Stengelese Versus Yogisms

Not only were the Yankees good, they had an array of characters. Two of the most prominent were manager Casey Stengel and catcher Yogi Berra. Both became well known for their imaginative language.

Casey managed the Yanks from 1947 through 1961 after a distinguished playing career with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was a rather gruff manager often known as “the old professor”. When he spoke, he had his own special vocabulary which included terms such as:

Whisky slick when referring to a baseball player who was a playboy.

Worm killers were low pitched balls.

Butcher boy referred to a chopped ground ball

Doubleheaded meant a doubleheader.

Green pea was a rookie.

Hold the gun was said to the umpire that he intended to change pitchers.

Plumber meant the player was a good fielder.

Road apple referred to any player he considered a bum.

During his short time as the manager of the newly created and miserable NY Mets of 1962, he had some zany quotes directed to his players. During one of the team’s many losing streaks, an exasperated Casey exploded “ Can’t anybody play this game? ”. Another time, he asked a battered pitcher if he was tired. After the pitcher said no, Casey replied “you might not be, but your outfielders sure are”.

Stengel’s vocabulary and his zany sentences became so well known that a play titled Stengelese appeared on Broadway thirty years after his death.

Yogi Berra became one of the most lovable players in baseball. He was not athletic looking, but with his squatty appearance he looked like a catcher and was a great one. He was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1972. But for all of his notable baseball skills, he is probably best remembered for Yogisms. A few of his famous statements are:

“It ain’t over, til it’s over”

When you come to a fork in the road, take it”

“You can observe a lot, just by watching”

“Nobody goes there anymore – it’s too crowded.”

“It’s like deja vu all over again”

“Baseball is ninety present mental and the other half physical.”

“ A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore.”

“ Always go to other peoples’ funerals, otherwise they won’t come to yours.”

There is a best selling book titled Yogisms that includes nothing but famous quotes of Yogi Berra.