "urban legend" story nut one of the funniest Yogisms I've heard. He came home one day and his wife Carmen said "Yogi I saw Dr. Zhivago today. Yogis response, "What is wrong with you now>"
^^^lmao...that sounds like something Yogi might say. ...speaking of Carmen, I was actually surprised that Yogi lasted as long as he did after she passed away...they were both totally devoted to each other...great love story.
...here's a good piece on Yogi and Carmen; http://m.mlb.com/news/article/151221862/yogi-berra-and-wife-carmen-shared-special-bond
One of the themes that came out of all the talk about Yogi last night was that how people perceived his intelligence. Due to all of the quotes attributed to him there was a perception to some that he wasn't a smart man. Well consider the fact that he invested many of his World Series shares in Florida land that later because known as Disney World. Also, consider the fact that when approached by Yoo-Hoo to endorse their drink Yogi negotiated a piece of the company instead of just being a paid spokesman. Here's a man who looked out for his future instead of the quick payday. A very smart man indeed.
Berra was sharp as a tack, laughed all the way to the bank. When I became a fan the Yankee up the middle was Berra, Martin, and Mantle, pretty damn good cadre.
Thanks 59, another one of my Novels. At our age, its important IMO, to share our rich History involving the game, the Yanx, and Great HOF Players we've met. Which is one thing, many younger ones have unfortunately, never had these experiences. Mainly due to the way the game has changed, dramatically in ways. Like laying out like a beached shark, atop the dugout to obtain Mays and others autographs. It's fun to watch the faces of young men, when they hear stories of yore; as one cannot do the same today without an automatic ejection. Welcome to the Paranoid Era, kin to the black plaque era Era. We grew up to become with our Heroes in our midst. With experiences from another bygone golden era, which we; or they will never see again.... I wish like hell, I'd of met you back in my Perry days, we could of had a helluva blast going to Yanx games, at Fulton Co. Stadium, then Turner Field in its debut year. I swear there were as many folks who worked for Northrop in Perry, Warner Robbins, and Milledgeville, who wore Yankee caps vs Braves caps, about a 50/50 mix (at work that is)......
But your still alive my friend, or did they turn you into a Zombie Wolf??? ah, that's right, I forgot, your immortal, that's how you got in Cleopatra's bedroom..... same way I got in Jean De Arc's......Joan of Arc
Per Tim Kurkjian "He (Yogi) is the second greatest catcher behind Johnny Bench. Fuck you Timmy Boy, this Yankee fans says you are full of shit! Johnny Fucking Bench yurass!!!!!!!!!!
