Learn About The 50 States
Yogi Berra (1925)close
Lawrence Peter Berra was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and got his nickname "Yogi" when a childhood friend thought he looked like a Hindu snake charmer. Berra began playing minor League baseball, and in 1942 signed with the New York Yankees at age 17. World War II interrupted his baseball career, and he participated in the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach as a sailor in the Navy. After the War, he returned to baseball and was named All-Star fifteen times, American League MVP three times, played in 14 World Series. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972.
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Looking for a famous American?
This page presents short biographies of more than 200 famous Americans drawn from our unit, "The 50 States." These personalities are arranged by theme.
Just click a theme at the top of the page to view a selection list for that theme.
African Americans:
Artists:
Business Leaders:
National "Characters":
| Phineas Taylor "P.T." Barnum | Clyde Barrow | John Wilkes Booth |
| Butch Cassidy | William "Buffalo Bill" Cody | Davy Crockett |
| Jesse James | Evel Knievel | Harland David "Colonel" Sanders |
| Jefferson R. "Soapy" Smith |
Cultural Figures:
Inventors:
Pioneers and "Firsts":
Politicians & Activists:
Scientists:
Sports Figures:
Accomplished Women:
Writers & Poets: