The best Yogi Berra quotes (the ones he actually said)
The top 3 according to 68 votes from people: It ain't over till it's over. · What time is it? You mean now? · It gets late early out there.. (Updated Jan 27, 2022.)
The Yankees catcher (1925-2015) and his «Yogi-isms», as collected in his own books, starting with The Yogi Book (1998). As he said himself, «I really didn't say everything I said»: classics like «Nobody goes there anymore, it's too crowded» were around long before him.
Top 10
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1
It ain't over till it's over.
Said in July 1973 as manager of the New York Mets, who were last in their division and went on to win the pennant.
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2
What time is it? You mean now?
Asked the time on a plane; it became the title of his 2003 book.
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3
It gets late early out there.
About the shadows that fell on left field at the old Yankee Stadium in autumn.
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4
You can observe a lot by watching.
One of his best-known lines; also the title of his 2008 book.
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5
Always go to other people's funerals, otherwise they won't come to yours.
Collected in The Yogi Book (1998).
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6
Thank you for making this day necessary.
At «Yogi Berra Night» in his hometown of St. Louis in 1947.
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7
A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore.
Collected in The Yogi Book (1998).
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8
When you come to a fork in the road, take it.
His directions to his house in Montclair, New Jersey, which you could reach by either branch of the road.
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9
The future ain't what it used to be.
Collected in The Yogi Book (1998).
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10
I really didn't say everything I said.
His own answer to all the quotes attributed to him, in The Yogi Book (1998).
Candidates
They don't make it into the top 10… yet. Vote for them to move them up.
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11
If the world were perfect, it wouldn't be.
From When You Come to a Fork in the Road, Take It! (2002).
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12
We made too many wrong mistakes.
Explaining the Yankees' loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1960 World Series.
How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.
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Comments (2)
'Thank you for making this day necessary' 😂 Legend.
'It gets late early out there' is my favorite. Pure Yogi.