Through his years in Major League Baseball, New York Yankees legend Yogi Berra made a huge impact on those around him. Now, his son is sharing his father’s legacy from his unique perspective. In his new book, My Dad, Yogi: A Memoir of Family and Baseball, Dale Berra talks about life with Yogi.
Speaking with Steve Adubato, PhD., during a taping of One-on-One with Steve Adubato, Dale reveals more about Yogi’s great legacy, both on and off the field.
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Living (With A) Legend Yogi Berra
During his 18 years with the Yankees (and one with the Mets), Yogi Berra was a star hitter and catcher. Of course, he won 10 World Series Championships and played in 18 consecutive All-Star games. Meanwhile, his witty comments – known as “Yogi-isms” – made him a riot on and off the field.
Yogi’s son, Dale, shares this and other stories in his new book. A New Jersey native like his father, Dale is a Montclair High School grad. After being drafted by the Pittsburg Pirates, he spent 11 seasons in Major League Baseball before retiring in 1988. He still lives in NJ today, and spends much of his time writing and passing on his father’s teachings.
“Dad was the most innate, intuitive, genuine man, I think that’s ever walked the earth,” says Dale. “He genuinely treated the landscaper, the dry cleaner the exact same as the corporate CEO.”
Dale explains that his father put no pressure on any of his kids to fill Yogi’s shoes. He says that Yogi always trusted his kids; for instance, when Dale faced some personal struggles during his career, Yogi trusted him to better himself on his own.
“We were going to make our own bed, and we were going to swim by ourselves,” says Dale. “That’s the way dad raised us.”
There’s more to learn about the great Yogi Berra from his son’s perspective. For the full story, check out this edition of One-on-One with Steve Adubato.
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Hero (Top) Photo: © Caucus Educational Corporation / One-on-One with Steve Adubato