Remembering Yogi (1925-2015)
The Montclair State University community joins fans worldwide in mourning the death of Lawrence “Yogi” Berra, one of baseball’s all-time greatest and most beloved players, who was also a steadfast supporter of the University. Berra died on September 22, 2015, in West Caldwell, New Jersey. He was 90 years old.
“The Montclair State community is deeply saddened by the loss of our longtime friend, neighbor and supporter, Yogi Berra,” says Montclair State University President Susan A. Cole. “We are proud that our campus is home to the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center. It will continue to serve as a lasting memorial to the outstanding achievements and inspiring sportsmanship of this legendary athlete and compassionate citizen.”
Yogi Berra celebrated his 90th birthday at the Museum in May.
Berra’s career began in 1946, when, upon returning from serving in the Navy during World War II, he signed to play professional baseball with the Newark Bears, a New York Yankees minor league affiliate. He moved on to the Yankees by the end of that year. He became one of baseball’s superstars, breaking many records and earning the undying respect and affection of a legion of fans for his hard work and remarkable talents behind and at the plate. Even in retirement, the Hall of Famer remained one of baseball’s most revered statesmen and greatest ambassadors.
Berra, born in 1925, was equally renowned for his oft-quoted “Yogi-isms”: one-liners like “It ain’t over til it’s over,” “It’s déjà vu all over again” and “The future ain’t what it used to be” that have enriched the American vernacular.
A resident of Montclair for more than 50 years, Berra maintained close ties with Montclair State University, which granted him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in 1996. Yogi Berra Stadium, and the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center at Montclair State opened in 1998, featuring artifacts from Berra’s career, including all 10 of his World Series championship rings and the mitt he used to catch Don Larsen’s perfect World Series game.
“Our facility houses a remarkable collection of sports memorabilia illustrating the rich history of baseball and Yogi’s career. But the essence of our Museum is not stuff; it’s the exemplary life of the man who inspired us,” says Kevin Peters, trustee and interim CEO of the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center. “Now more than ever, the Center is committed to extending the reach of Yogi’s impact on future generations who can learn from the shining example of his life – a life so well lived.”
In May, Berra was joined by his family and some of baseball’s greats, including Willie Randolph, Joe Torre, Mickey Rivers, Bobby Valentine and Jackie Robinson’s widow, Rachel Robinson, to celebrate his 90th birthday at the Museum.
“Yogi Berra was truly an inspiration to generations of sports fans,” says Cole. “While he will be sorely missed, his legacy will live on at Montclair State.”