On September 22, Major League Baseball lost an iconic figure. Lawrence Peter Berra, better known as “Yogi,” passed away at the age of 90. Berra’s playing career lasted 18 years, from 1946-1963, all of which he played for the New York Yankees (and a brief stint with the crosstown Mets in 1965). Berra didn’t stop there, as he managed the Yankees in 1964 and 1984-1985 and the Mets from 1972-1975. He was also a coach for the Yankees in 1976-1983, the Mets from 1965-1971 and the Houston Astros from 1986-1989. Yogi spent almost 50 years in the Major Leagues, whether he was playing or off in the dugout managing or coaching. He even served as a gunner’s mate during World War II on the famous D-Day invasion. He was truly an iconic figure in baseball and a role model all looked up to.

Berra was called up to the Yankees on September 22, 1946. 69 years later, he would pass away on that same day. But throughout his 18-year playing career, Yogi reached records that have not been broken to this day. Most of them involved the World Series, as he played for one of many Yankee dynasties that won the Fall Classic every year. Berra played in 14 World Series and won ten of them, both of which are national records. And he didn’t just sit there and watch as the Yankees won title after title—he was a key contributor, setting the World Series record for games played at bats, hits, doubles, singles and games caught. Berra also caught the only perfect game in World Series history by Don Larsen on October 8, 1956 against the Brooklyn Dodgers in game five. Berra, a valuable player during the regular season as well, won three MVP’s throughout his career and was a 15-time All Star. He was known to be one of hardest playing ballplayers that people had ever seen. He grinded out at bats, spoiled away bad pitches and had superb bat control, which allowed him to turn bad pitches into potential base hits. As a catcher, Berra was fast, durable, mobile and handled the pitching staff very well. Towards the end of his career, Yogi even learned to become a good defensive outfielder. This not only shows his versatility, but also his athleticism since most catchers are typically slow–Yogi was able to catch and cover ground in the outfield. His achievements earned him a plaque in Yankee Stadiums’ Monument Park as “A Legendary Yankee,” as well as the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. The Yankees also retired his number eight to not only honor him but also his predecessor and role model, Bill Dickey.

Yogi is also known for what he said, whether it made sense or not. His sayings became known as “Yogisms,” which are more times than not contradictory statements. Some of his most famous lines were “Baseball is 90% mental and the other half is physical”; “It ain’t over ‘till it’s over”; “When you come to a fork in the road, take it”; “It’s déjà vu all over again,” and, finally, “I really didn’t say everything I said.” Along with his hard playing style, Yogi showed a character that endeared him to fans from all of Major League Baseball.

The Yankees will honor Yogi by wearing a number eight on the left sleeve of their jerseys for the remainder of the 2015 season. The Empire State Building was lit with white and blue pinstripes on the day of his death. He will always be remembered for his glorious playing career, his character and as a role model to others. He will be missed.