This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 6/30/2005.
Though he's now better known for his trademark "Yogi-isms," in his 19-year MLB career, Yogi Berra established himself as the standard to which catchers should strive. Offensively, Berra hit 358 home runs and had 1430 RBIs to go with a lifetime .285 batting average. One of the leaders of the great Yankee teams of the 1950s and 1960s, Yogi was a 15-time All Star, and won the AL MVP award three times, in 1951, 1954 and 1955. Berra was an outstanding fielder, and was a master of handling pitchers. He led the AL in games caught and chance for a catcher eight times, in double-plays for a catcher six times, and is one of only four catchers to field 1.000 in a season. Yogi set the major league record of catching 148 consecutive games and having 950 chances without making an error. Berra retired from the Yankees after the 1963 season. Yogi was elected to the Baseball HoF in 1972. The brown leather catchers mitt has the "Spalding" manufacturers tag stitched to the outside. On the outside thumb is the player number "8" in black marker. On the outside fingers is "Streamlined Fingers" and "Heavy Duty Lockstitched" in script and "PAT. No. 2231204 CANADA - 398340-1941" stamped in silver. On the top outside pocket is "It Ain't over til its over" in script in black ink. Below that is a signature in black marker rating a 5-6. On the inside bottom thumb is the "Larry Yogi Berra" model manufacturers stamp. On the heel of the mitt is "E-Z Flex" in script stamped in silver. Adjacent to that is a signature and "#8" in black marker rating an 8. The mitt shows excellent game use with the "Spalding" tag frayed and partially missing on one end. Accompanied by a LOA from Yogi Berra and an additional LOA from Jimmy Spence of PSA/DNA.