“If I Could Just Make them up on the Spot, I’d be Famous”
Yogi Berra – 2001
Nothing will bring a smile faster than a great Yogi-ism. It is not every day a Hall of Famer Baseball player is known for something other than playing baseball.
Lawrence Peter “Yogi” Berra is known famously or infamously for his outrageously conflicted sayings as much as he is for his playing career in which he played catcher for the New York Yankees. He had these sayings down to a science and one might imagine to an art as well if it were for this quote in particular.
To help understand, a Yogi-ism is something said that is either obvious or conflicts with the message intended. What makes this quote great is he admittedly did say many of the great Yogi-isms off the cuff and he is famous because of it.
What’s a Yogi-ism?
What is more fascinating is the word or phrase Yogi-ism is recognized by spell checkers which indicates to amount admiration and enjoyment people get from his comments.
Yogi said whatever was on his mind and people loved him for it. The most famous Yogi-ism is “it is not over, till it is over”, a saying that stands the test of time and cemented in American culture to the degree that most probably do not know it originated from Yogi Berra.
Further, Yogi is an asset to the baseball world and away from it, aside from his Yogi-isms; Mr. Berra has contributed to the greater good by teaching children the value of sportsmanship and dedication.
Was He Being Funny On Purpose?
No one knows if the joke is really on society or not if Yogi Berra intentionally crafted these witty and funny sayings while playing the “aw shucks” routine as he was known for his quick tongue and clever cracks.
However, it is hard to imagine anyone having the guile to makes such comments on purpose. One thing is for sure, a quick read of all the hilarious sayings makes you laugh and in a time of cynicism and instant gratification, why not take the time to laugh along with an American icon.
Besides, how can you not love a person named Yogi?
Some other great Yogi-isms:
1. “Once, Yogi’s wife Carmen asked, “Yogi, you are from St. Louis, we live in New Jersey, and you played ball in New York. If you go before I do, where would you like me to have you buried?” Yogi replied, “Surprise me.”
2. “This is like deja vu all over again.”
3. “You can observe a lot just by watching.”
4. “Baseball is 90% mental — the other half is physical.”
