Yogi Berra

(http://blogs.jobdig.com/wwds/2008/04/28/how-yogi-berra-would-do-on-the-job-interview/)

Imagine quitting school at fourteen to help support your family. Or joining the navy and fighting during World War two. Then returning to the states and becoming one of the greatest baseball players in history. This is how Lawrence Peter “Yogi” Berra’s life went. Yogi Berra is my hero because he gave up his education to support his family, served in the navy, and was the greatest catcher in baseball history.

Lawrence Peter Berra was born in St. Louis, Missouri on May 12, 1925. He grew up in a place called “The Hill” a predominantly Italian neighborhood. He was given the nickname “Yogi” from a childhood friend after watching a movie about an Indian snake charmer. His friend said Lawrence looked a lot like the hindu man in the movie and the nickname stuck. When Yogi turned fourteen he quit school so that he could help support his family.

When Yogi turned eighteen he joined the navy. He served on a missile boat during World War two. He served in North Africa, Italy, as well as the Normandy invasion. He was a part of the landing on Omaha beach. He continued to serve until the end of the war. Then he returned to the states where he started his baseball career again.

Before leaving for the war Yogi had been playing for the minors at the age of seventeen. He was signed by the Yankees, but then he put his career on hold while he served in the navy. When he returned he played for a minor league team before starting his career as a Yankee. He played for many seasons and won several World Series titles with the Yankees. After his playing career was over he began managing. He managed the Mets and the Yankees. He is one of the few managers who won pennants in both the American and National League. He played during what is considered the “Golden Age” of baseball.

(http://www.clubrunner.ca/dprg/dxprogramhome/_programhome.aspx?did=7010&pageid=29053)

Yogi Berra was a very active man in his lifetime. He was a very dedicated and kind man. He made many friends and has left a huge impact on baseball. While being considered one of the greatest baseball players in history I would say he could be considered one of the greatest people in history as well. Yogi Berra is my hero because he was a great man as well as one of the greatest baseball players in history.