On what would have been the 92nd birthday of Yankee legend Yogi Berra, the namesake’s Museum, the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center, held their inaugural awards dinner and ceremony at the world-famous Plaza Hotel.
With guests in their most dapper attire and NFL legend Boomer Esiason and Actor Robert Wuhl co-hosting the event, the night had the shaping of a unique evening.
According to the YBMLC, the award ceremony, “is saluting a remarkable group of individuals who embody the qualities that made Yogi an American treasure: respect, sportsmanship, perseverance, and excellence.”
Here were the notable award recipients on the evening:
- Yogi Berra Museum Humanitarian Award Recipient: McMullen Family Foundation
- Yogi Berra Museum Teammate Award Recipient: Ron Guidry (“Louisiana Lightning”)
- Yogi Berra Museum Service Award Recipients: Devin and Jason McCourty
- Carmen Berra Award Recipient: Jennifer Steinbrenner Swindal
For those receiving awards, tonight was a special evening about remembering a man who embodies how we should act in today’s society.
“It’s an honor,” said Patriots safety Devin McCourty. “What he did off the field, he just tried to change people’s lives, and that’s what my brother and I have tried to do.”
For Yankees legend and close friend to Berra, Ron Guidry, earning an award was nothing short of something special.
“I’m getting one of the first awards in the memory of my good friends, and that means a lot because it is the first one. Whatever happens after this, I will have one of the first awards. He was my best friend.”
Yogi Berra was known for being a person of the people, and someone who is an example for generations to come, as Berra’s generous nature was second to none.
“I think the biggest thing is giving it back,” continued McCourty. “Always having that happy and upbeat personality and trying to help others. That’s the biggest thing. That loyalty and that leadership. That’s what I’ve tried to do, and that’s one thing that I have tried to have done.”
Going forward, if things are going to change in life, people are going to have to start acting more selfless and respectful, something Yogi did every day of his life. As a superstar, McCourty says he and his peers are some of the biggest influencers that can help lead the charge.
“One day at a time and making a small difference every day,” McCourty explained. “A lot of times we see stories and printed things in a negative light, where you see guys not doing great things. The more you have guys doing great things and doing less of these silly things, it shows the younger generation about what it’s about and what it’s about being in a position on a pedestal and influencing others with an important cause.”