“I didn’t really say everything I said.”
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By Raif Karerat
New York Yankees legend Yogi Berra died Tuesday at the age of 90, the Yogi Berra Museum announced with both the Yankees franchise and Major League Baseball organization confirming the news.
Berra’s family released a statement through the museum, saying that while they were mourning “our father, grandfather and great-grandfather, we know he is at peace with Mom. We celebrate his remarkable life, and are thankful he meant so much too so many. He will truly be missed.”
Berra was considered one of the best catchers in the history of the game. According to CBS Sports, he appeared in 14 World Series for the Yankees during their dynasty era, the first in 1947, and won the first of his three MVPs in 1951 (the others came 1954 and 1955). The Cooperstown Hall of Famer was also an 18-time All-Star.
Berra also managed in the majors, compiling a .522 winning percentage in seven seasons leading the Yankees (1964, 1984 and part of 1985) and Mets (1972-75). He managed both teams to the World Series.
Lawrence Peter “Yogi” Berra got his nickname as a teenager from a teammate in American Legion ball who — after seeing a movie — thought he resembled a person who practiced yoga.
After the advent of Yogi Bear in 1958, Berra reportedly attempted to sue the studio of Hanna-Barbera for defamation of character before withdrawing his complaint.
In addition to his superlative prowess on the diamond, Berra was also renowned for his “Yogi-isms,” as they became known.
Here are some of the most well known Yogi-isms that came from the legendary sportsman, as compiled by CNN:
- “It ain’t over till it’s over.”
- “It’s déjà vu all over again.”
- “When you come to a fork in the road … take it.”
- “I usually take a two-hour nap from 1 to 4.”
- “Never answer an anonymous letter.”
- “I didn’t really say everything I said.”
- “I want to thank you for making this day necessary.”
- “We made too many wrong mistakes.”
- “You can observe a lot by watching.”
- “The future ain’t what it used to be.”
- “It gets late early out here.”
- “If the world were perfect, it wouldn’t be.”
- “If the people don’t want to come out to the ballpark, nobody’s going to stop them.”
- “Pair up in threes.”
- “Why buy good luggage? You only use it when you travel.”