Former Yankees catcher, Mets manager, hall of fame player, hilarious comedian and all-around awesome man Yogi Berra passed away yesterday at the age of 90.
Here the official statement from the Mets:
“Yogi Berra was a baseball legend who played a key part in our history. He was kind, compassionate and always found a way to make people laugh. With us he was a player, coach and managed the 1973 ‘Ya Gotta Believe’ team to the National League pennant. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Here’s a statement from Hal Steinbrenner:
“Yogi Berra’s legacy transcends baseball. Though slight in stature, he was a giant in the most significant of ways through his service to his country, compassion for others and genuine enthusiasm for the game he loved. He has always been a role model and hero that America could look up to.
“While his baseball wit and wisdom brought out the best in generations of Yankees, his imprint in society stretches far beyond the walls of Yankee Stadium. He simply had a way of reaching and relating to people that was unmatched. That’s what made him such a national treasure.
“On behalf of my family and the entire Yankees organization, we extend our deepest condolences to Yogi’s family, friends and loved ones.”
Here’s thoughts on Yogi’s passing from Derek Jeter in the Player’s Tribune:
To those who didn’t know Yogi personally, he was one of the greatest baseball players and Yankees of all time. To those lucky ones who did, he was an even better person. To me he was a dear friend and mentor. He will always be remembered for his success on the field, but I believe his finest quality was how he treated everyone with sincerity and kindness. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Here are some other thoughts on social media:
Era un héroe. Descansa en paz #RIPYogiBerra pic.twitter.com/mwowtAAjE3
— Yoenis Cespedes (@ynscspds) September 23, 2015
What a Beautiful Man…What A Beautiful Spirit. Celebrate the Life of Yogi Berra Today. pic.twitter.com/dBp31lv9nD — Bernie Williams (@bw51official) September 23, 2015
RIP to a dear man; “Baseball has lost a great man and @mlb a great ambassador to the game” my prayers to his family. pic.twitter.com/QxS52Nl8oQ
— John Franco (@TEAMFRANCO45) September 23, 2015
RIP Yogi Berra… — Howard Johnson (@20Hojo) September 23, 2015
R.I.P Yogi Berra a baseball legend
— El Gocho believe it! (@johansantana) September 23, 2015
RIP Yogi. I’m grateful I got to know him. What a nice man. Great article NYTimes by Bruce Webber about Yogi.A chronology of his amazing life — Al Leiter (@Al_Leiter22) September 23, 2015
Very Sad to hear the passing of #YogiBerra My deepest prayers to his family and the #Yankees family. Great player, Greater Gentleman.
— Mike Piazza (@mikepiazza31) September 23, 2015
