MLB: Baseball mourns passing of Yogi Berra

Baseball fans everywhere mourn the loss of New York Yankees icon Yogi Berra, who passed away late Tuesday night at the age of 90.
Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred:
“Yogi Berra’s character, talent, courage, extraordinary experiences and inimitable way with words made him a universally beloved figure in baseball and beyond. Born to Italian immigrant parents in St. Louis, Lawrence Peter Berra grew up to serve his country on D-Day as a member of the U.S. Navy. Upon his return from his service, he often played in the substantial shadows of Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle, and yet he quietly became no less than one of the most accomplished players in baseball history himself.
“Yogi Berra was a beacon of Americana, and today Major League Baseball and all of its clubs stand together in mourning his passing and celebrating his memory. On behalf of the game he served with excellence and dignity, I extend my deepest condolences to Yogi’s children and grandchildren, his many friends throughout our game and his countless admirers.”
Hal Steinbrenner, the Yankees’ managing general partner/co-chairperson:
“Yogi Berra’s legacy transcends baseball. Though slight in stature, he was a giant in the most significant of ways through his service to his country, compassion for others and genuine enthusiasm for the game he loved. He has always been a role model and hero that America could look up to.
“While his baseball wit and wisdom brought out the best in generations of Yankees, his imprint in society stretches far beyond the walls of Yankee Stadium. He simply had a way of reaching and relating to people that was unmatched. That’s what made him such a national treasure. On behalf of my family and the entire Yankees organization, we extend our deepest condolences to Yogi’s family, friends and loved ones.”
Hall of Famer and former Yankees manager Joe Torre:
“We’ve lost Yogi, but we will always have what he left for us: the memories of a lifetime filled with greatness, humility, integrity and a whole bunch of smiles. He was a lovable friend.”
Former longtime Yankees captain Derek Jeter:
“To those who didn’t know Yogi personally, he was one of the greatest baseball players and Yankees of all time. To those lucky ones who did, he was an even better person. To me he was a dear friend and mentor. He will always be remembered for his success on the field, but I believe his finest quality was how he treated everyone with sincerity and kindness. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”
Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez:
“Yogi, I learned so much from you. To a teacher, a friend and a great Yankee, you’ll be missed. #RIPYogiBerra.”
Former Yankees pitcher Ron Guidry:
“It’s just a sad day. We’re losing a great man and I’m losing a great friend. He was always a very good friend of mine. All I know is every time I hear the word ‘baseball,’ I think of Yogi.”
Former Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte:
“What an honor it was to have rubbed shoulders with Yogi. He embraced me from the first day I met him. Heck, he embraced everyone he met. Yogi loved talking baseball and sharing stories, and I was always excited to hear them. He was a special man who brought smiles to the faces of an awful lot of people. He served our country with honor, and I can’t think of a better ambassador to have represent this game. He will be sorely missed, and my heart goes out to his family during this difficult time.”
Former Yankees catcher Jorge Posada:
“When you were around Yogi, he had a way of bringing out the best in you. He made you feel good inside. That was his gift to so many of us, and why people always tended to gravitate to him. I don’t care what team you play for or what team you root for, if you love baseball, then you love Yogi Berra. My prayers go out to Yogi’s family, and to the countless people he touched over the years.”
Former Yankees second baseman Bobby Richardson:
“Yogi Berra was my wonderful, long-time friend. Not only a teammate a lot of my career, but my manager in 1964. What can I say about Yogi? He was a friend and a wonderful clutch hitter. He had so many accolades in the world of baseball that it is almost impossible to realize how many. He was a World War II veteran and a great friend. It’s a deep loss.”
The Mets, for whom Berra played his final four games in 1965, coached during their Amazin’ Mets 1969 season and managed to an NL pennant in 1973:
“Yogi Berra was a baseball legend who played a key part in our history. He was kind, compassionate and always found a way to make people laugh. With us he was a player, coach and managed the 1973 ‘Ya Gotta Believe’ team to the National League pennant. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench:
“Yogi was the Hall of Famer I wanted most to see and sit with. We laughed! We loved each other! It was a bond. A very big void will occur at the next ceremony.”
Hall of Famer Cal Ripken:
“Yogi was a not just a Hall of Famer, he was a very special guy. When Yogi spoke, everyone was quiet and hung on every word. He owned the room. He was a legendary figure and will be missed by all of us baseball fans.”
Jane Forbes Clark, chairman of the Baseball Hall of Fame:
“Yogi Berra was an American icon, whose impact on baseball and everyday American culture was enormous. Yogi connected with every baseball fan, as a 10-time World Series winner with the New York Yankees, as one of the world’s most notable personalities, and as one of baseball’s most beloved Hall of Fame members. His contributions to our game and to our country will never be forgotten. The National Baseball Hall of Fame sends its sympathies to his family and to every baseball fan who adored him.”
Angels center fielder Mike Trout:
“There will never be another Yogi. He went to 14 World Series and won 10 of them. He brought smiles to the faces of millions. RIP Yogi.”
Former Yankee and now Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano:
“Yogi was very special to me. I learned a lot from him and always welcomed his advice. May you rest in peace Yogi.”
Cubs manager Joe Maddon:
“’You should always go to other people’s funerals; otherwise, they won’t come to yours.’ Our sympathies to the Berra Family. Miss our talks.”
Former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda:
“He is a credit to his family and fans. God is going to meet Yogi in heaven. We will truly miss him.”
Lindsay Berra:
“I will always just love, love, love this man. Rest easy up there, Gramp. #RIPYogiBerra.”