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Tribute to Yankees Hall of Famer and Silver Buffalo Recipient Yogi Berra

Yogi-Berra-with-Boy-Scouts 2

Yogi Berra, the New York Yankees catcher, Scouting supporter, and beloved national icon, died yesterday. He was 90.

The BSA remembers Berra not only for his athleticism and memorable sense of humor, but also for his incredible service to Scouting.

Berra raised more than $1 million for Scouts with special needs in the New Jersey Council for his annual golf tournament, the Yogi Berra Golf Classic, in 1991.

The Yankee’s advocacy for special-needs youth continued as he and his wife, Carmen, established an endowment fund to support special-needs Scouting and other youth programs.

The baseball legend’s heart for service earned him the Silver Buffalo Award in 2003. 

Yogi-Berra-Boys-Life-1“It’s a real honor to receive the Silver Buffalo Award,” Berra said as he accepted the honor. “Kids are our future — even if the future isn’t what it used to be.”

Chief Scout Executive Roy Williams presented the Hall of Famer with the prestigious award, extolling his character and dedication to serving others.

“[Berra] is a true American legend who believes in the basic values of hard work, common sense, fairness, integrity and commitment — and his good sense of humor has helped to make him an American icon. Yogi embodies the values of the Scout Oath and Law and all that’s great about America.”

Read more about Yogi Berra’s service to Scouting and check out his 1963  Boys’ Life magazine spread by visiting Bryan on Scouting.

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Hayley

Hayley Cordaro is a communications specialist at the Boy Scouts of America. She loves sharing inspiring success stories and uncovering new ways volunteers and employees can make the most of their Scouting experience. If you have story ideas or questions, reach out to us at communications@scouting.org.