Nice throw! Thousands join Yogi Berra Museum to set record for largest game of catch
New York Yankees and Major League Baseball legend Yogi Berra (1925 - 2015) was known for his skills on and off the field – one of which was his “Yogi-isms”, ironic musings about life such as: “If the people don’t want to come out to the ballpark, nobody’s going to stop them.”
Well, that phrase certainly is (or isn’t?) true in regards to the record-breaking event held in honour of the icon’s 100th birthday, because thousands of fans came out to a ballpark in Little Falls, New Jersey, USA to celebrate the player and set a new sporting record in his memory.
This 21 September, fans joined the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center (USA) at Yogi Berra Stadium to participate in “Yogi’s Big Catch Challenge”, where participants would pair up and play a giant game of catch to share the joy of playing the sport.
1,179 pairs of people showed up to play, as well as numerous others who sat in the stands to watch the festivities, which earned the organization and players the Guinness World Records title for the largest game of catch (baseball/softball).
“Yogi would be so proud of today’s event!” said the organizers, after claiming the certificate on behalf of all the excited spectators and baseball fans.
The catcher was one of the most famous figures in American baseball, who spent all but one of his 19 seasons for the New York Yankees. Between 1946 - 1963 and 1965, Berra was a 10-time World Series champion, 18-time All-Star, and three-time American League MVP, who became a celebrated figure in pop culture for his mannerisms and Yogi-isms.
For many, he remains a symbol of both excellence and humour in American life – so on what would have been his 100th birthday, the Yogi Berra Museum wanted to celebrate Berra’s incredible life with an event that honoured the sport and traditions that he helped popularize.
As such, they invited baseball and softball fans from near and far to attempt the Big Catch Challenge at the nearby stadium bearing his name.
Extra, extra! Read all about our record-breaking athletes in our Sports and Fitness section!
On the day of the event, the master of ceremonies was Bob Costas – Emmy-award winning American sportscaster and television host. With Bob hosting and joining in the fun, alongside Yogi’s family and former players, the event was planned to bridge the sport’s history with its future.
And as thousands of participants flocked through the stadium doors and donned their wristbands and blue event T-shirts, it was clear from the get-go that it would be a day to remember.
Attendees were counted by Guinness World Records Adjudicator Michael Empric as they entered the stadium, and were filed into lines marked by colourful flags that criss-crossed the field.
As soon as everybody was ready with their catcher’s mitt and ball, they were counted down by organizers, and began tossing the baseball back and forth – laughing, joking, and having fun as they did so.
All across the field, pairs of family and friends took turns lobbing the baseballs back-and-forth – occasionally missing the mark, but making new pals as their neighbours returned their ball and struck up a conversation.
At the end of the day, the event was a massive success, and when Michael took the stage to announce that they had broken the record, the crowd broke out in excited cheers and applause.
“It was incredible to see families, former players, and even Bob Costas come together for a simple game of catch that grew into a world record,” he said. “This attempt perfectly captured Yogi Berra’s legacy – reminding us that baseball connects generations, creates memories, and brings people closer together.”
So congratulations to the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center, as well as all the future baseball and softball players that took part in this thrilling event – you are all Officially Amazing!