It Ain't Over

Greetings again from the darkness. In a perfect world we would judge each other by character, personality, integrity, and accomplishments. Unfortunately, too many still judge the book by its cover, and therein lies the only explanation for why Yogi Berra was not on the field at the 2015 All-Star game with Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, and Johnny Bench as one of the greatest living players. Berra, though he never cut the imposing athletic figure as those players, certainly fulfilled the four attributes listed above ... including his accomplishments in the very game that was offering tribute to the greats of the game. Director Sean Mullin expertly proceeds to prove that Lorenzo Pietro "Yogi" Berra was not just one of the best baseball players of all-time, he was also a war hero, beloved father, grandfather, husband, public figure, and above all, a world-class person.

What Mr. Mullin does to elevate this documentary is not just focus on Yogi's fabulous career as a player, but also on the rest of his life. This allows us to understand what a special man he was. Yogi's granddaughter Lindsay frequently pops up for commentary, and she makes it abundantly clear that while Yogi learned to accept being baseball's most overlooked superstar, she certainly has not. After all, Berra is the all-time leader in World Series championships as a player with 10, and has 13 rings total, including his time coaching. He was an 18 time All-Star and was voted onto the All-Century team. Remarkably, Yogi caught both ends of 117 doubleheaders in his career, and of course, caught Don Larsen's World Series Perfect Game. As a New York Yankees player and coach, his presence in pinstripes linked the careers of Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Reggie Jackson, and Don Mattingly.

Those are some of the pieces of a life that are indelibly linked to baseball history, and in this documentary, we learn even more. He grew up on the same St Louis street as (another future major league catcher) Joe Garagiola, and the Branch Rickey story involving the two is fascinating. After signing with the Yankees for $500, Berra enlisted in the Navy, and found himself in the middle of the Normandy landings. Lindsay recounts the story of why Berra never received his Purple Heart, and the process she went through to ensure that he received a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom. He was married to Carmen for 65 years, and they raised three sons, Dale (a Major Leaguer), Tim, and Larry. The story of how Carmen named Dale is one of the highlights of the film.

Lest you buy into the image of Yogi as the cartoon character (Yogi Bear) in Yellowstone, or the lovable post-career pitchman for Amtrak, Aflac, YooHoo, and Miller Lite, pay particular attention to the segment on Jackie Robinson's steal of home in the World Series. This will clue you in on what an intense competitor Yogi was - helping to explain his incredible track record of winning. Of course, none of this is meant to minimize Yogi's creative use of the English language. He became iconic for his malapropisms ... often referred to as "Yogiisms". This includes the famous one from which this film's title was derived, "It ain't over till it's over" ... right up there with "I really didn't say everything I said."

Berra's rift with Yankees owner George Steinbrenner is analyzed, leaving us respecting Yogi's years-long stance over being disrespected. Their eventual make-up led to an incredible "Yogi Berra Day" at Yankee Stadium, where the game remarkably lived up to the pre-game moment when Don Larsen threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Yogi. Director Mullin capitalizes on a long stream of former teammates, opponents, players, writers, and family members to provide insight into Yogi Berra. There is little doubt even more would have loved to contribute, as much in the way Yogi gives credit to Hall of Famer Bill Dickey for tutoring him on catching, so many are anxious to offer stories on how Yogi Berra influenced them. Let's end this with more of Yogi's wisdom. "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." And when it comes to this excellent and entertaining documentary from Sean Mullin, keep in mind that "You can observe a lot by watching." Opens in theaters on May 26, 2023.

This documentary about the Great and Late Yogi Berra is something that spoke to me and help me understand why my grandfather loved him so much. Back in 2009 my grandfather, dad, brother and I went to New York for a week to watch the Yankees. Coming from Ohio it was a long drive. While we were there we went to both the baseball hall of fame and the Yogi Berra museum. We were leaving his museum while a limo was pulling up and there he was Yogi Berra my grandfather acted like a kid and cried. This documentary helped me understand why he loved the man so much, he was a man that was a normal person but showed how much he loved the game of baseball even through war. Rest in peace Wayne Thallman and Yogi Berra.

I had wanted to see this since I saw a trailer in the theatre. If you are a baseball fan this is a must. I grew up as a NY Mets fan but liked the Yankees too. I am not from the generation these older players are from, so I didn't see them play. I only knew Yogi Berra as a manager and knew his one son was a baseball player also. I didn't realize that Yogi was one of the greatest players ever. This documentary was lovingly produced by his granddaughter and we see interviews with other players of his generation, players that he managed and mentored and also his loving family. You could tell how much the family meant to each other and how much he adored his wife Carmen. Yogi's granddaughter reads love letters from Yogi to Carmen which was very moving. Other events touched upon was Yogi's feud with George Steinbrenner and his return to Yankee Stadium. I can't recommend this documentary enough especially if you love baseball. Yogi was a humble, kind man and I had so much respect for him and tears in my eyes at the end.

It Ain't Over is a captivating inspirational documentary that highlights an important story, and really connected with me. I definitely felt moved and more knowledgeable afterwards.

This film tells the story of Yogi Berra (Lawrence Peter Berra), an Italian immigrant who had a talent for baseball from a young age. Although he had an outstanding ability to catch balls, he was extremely unappreciated in the sports industry when he first started out. Yogi didn't exactly fit the image of a stereotypical NBA star at the time, but he didn't let that stop him. After many rocky patches, Yogi eventually found a home with the New York Yankees, where he managed to work his way to a top position, and became one of the best players in baseball history.

I really appreciate the structure of the film; it's easy to follow and gives a lot of insight about Yogi as a person. Throughout the film are interviews with people from Yogi's life, including his close family and friends. These are people that knew him personally and their input helps create a strong foundation for the film. It helped me get a better understanding of who Yogi was, and the positive effect that he left on people. Additionally, the storytelling is strong. The film incorporates so many important details of Yogi's life in such an honest way. There are examples of people such as Jackie Robinson, who he really helped and respected. This documentary is going to make the world remember Yogi Berra in a positive and bright way, which defines who he was. The cinematography is outstanding. I really enjoyed the incorporation of archival footage from Yogi's life, along with present day videos that showcase the evolution of professional baseball.

The film's message is to always follow your dreams no matter what other people tell you.

I give It Ain't Over 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in in select theaters on May 12, 2023. By Mikella G., KIDS FIRST!

How can you not rate this a 10? Yogi was not just an incredible athlete and outstanding competitor, but the biggest mark he left on life was the lives he touched. I am incredibly happy to find out that he was the man I hoped he was. I remember his managing and coaching days and of course his commercials and talk show appearances but many times those are just performances that hide the messy lives we all live. But Yogi was the real deal often imitated but never duplicated.

Of course this Doc was biased toward Yogi and many of the flaws and warts were hidden or not really discussed but to be honest I don't need or want to know about that. He lived an extraordinary life which reached the pinnacle of this profession and a loving extended family that adored him. What more could on ask for?