New York Yankees' Legend Yogi Berra Will Be Honored at B.A.T Fundraiser

On Jan. 22 New York Yankees Hall of Famer Yogi Berra will be honored by The Baseball Assistance Team at their annual fundraiser dinner at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.

The 87 year old baseball icon will be honored at the 24th annual "Going to Bat for B.A.T Fundraising Dinner" which helps members of the baseball family in need.

"B.A.T. has helped many members of the baseball family over the years, and that makes this honor really special for me," said Berra to MLB.com. "I'm hoping to see a lot of old friends at the dinner, and if I can help encourage people to donate to this great cause, that's a great thing,too."

Berra has been helping the organization from it's inception, whether through donations or to raise money to help those who dedicated themselves to the National Pastime and have hit some rough patches after leaving the game.

Yogi is not just a legendary Yankee, but a baseball treasure who has given so much to the game he loves. His career playing resume is one of the most impressive in baseball with 10 World Series Championships, a three-time MVP and 18 All-Star appearances. Berra was had a lifetime .285 average, 358 home runs and 1,430 RBIs despite an unorthodox swing. In 1972 Yogi had his number retired by the New York Yankees and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1998 Yogi opened the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center on the campus of Montclair State University in New Jersey.

Besides holding many artifacts from Yogi's career and baseball, it is also a learning center for children with the intention to teach children important values such as sportsmanship and dedication, both on and off the baseball diamond.

"The Baseball Assistance Team is proud to honor the legendary Yogi Berra, whose legacy is one of baseball's greatest treasures," B.A.T. president Gary Thorne said. "Yogi has believed in B.A.T.'s mission from the very beginning. We are pleased to offer fans the opportunity to thank him for all he has given to the great game of baseball, while also having the opportunity to raise money to help others who need help and have nowhere else to turn."

Yogi won't be the only Yankee honored that night Joba Chamberlain will receive the Bart Giamatti Award, which goes to the person best exemplifies the compassion demonstrated by the late Commissioner. Also being honored will be New York Mets pitcher Johan Santana who will receive the Big/B.A.T. Frank Slocum Award, which goes to an individual who provides financial support and generosity to the B.A.T organization.

The New York Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks will be honored with the Bobby Murcer Award given to the organizations that raised the most money for B.A.T during the past year.

Dan Benton

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