With his passing last week, I thought it appropriate that Yogi Berra make an appearance this Monday. Thanks to Pastor Rich for his help.
When I was a kid in the 70s, years it was years after Berra had picked up a bat in a game. Yet in casual parlay, it was Berra who was used as an icon to refer to an “All-Star in casual parlay. To non-fans, Yogi Berra MEANT baseball. He was a caricature of the game to be sure but a positive one and one that everyone could relate to.
And he could hit. This is Berra’s 1950 card for the Yankees (of course). Though he won three MVP awards in 1951, 1954 and 1955, statistically, he probably had his best year in 1950. He had career highs in batting average (.322), runs (116), and rbis (124). He also hit 27 homeruns (eclipsed only by his 1956 season when he hit 30).
While Berra gave everything throughout the season, he shone during the World Series. In 14 World Series, he collected 12 homers, 71 hits, 41 runs scored and 39 rbis. He still currently holds six World Series records.
| Split | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1950 Totals | 151 | 656 | 597 | 116 | 192 | 30 | 6 | 28 | 124 | 4 | 55 | 12 | .322 | .383 | .533 |
As far as Berra’s 1950 card, you can start with the Catcher-9 and go from there. He has four nifty power numbers (1-4-5-6) when they were tough to get. On top of that, he has a nice 55-7.
Yogi has three 14s but since he only struck out 12 times, you won’t see a 13 on his card.
Fun numbers: C-9, 33-5, 55-7
On a side note, for those visiting St. Louis, try visiting The Hill, Berra’s birthplace. My wife and I went there last year and it’s a quaint area with some really nice restaurants. I kept thinking about Yogi the whole time I was there.
thanks Pastor Rich and RIP Yogi
First Ernie Banks, and now we’ve lost another great one this year. Two class acts and tremendous players.