How Yogi Berra Helped New Jersey Set a New World Record

On a sunny Sunday in Little Falls, New Jersey, baseball fans gathered for a one-of-a-kind tribute to a true legend. At Yogi Berra Stadium, the Yogi’s Big Catch event made headlines by setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest game of catch.

More than just a record, the day celebrated Yogi Berra’s 100th birthday and raised money for educational programs at the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center.

A Centennial Celebration Worthy of Yogi Berra

The whole spectacle aimed to honor Berra’s legacy in the most fitting way possible—baseballs flying across the field, laughter echoing, and fans of all ages coming together. The Museum, just steps from the stadium, pulled the event together as a blend of fun, community, and giving back.

Breaking a World Record

Here’s what happened: 1,179 pairs of participants, each spaced nine meters apart, shattered the previous Guinness World Record of 972 pairs set in Illinois back in 2017. To keep things safe and running smoothly, everyone had to toss underhand, stash their cell phones, and follow guidance from a team of 37 officials.

Each pair paid $25, picking up a commemorative t-shirt and a baseball stamped with Berra’s silhouette as a keepsake.

A Diverse and Dedicated Crowd

The event drew a wild mix—local families with kids as young as seven, and die-hard baseball fans who traveled from far away. The stadium buzzed with camaraderie, and everyone’s shared love for the game made it feel like one big team.

VIPs and Baseball Royalty

Veteran broadcaster Bob Costas kept things lively as emcee, introducing special guests and dignitaries. Among the notable attendees:

• Larry Doby Jr., son of trailblazing MLB Hall of Famer Larry Doby
• TikTok personality Kevin “Kickball Dad” Cronin, famous for his sports humor
• Josh Rawitch, President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame
• Members of Yogi Berra’s family, adding a personal touch to the day

Former Yankees and Mets players showed up too, swapping stories and paying tribute to Berra’s impact on the sport.

Beyond the Record — A Museum Visit

After Guinness World Records officials confirmed the achievement, plenty of folks wandered over to the Yogi Berra Museum. Inside, they checked out Berra’s Hall of Fame plaque and signed a huge banner to mark the day—a new piece of history for the museum’s collection.

Honoring Yogi’s Famous Wit

Eve Schaenen, Executive Director of the museum, wrapped things up with one of Berra’s classic lines from his Hall of Fame induction speech: “Thank you for making this day necessary.” The crowd grinned, soaking in the quirky charm that made Berra beloved well beyond baseball.

Legacy Through Laughter and Learning

For over three decades as a sports writer, I’ve seen my share of tributes to sports icons. Few have ever felt as personal as this one.

The crowds weren’t just honoring someone from history. They were embracing the values Berra stood for: humility, humor, and a deep, unshakable love for the game.

The Museum’s work means future generations will get more chances to learn from his life, both on and off the field. That’s something special, isn’t it?

New Jersey now has its place in the record books. More importantly, Yogi Berra’s name still resonates with baseball fans everywhere.

It was a day that celebrated not just the sport, but the man whose legacy is truly stitched into its fabric.

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Here is the source article for this story: N.J. just set another huge world record — and we have Yogi Berra to thank for it