Hall of Famer Yogi Berra died today. He was 90 years old.
I am nostalgic about Yogi Berra. He was a star on the New York Yankees in the 1950’s and 1960’s, which was the time I started being a rabid sports fan.
He was the ballplayer’s ballplayer. He did all the little things right. He helped the team by playing multiple positions. He was a student of the game and lead by example. He also had a gift of keeping things in perspective. He took on the limelight for his team.
When his career was over, he became an on-the-field manager and led his team to World Championships. After the peak of his management career, he remained on the bench for various teams as a trusted coach and adviser to less experienced managers.
He was known as one quick with a quote. What made his quotes good was the fact that they were wise and a little off at the same time. Thus, people would both quote him with a laugh but also when they wanted to make a point.
If you are an internet junkie like me, no doubt you’ve seen some Berra quotes today as people celebrated his life.
Here are a few that were oft repeated:
“The future ain’t what it used to be.” What we look forward to isn’t the same as other generations. That’s true.
“It ain’t over until it’s over.” Play the game to the end. You never know what can happen.
“You better cut the pizza into four slices, because I’m not hungry enough to eat six.” How we frame the challenge has a lot to do about whether we can meet it.
“You can observe a lot by watching.” Describes how important it is to pay attention.
“When you get to a fork in the road, you take it.” Decisions fuel progress. Pick a path and go.
There are many more. Just a few for your consideration. RIP Yogi.
