Yogi Berra is celebrated as one of baseball’s greatest catchers. Over his illustrious career, he played 19 seasons in Major League Baseball, primarily with the New York Yankees, where he earned a record 10 World Series championships, 18 All-Star awards, and three American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards. Here are his best World Series moments.
1947 World Series, Game 3
Yogi Berra made history against the Brooklyn Dodgers by hitting the first pinch-hit home run in World Series history. Coming in to pinch-hit for Sherm Lollar, Berra launched a homer off Ralph Branca in the seventh inning, narrowing the Dodgers’ lead. The Yankees won the game 5-3.
1949 World Series, Game 5
Berra’s game-calling kept the Brooklyn Dodgers off balance in this World Series game. He led the Yankees to a decisive 10-6 victory and secured their 12th World Series title. Furthermore, Yogi’s leadership helped control the game’s tempo and ensured the team’s success.
1950 World Series, Game 4
During the Yankees’ sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies, Berra went 2-for-4 with an RBI single and broke a nerve-wracking 0-0 tie in the eighth inning. This ignited a rally that led to a 5-2 win. His consistent hitting throughout the series resulted in a .308 average.
1951 World Series, Game 3
The player’s home run against the New York Giants was a turning point in both the game and the series. Yogi hit a solo shot off Giants pitcher Jim Hearn in the fifth inning, breaking a tie and earning the Yankees their eventual 6-2 victory.
1952 World Series, Game 7
In yet another decisive game against the Brooklyn Dodgers, Berra hit a solo home run off Joe Black in the sixth inning that provided much-needed insurance for the Yankees. Additionally, he guided pitcher Bob Kuzava through the final innings to preserve a 4-2 victory.
1953 World Series, Game 7
The following year, the Yankees again faced off against the Brooklyn Dodgers. During the game, Berra delivered two hits and an RBI that helped secure an 11-7 win for his team. By excellently handling Allie Reynolds and other pitchers, the star stifled any chance of a Dodgers comeback.
1955 World Series, Game 7
Although the Yankees ultimately lost to the Brooklyn Dodgers in this series, Berra’s performance in Game 7 was noteworthy. He hit a two-run homer off Dodgers pitcher Johnny Podres in the sixth inning, providing hope for a comeback.
1956 World Series, Game 7
Yogi Berra played a prominent role in the Yankees’ dominant 9-0 victory against the Brooklyn Dodgers. In this game, which helped the team secure another championship title, Yogi hit two home runs and drove in four runs. Hence, establishing an early lead for New York.
1957 World Series, Game 6
Even though the Yankees eventually lost to the Milwaukee Braves, Berra’s performance in Game 6 was paramount in forcing a seventh game. He went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs during this tight contest that ended with a 3-2 Yankees victory.
1958 World Series, Game 7
The Yankees staged a historic comeback against the Milwaukee Braves after being down 3-1 in the games. Yogi’s leadership behind the plate was pivotal as he helped pitcher Bob Turley deliver a complete-game effort while holding Atlanta to just two runs.
1960 World Series, Game 7
In this game, which is considered one of baseball’s most dramatic Game 7s, Berra hit a two-run home run off pitcher Vern Law in the sixth inning and gave New York a temporary lead. However, despite Yogi’s best efforts, his team lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
1961 World Series, Game 3
While playing against the Cincinnati Reds, he showed his offensive talents by going 3-for-5 with a home run, three RBIs, and an impressive 13-5 victory. The athlete’s bat sparked several rallies that helped the Yankees gain a commanding lead in the series and an eventual win in five games.
1962 World Series, Game 7
This nail-biting finale against the San Francisco Giants ended with a 1-0 victory for the Yankees. Once again, Berra’s experience was critical as he expertly managed Ralph Terry, who pitched a shutout to secure New York’s championship title.
1953 World Series, Game 3
During this series against Brooklyn again, Yogi came through with clutch hitting. By going 3-for-4 with two RBIs, he led New York to a narrow 3-2 victory against the Brooklyn Dodgers. His timely hits gave New York an important lead in what would become another successful series.
1956 World Series, Game 5
Yogi Berra played an iconic role as a catcher during Don Larsen’s perfect game—the only perfect game thrown in World Series history. Through exceptional game-calling and pitch framing, he guided Larsen through all 27 outs without allowing any base runners.
15 World Series Performances That Defined Yogi Berra’s Career