Your Opinion: Local influence on Yogi Berra's career

Dear Editor:

Yogi Berra'a colorful comments went viral after his recent death.

His baseball career depended upon the influence of a native of Jefferson City, Charles Koester (1915-1997). Charles studied for the Catholic priesthood in Rome before being ordained in St. Louis, December 1941, for the archdiocese there, to which Jefferson City then belonged.

Father spoke fluent Italian. His first assignment was as associate pastor for St. Ambrose Parish on the "Italian Hill" in St. Louis. Father became well acquainted with the Berra family residing there. Yogi contacted Father to ask him to visit with the Berras. Yogi wanted to become a baseball player but his parent objected. Father visited Yogi's parents and convinced them to allow Yogi to become a professional player.

Yogi became a life-long friend who often contacted Father (later bishop).

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