Anybody who, like myself, loves America’s Pastime and rejoices in its history needs to see this documentary about the great, underrated Yogi Berra.  The Yankees catcher was the heart and soul of a team that dominated the American League from the late 1940s through the early 1960s and he did nothing but win, again and again, evidenced by the ten championship rings he accrued over his playing career (the most of anybody, ever).  He gained three more in his later coaching and managing career.  And yet most Americans knew him as a clown, as a television pitchman for Yoohoo soda and Aflac insurance.  This insightful and heartfelt doc argues that he was one of the all-time great ballplayers, and I am now a believer.

Sean Mullin’s documentary charts Lorenzo Peter Berra’s journey from the St. Louis area to becoming the mainstay of the mighty Yankees, winning three MVP awards and finishing in the top five four other times.  He was Johnny Bench before Johnny Bench.  He was an offensive powerhouse who, through hard work and tight tutelage, turned himself into a defensive wizard.  He caught the only perfect game in World Series history.  Some of his World Series records still stand, I believe.  He was a great player who made his teammates better.

He was also a great guy, one whom even opposing players gave open admiration and respect.  He befriended Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby when they entered the league and helped ease their way.  He and wife Carmen brought up several kids, two of which made it to the majors themselves.  He served as an ambassador for the sport and was beloved for his humility and delightful mangling of the English language.  The documentary argues that Yogi’s many commercial spots, wacky witticisms and clowning persona diminished the public’s view of his athletic talent, and that is almost certainly true.  But as time passes and new generations grow up without witnessing all those commercials, they will meet Yogi as one of the most successful baseball players who ever played; his statistics and diamond lore speak for themselves.

Some detail is delved into regarding the greatness of Yogi Berra’s batting prowess, but even more could have been done.  He hit more home runs than times he struck out!  That’s amazing!  The icing on the cake comes at the end of the movie, and through the credits, when former players and coaches talk about what Yogi meant to them.  Seeing Derek Jeter and Joe Girardi and Mariano Rivera and Joe Torre and others marvel at the man they knew is testament to just how special he was.  I am a believer.  ☆ ☆ ☆ 1/2.  1 January 2024.