Helmar “This Great Game” Card #34 – Yogi Berra (New York Yankees)

In this vivid Helmar “This Great Game” portrait, Yogi Berra is shown at the plate in a classic batting pose—compact, strong, and utterly focused. Behind him, a dramatic sky of pink and red clouds rises over stylized blue structures, lending an almost mythic atmosphere to the composition. The artist captures Berra’s distinctive build: powerful yet unassuming, with an intensity that suggests both humor and hard-earned experience. The composition radiates confidence and calm, reflecting a man who played the game with intelligence and joy in equal measure. This painting balances Berra’s everyman charm with the authority of one of baseball’s most decorated champions.

Lawrence Peter “Yogi” Berra was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1925 and went on to become one of the most beloved figures in baseball history. As catcher for the New York Yankees, Berra anchored the dynasty that dominated the postwar era, helping lead the team to ten World Series titles between 1947 and 1962. A three-time American League MVP, he combined offensive power with defensive brilliance, guiding pitchers and controlling games from behind the plate. Known for his clutch hitting, Berra drove in 100 or more runs in five consecutive seasons—a rare feat for a catcher. Beyond his statistics, Yogi became a cultural icon for his good humor and unforgettable “Yogi-isms”—paradoxical sayings that reflected deep wit and sincerity. Later, he managed both the Yankees and Mets to pennants, securing his place in baseball lore as a player, leader, and ambassador.

Helmar’s “This Great Game” series honors players who embody both excellence and character. Card No. 34 pays tribute to Yogi Berra—a man whose talent, humor, and humility made him a legend both on and off the diamond.

Original gouache painting by Sanjay Verma.