Yogi
I know there are a few Yankee haters here. Forgive me, but I've gotta do something about Yogi.
Yogi (Berra, for you non-baseball fans) tripped and fell at a Yankee spring training game today. He was taken to the hospital; he's fine. He's also 85. And yes, he's still a character.
A couple of weeks ago, NY Times sports columnist Harvey Araton wrote this wonderful story about the lasting friendship between Berra and Ron Guidry. It's also, I think, a touching tale of aging, the dicey relationship between "Old Timers" and current players, and also gives a glimpse into the magical and inspiring marriage of Yogi and his wife of 62 years, Carmen.
Berra, the catching legend and pop culture icon, slips back into the uniform with the famous and familiar No. 8. He checks into the same hotel in the vicinity of George M. Steinbrenner Field and requests the same room. He plans his days methodically — wake up at 6 a.m., breakfast at 6:30, depart for the complex by 7 — and steps outside to be greeted by the same driver he has had for the past dozen years.
The driver has a rather famous name, and nickname, as well.
“It’s like I’m the valet,” said Ron Guidry, the former star pitcher known around the Yankees as Gator for his Louisiana roots. “Actually, I am the valet.”
When Berra arrived on Tuesday afternoon from New Jersey for his three- to four-week stay, Guidry, as always, was waiting for him at Tampa International Airport. Since Berra forgave George Steinbrenner in 1999 for firing him as the manager in 1985 through a subordinate and ended a 14-year boycott of the team, Guidry has been his faithful friend and loyal shepherd.
Guidry had a custom-made cap to certify his proud standing. The inscription reads, “Driving Mr. Yogi.
Here's the rest of the story. Enjoy!
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Comments :
Jun '10
Re: Yogi
I've never been a Yankee fan. But Yogi transcends mere team loyalty. God bless him.
Jun '10
Re: Yogi
Thanks for that link, Ursula. It's a nice break from these tumultuous times.
Jan '11
Re: Yogi
Berra is really the American story. He fought in WWI, bravely, and was a terrific player and leader. He's funny when he plays Yogi, but he's a treasure when he can talk about baseball.
Oct '10
Re: Yogi
Thanks for the post. I grew up a Yankee fan, and that era is of Yankee's is my favorite. When I was young kid while eating with my family at a hotel restaurant in Boston, Yogi, Mickey, Whitey Ford, and Elston Howard sat down at the table next to us. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Yogi always brings a smile to my face. I hope he is well.
Dec '10
Re: Yogi
I've never been a Yankees fan, or even an American League fan, but I am an Astros fan, and Yogi spent some time there as a bench coach in the late '80s.
I was happy for him that he had finally made the big time. Then he went slumming and moved back to New York.
He is a treasure.
May '10
Re: Yogi
I think I may have watched every single Yankees game of that '78 season, when Ron Guidry won the Cy Young award and Bucky Dent broke Boston's heart. I was 12 and it was all a huge thrill. I can still remember the entire batting line-up.
The only time in my life I was an avid sports fan--unless we count days the Patriots were in the Super Bowl.
Thanks for the stroll down memory lane, Ursula.
Aug '10
Re: Yogi
Thanks Ursula, now I can't tell folks the NYT is an utterly worthless fishwrap. You have ruined it for me.
mostly worthless?
somewhat worthless?
lacking in factual integrity?
back to the drawing board for me.
Re: Yogi
Instugator: Thanks Ursula, now I can't tell folks the NYT is an utterly worthless fishwrap. You have ruined it for me.
mostly worthless?
somewhat worthless?
lacking in factual integrity?
back to the drawing board for me. · Mar 11 at 4:48am
I have the same problem, Instugator.
Aug '10
Re: Yogi
Ursula Hennessey
I have the same problem, Instugator. · Mar 11 at 10:40am
I think I am going to have to go with Mostly Harmless.