Yogi Berra, one of baseball's greatest ever catchers, and one of America's most loved sportsmen, has died at the age of 90.
The legendary baseball player's death was announced by the Yogi Berra Museum, who said that the sporting hero had passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 22.
Berra played for the New York Yankees throughout his 19-year career, and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972. He became well known for his funny catchphrases such as "it ain't over 'til it's over" and "when you come to a fork in the road, take it," while speaking to reporters after games.
The New York Yankees took to Twitter to react to the death of their beloved former player, stating simply, "We have lost an icon."
We have lost an icon: http://t.co/bqLwILR1bb pic.twitter.com/h0SDSvUzkw
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 23, 2015
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of a Yankees legend and American hero," the club said in a statement.
Born Lawrence Peter Berra in St Louis, Miss., the player was given his nickname, Yogi, by his close pal Bobby Hofman, who compared him to a Hindu Yogi when he sat with his legs crossed waiting to bat.
He is said to have inspired the much loved cartoon character Yogi Bear (Berra once launched a defamation lawsuit over the Hanna-Barbera cartoon but later withdrew it).
Talking of their loss, the Berra family paid tribute to the sporting giant, saying they took comfort in the fact he was now reunited with his wife, Carmen, who died in March last year.
"While we mourn the loss of our father, grandfather and great-grandfather, we know he is at peace with Mom," the statement read. "We celebrate his remarkable life, and are thankful he meant so much to so many. He will truly be missed."
Berra is survived by three sons, Larry, Tim, and Dale, as well as 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.