Yankee legend and longtime Montclair resident died Tuesday
TRENTON -- Gov. Chris Christie has ordered all flags at state buildings to be flown at half-staff Sept. 29 in honor of Yankee legend and longtime Montclair resident Yogi Berra, who died Tuesday at the age of 90.
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"Yogi Berra was a national treasure and a baseball legend. Yogi's achievements as a catcher, clutch hitter, manager and coach have inspired generations of ballplayers. His military service and his service to New Jersey, especially the sportsmanship programming he brought to the Little Falls museum that bears his name, are sterling examples of his citizenship," Christie said in a statement Friday.
A World War II veteran who took part in the invasion of Normandy, Berra joined the Yankees in 1946, kicking off a stellar career that included being named MVP three times, being part of 10 World Series victories as well as being named to 15 straight All Star games. He earned the record for most World Series hits during a playing career that spanned nearly two decades.
Berra was also a prolific if accidental wordsmith, coining now famous phrases like "It ain't over til it's over" and "When you get to the fork in the road, take it."
A memorial for Berra is planned at his namesake museum in Little Falls Oct. 4 from noon to 5 p.m.
Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @PaulMilo2. FindNJ.com on Facebook