A Memory of Yogi Berra (1925-2015)

I had a conversation with the man.

       Yogi Berra epitomized ‘baseball star’ – a forever NY Yankee Great, Hall of Famer, and known by all to be a first rate, down to earth, solid gold human being.   Yes, we had a conversation and not about him or his career.

        It was in the winter of 2001, one of those fresh, clear cold winter nights we experience in New Jersey.  I had looked forward all day to my night at the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center.  I was attending the reception Yogi Berra hosted to celebrate publication of the book “Elston Howard and Me: The Story of the first Black Yankee” – authored by Elston’s widow, Arlene Howard with Ralph Wimbish.   Elston died in 1980 at the age of 51 due to a heart condition.

        Elston Howard, held several positions with the New York Yankees during his playing days with the team, 1955 – 1967.  I remember him for his outstanding play behind the plate for the Yankees.  I’m not alone in that assessment.  He was said to be in league with Yogi Berra and Roy Campanella as one of the all-time best catchers in the major leagues.

        Elston and Arlene Howard were great personal friends of Yogi and his wife, Carmen.  

        As the book neared publication, I was becoming a friend of Arlene, serving with her on the Board of Trustees at our church, Galilee United Methodist in Englewood, NJ.  Arlene was the President of the Board and I worked along side her as the Board Secretary.  From the moment I learned she hoped I would be able to attend the reception at Mr. Berra’s museum, I was ecstatic . . . not about Yogi Berra or the reception itself.

Larry Doby autographed this
  for me in 1982 at a
crowded mall in New Jersey 

Larry Doby was on my mind.   Larry Doby, the first black baseball player on an American League team was my first ‘heartthrob’.  I mean a heart-attack-threatening, fainting-spell-possible, scream-producing (but squelched) object of my affections since I was 11 years old.  He played centerfield for the Cleveland Indians and I was certain he was not too old for me – we would one day be together.  He married.  High school and college activities encouraged more grown up ambitions for me than pining for the power hitter on the Indians.   I married.  Still, talking with Larry Doby would remain a wispy romantic figment of my imagination.   And knowing Larry Doby lived in Montclair, NJ and was good friends of Yogi Berra, for certain there was a possibility of the two of us having a conversation at the reception for Arlene’s book. Wow!

        That night, introduced to Yogi Berra, I casually questioned if Larry Doby was expected.  Yogi said he was planning to be there but had not been feeling well.  He wouldn’t be coming.  I expressed my regrets and volunteered with a smile how enamored I had been – most likely, his greatest fan. We talked a bit more; then both of us suddenly saddened when Yogi mentioned Larry lost his wife earlier in the year.  It was a moment I’ll not forget. 

        Larry Doby, member of the Hall of Fame, died in 2003 at the age of 79.

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My condolences to the family and friends

of Yogi Berra who died,

at the age of 90, on September 22^nd.

His services were held today in Montclair.

May he rest in peace.